Our reporter
The Nigerian Army has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Anele Onyechi Appolonia as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations — the first woman to ever hold the prestigious position in the institution’s history.
The move has drawn widespread commendation, with the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, leading the chorus of praise. She described the appointment as a *“landmark achievement”* and a significant stride towards gender equality within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“This historic appointment is a recognition of Lieutenant Colonel Anele’s outstanding leadership capabilities, unwavering professionalism, and forward-thinking approach to public relations,” said the Minister. “It reflects the Army’s commitment to promoting women into leadership roles and sets a strong precedent for equality within the military.”
Lieutenant Colonel Anele takes up the role at a time when public perception and effective communication are increasingly vital to military operations. Her leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the Army’s public engagement strategies, fostering transparency, and strengthening the relationship between the military and the Nigerian public.
Hajiya Imaan emphasised that the appointment is not only a personal victory for Lieutenant Colonel Anele, but also a powerful source of inspiration for women and girls across the nation. “It shows that with determination and excellence, women can reach the highest levels of leadership — even in traditionally male-dominated fields like the military,” she noted.
The Minister further lauded the Nigerian Army for what she described as a “progressive step”, expressing confidence in Lieutenant Colonel Anele’s capacity to lead with integrity and impact. She also reaffirmed her Ministry’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, leadership, and representation across all sectors of society.
Lieutenant Colonel Anele’s appointment marks a new chapter in the Nigerian Army’s evolving approach to inclusivity and sets a bold example for other institutions seeking to balance competence with diversity.
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