10 things to know about Lt. Col. Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia, Nigeria’s first female Army Spokesperson

The Nigerian Army recently appointed Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyinyechi Appolonia as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, making her the first woman to occupy this high-profile role.

Announced on April 22, 2025, her appointment reflects a growing commitment to professionalism, strategic communication, and gender inclusion within the armed forces. With her impressive background in both military service and public relations, Lt. Col. Anele is poised to bring fresh leadership and innovation to the Army’s public affairs.

1. She’s the First Woman to Lead Army Public Relations

Lt. Col. Anele’s appointment breaks a long-standing gender barrier, making her the first female officer in Nigeria’s history to serve as the spokesperson for the Army. Her rise marks a powerful shift toward gender inclusivity in senior military leadership roles.

2. Her Appointment Was Officially Announced on April 22, 2025

Her selection as Acting Director of Army Public Relations came following the redeployment of Major General Onyema Nwachukwu to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre. The Army’s decision reflects a clear move toward recognizing merit, experience, and professionalism.

3. She Has a Strong Academic Foundation in Communication and Strategy

Lt. Col. Anele holds degrees in Mass Communication and Strategic Studies, equipping her with the tools needed for high-level public engagement, crisis communication, and media management. This dual expertise will be essential in shaping the Army’s image and public trust.

4. She Has Hands-On Experience in Civil-Military Relations

Before her new appointment, Lt. Col. Anele served in the Department of Civil-Military Relations and as a Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff. These roles gave her firsthand experience in balancing military protocols with civilian expectations.

5. She’s a Certified Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)

Her membership in the NIPR signifies a high level of professional credibility in the field of communications. It also means she adheres to ethical standards that will guide her in managing the Army’s media and public interface.

6. She Has Committed to Transparency and Open Communication

One of her stated goals is to foster greater transparency in the Army’s communication with the public. She has pledged to uphold the Army’s values while building trust and ensuring that the military’s messaging remains clear, accessible, and respectful.

7. Her Role Represents a Milestone for Women in the Military

Lt. Col. Anele’s rise sends a strong message about gender representation in the Nigerian Armed Forces. Her leadership is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers not only in uniform but also in strategic leadership and public affairs roles.

8. She Has Strategic Training to Match Her Operational Expertise

Beyond field experience, she completed a specialized leadership and strategy course at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, preparing her to lead large-scale communication strategies and navigate complex public discourse.

9. She Has a Reputation for Professionalism and Dedication

Colleagues describe Lt. Col. Anele as disciplined, intelligent, and highly proactive. During her tenure under former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd), she managed sensitive media briefings and handled official communications with tact and authority.

10. She’s Expected to Usher in a New Era of Military-Civil Engagement

Her appointment signals a shift toward more inclusive, transparent, and community-focused military communication. With a modern approach to media relations including digital platforms Lt. Col. Anele is set to bridge the gap between the military and the civilian population more effectively than ever before.