Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Anele has been appointed acting Director of Army Public Relations, making history as the Nigerian army’s first female spokesperson. Her appointment signals progress in gender inclusion within the military and is being widely hailed as a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s defense communication leadership.
Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Theresa Anele has been appointed as the acting Director of Army Public Relations, marking the first time a woman has taken on this pivotal role in the military’s history.
Her appointment, confirmed by the Defence Headquarters, signifies a bold step toward greater gender representation within the top ranks of Nigeria's security institutions. Anele is set to assume her duties on April 22, succeeding Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who served as army spokesperson for nearly three years.
Before this elevation, Anele played a key role in the Department of Civil-Military Affairs and previously served as a public relations officer in the office of the Chief of Army Staff. A member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and an alumna of the Direct Regular Course 15, she brings both field and communication expertise to the table.
The appointment has been widely applauded by advocates of gender inclusion in the military, with many noting its potential to inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in defense and security. While the Nigerian army has made gradual progress in diversifying its officer corps, Anele’s new role represents a significant milestone in breaking longstanding institutional barriers.
As she steps into the national spotlight, expectations are high that Lieutenant Colonel Anele will bring both professionalism and a fresh perspective to one of the army’s most visible offices.
