Onyinyechi Appolonia Assumes Office as First Female Army Spokesperson

Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Appolonia Anele has officially taken over as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), making history as the first female officer to occupy the role in the Nigerian Army.

She succeeds Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who formally handed over the position during a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

In her first remarks after assuming office, Lt. Col. Anele thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for granting her what she described as both a historic honor and a strategic responsibility.

“I thank you most sincerely for finding me worthy of this appointment. I assure you and the leadership of the Nigerian Army of my unwavering loyalty, dedication, and results driven commitment to this role.” She said.

Going further, Lt. Col. Anele also pledged to enhance the Army’s partnership with the media, calling for sustained collaboration built on truth, fairness, and a shared commitment to national interest.

“To our friends in the media, particularly defence correspondents, you are our partners in progress. I commend your professionalism in reporting military activities and encourage you to sustain the tempo,” she said, pledging to lead the Directorate with transparency, professionalism, and a focus on narratives that reflect the Army’s core values of honour, sacrifice, and service.