By Augustine Ehikioya
There was a change of baton at a key section of the Nigerian Army Headquarters on Tuesday when the new Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Onyechi Anele, officially assumed duty.
The immediate past Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, handed over to Anele, who is the first female officer to assume the position.
Giving gratitude to Almighty God and the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, for the privilege of the new appointment, Anele pledged to justify the confidence reposed in her.
Vowing to remain absolutely loyal, committed, focused, and results-driven on the new assignment, she paid glowing tribute to her immediate predecessors, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu.
According to her, his passion, resilience, and professionalism laid a formidable foundation and transformed the Directorate of Army Public Relations to its present enviable state.
She said “It is a moment I do not take lightly, not only because of the enormous responsibilities that come with this office, but also because of the expectations and most importantly, the historic significance of my appointment.
“Firstly, to be entrusted with this strategic role as the Nigerian Army spokesperson being the first female officer in the history of the Nigerian Army and indeed Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Therefore, I owe this opportunity to the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede. Sir, I thank you most sincerely for finding me worthy of this appointment.
“I assure you and the entire leadership of the Nigerian Army that I will justify this confidence by remaining absolutely loyal, committed, focused, and results-driven.
“As I begin this journey, I pledge to lead the Directorate with transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness. We will continue to tell the Nigerian Army’s story, not just through words, but through actions that reflect honour, sacrifice, responsibility, and service to the nation.” Anele added
She urged the Directorate personnel to continue to give in their best in order to maintain the Directorate’s present effective and respected status.
“Therefore, I count on your continued support and cooperation as we work together to further enhance the Directorate’s capacity and relevance.” the new Army Spokesperson stated.
She also called on Nigerians and other stakeholders to continue to support the Nigerian Army as “we work tirelessly to safeguard our nation’s peace, unity, and sovereignty.”
Major General Nwachukwu thanked Almighty God for an eventful and fulfilling almost four-year tenure.
He noted the remarkable strides that were collectively achieved under his tenure that boosted the image and narrative of the Nigerian Army.
“When I assumed this noble responsibility on 16 June 2021, I was fully aware of the enormous expectations that came with it, especially in an era defined by the rapid evolution of the digital media landscape, the proliferation of information channels and the relentless demand for timely, accurate and strategic communication.
“I knew that to remain relevant and effective, I had to modernize, adapt, and lead the media war from the front.
“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, purpose. One of the major milestones was the retooling of the Directorate with cutting-edge multimedia equipment, positioning us to respond swiftly and professionally to both operational and non-operational media engagements.
“I ensured the acquisition of modern cameras, editing suites, audio-visual systems, and digital communication tools necessary to thrive in the fast-paced global media space.
“Going further, I also recognized the centrality of human capital development. To that end, I facilitated specialised local and international training for our officers and soldiers, exposing them to global best practices in strategic communication, crisis messaging, digital warfare, and media analytics.”
This, he said, has undoubtedly transformed the way the Nigerian Army’s story is told credible and authoritatively.
He added, “The establishment of a fully functional Strategic Communications Centre stands today as a testament to our resolve to institutionalize deliberate and well-coordinated messaging.
“This centre has become the nerve hub for synchronized communication efforts across our formations and units.
“In addition, the directorate under my watch berthed the first ever Nigerian Army Online TV named “Nigerian Army Info Tv” by establishing a state-of-the-art Studio at the Army Headquarters, purpose-built for the production of audio-visual contents, documentaries, news features and broadcast.
“This, I must assert, have significantly enhanced the media reach, engagement, and public perception of the Nigerian Army. Through this platform, the voice of the Nigerian Army now resonates louder and clearer, both within and beyond our borders.”
Major General Nwachukwu also disclosed that his tenure deepened relationships with traditional and new media actors, built bridges of understanding, and amplified the narratives of gallantry, resilience, and professionalism that defined troops on the frontlines.
“It has indeed been a journey of transformation, of redefining army public relations, not just as a support service, but as a strategic arm in contemporary warfare and national security management.” he stated
He thanked all those who supported him to reach the goals
“Together, we laid the bricks for a solid institutional legacy. I must also extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the former Chiefs of Army Staff, and the incumbent Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen OO Oluyede, with whom I was privileged to serve, for their trust, guidance, and unflinching support.
“Your vision for a professionally responsive Nigerian Army inspired us to reach beyond the ordinary and to leave no stone unturned in projecting the values, operations, and triumphs of our beloved Army.
He urged his successor to take advantage of the foundations already laid and move the Directorate to greater heights.
“I am confident that you will carry the torch with purpose, passion, and integrity.” he stated.
