Saluting Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele: Nigeria’s First Female Army Spokesperson

The Nigerian Army recently appointed Lt. Col. Onyechi Appolonia Anele as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations (Ag DAPR), making her the first female to hold this position in the history of the country.

This appointment not only reflects her exceptional skillset and dedication but also underscores the growing role of women in leadership within the Nigerian military.

A Journey of Dedication and Excellence

Lt. Col. Anele hails from Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area in Imo State and has always been driven by a passion for service. After completing her early education at Army Children’s School in Rukuba Barracks and Command Day Secondary School in Jos, Plateau State, she furthered her studies in Mass Communication at the University of Jos, where she earned both a Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Her military career began on December 8, 2007, when she was commissioned as a Lieutenant into the Directorate of Army Public Relations, as part of Direct Regular Course 15. Over the years, she has proven herself as a highly skilled officer, holding several key roles, including Military Public Information Officer at the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Sudan, and Public Relations Officer to the Chief of Army Staff.

A Commitment to Transparency and Professionalism

In her new role, Lt. Col. Anele has pledged to uphold the values of professionalism, transparency, and collaboration with the media. She emphasized the importance of fostering public trust through effective communication, ensuring that the Nigerian Army’s image is presented with clarity and integrity.

Lt. Col. Anele’s extensive training has been crucial to her success. She has attended prestigious courses at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana, and the Royal Air Force Halton in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, she holds a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele’s appointment is not only a personal triumph but also a breakthrough for gender inclusion in the military. Her leadership in the role of Army Spokesperson sets a precedent for other women aspiring to reach the highest echelons of military service. It is a momentous step toward promoting a more inclusive and diversified military leadership in Nigeria.

As she assumes this important role, Lt. Col. Anele is expected to bring about a new era of communication in the Nigerian Army, one that is responsive, strategic, and transparent. Her journey serves as an inspiration to women and young girls who aspire to lead in fields traditionally dominated by men, proving that there are no limits to what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and passion.

A Beacon of Progress

Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele stands as a symbol of progress and a shining example of the growing opportunities for women in leadership roles across all sectors in Nigeria. Her appointment is a step forward in ensuring that the Nigerian military continues to evolve with the times, embracing diversity and empowering capable women to lead with distinction.