In a historic moment for the Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Anele on Tuesday assumed office as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, becoming the first female officer to hold the prestigious position. The ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, marked the official handover from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who bowed out after nearly four years of service in the role.
Lt. Col. Anele’s appointment represents a ground-breaking achievement in the history of the Nigerian Army, breaking a long-standing gender barrier in an institution traditionally dominated by men. In her maiden address, Anele expressed deep gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting her with the responsibility.
“It is a moment I do not take lightly,” Anele said, her voice filled with emotion. “To be entrusted with this strategic role as the Nigerian Army spokesperson, being the first female officer to do so, is historic and humbling.”
Anele’s promotion is seen as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality in leadership positions. As the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, she will oversee communications and media relations, playing a crucial role in shaping the public’s perception of the Army and its activities, particularly as Nigeria continues to face significant security challenges.
The handover ceremony also witnessed an emotional farewell by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who reflected on his tenure as the Director of Army Public Relations. Nwachukwu, who assumed office in June 2021, described his time in the position as “eventful and fulfilling,” outlining several key accomplishments during his tenure.
“When I assumed this noble responsibility on 16 June 2021, I was fully aware of the enormous expectations that came with it,” Nwachukwu said. “Today, I dare to say with confidence that I did not merely react to these challenges, I boldly confronted them head-on with innovation, vision, and purpose.”
Nwachukwu’s leadership saw significant advancements in the Army’s public relations strategies, including the acquisition of cutting-edge multimedia equipment, the establishment of a Strategic Communications Centre, and the launch of Nigerian Army Info TV. The online platform was designed to enhance the Army’s media reach and foster better public engagement, a testament to Nwachukwu’s forward-thinking approach to communication.
He also noted the development of stronger ties between the Nigerian Army and the media, which has been crucial in providing timely and accurate information to the public, especially during security crises in various parts of the country.
Nwachukwu’s leadership was widely praised for his professionalism, which helped to elevate the public relations operations of the Nigerian Army. His efforts were aimed at not only responding to media inquiries but also proactively managing the Army’s image and reinforcing its commitment to national security.
As she steps into her new role, Lt. Col. Anele is focused on continuing the work of her predecessor while charting a course for even greater success. In her speech, Anele expressed her commitment to transparency, professionalism, and collaboration with the media, assuring journalists of her continued cooperation in their efforts to report on the activities of the Nigerian Army.
She highlighted the importance of fairness and responsibility in reporting military activities, noting that the media plays a vital role in the Army’s operations. Anele called for constructive collaboration between the Army and journalists to ensure that the public receives accurate and timely information.
“I urge you to continue to support the Nigerian Army as we work tirelessly to safeguard our nation’s peace, unity, and sovereignty,” she said, addressing the media. “As I begin this journey, I pledge to lead the Directorate with transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness.”
Anele’s leadership will be essential in the coming months, as the Nigerian Army continues to face internal and external security challenges. The Army is involved in counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping missions, and efforts to combat banditry and terrorism across Nigeria. The role of the Army’s public relations directorate has become increasingly important in communicating the Army’s strategies and successes to the public.
In her address, Lt. Col. Anele also called on officers, soldiers, and civilian staff within the Directorate to remain loyal, hardworking, focused, and united as they work together to take Army Public Relations to greater heights. She stressed the importance of shared vision and collective effort in achieving success.
“I would like to implore the officers, soldiers, and civilian staff of this Directorate to remain loyal, hardworking, focused, and united, knowing that with a shared vision and collective effort, we will take Army Public Relations to greater heights,” Anele said.
Her words resonated with many in the room, who are eager to see her leadership translate into tangible results for the Nigerian Army. Anele’s rise through the ranks has been a testament to her dedication, hard work, and commitment to the Army’s mission. Her appointment signals a new era for the Army’s public relations efforts and offers a fresh perspective on how the Army interacts with the public and the media.
Lt. Col. Anele’s appointment has been hailed as a significant milestone for women in the Nigerian military. Her rise to such a prominent position within the Army is seen as an inspiration to other women who aspire to leadership roles in the military or other traditionally male-dominated sectors.
The Nigerian Army has increasingly recognized the importance of gender inclusion in leadership, and Anele’s appointment underscores the growing opportunities for women in the military. As the first female officer to hold the position of Director of Army Public Relations, Anele is poised to break down barriers and set an example for future generations of women in the armed forces.
As Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele begins her tenure as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, she is stepping into a role that holds significant responsibility in shaping the public image of the Nigerian Army. Her leadership will be critical as the Army continues to navigate complex security challenges in the country.
With her strong vision for transparency, professionalism, and collaboration with the media, Anele is poised to lead the Directorate of Army Public Relations into a new era of effective communication and public engagement. Her appointment is not just a historic achievement for women in the Nigerian military, but also a sign of the Army’s commitment to adapting to the modern demands of public relations and media engagement.
