The first female spokenperson to take mantle of leadership at the Department of Army Public Relations as Acting Director, Lieutenant Colonel Apolonia Anele has assumed office following an official handing and taking over ceremony at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday 22nd April 2025.
Anele is taking over from her predecessor Major General Onyema Nwachukwu is (DAPR) who served 3 Army Chiefs from Lieutenant General Yahaya, to the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja and Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
In her maiden speech at the ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Anele assured the Nigerian Army and the entire leadership that she will justify the confidence on her by remaining absolutely loyal, committed, focused and results-driven.
She pledge to lead the Directorate with transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness as she take on the new role and responsibility.
"I stand before you today with a deep sense of honour, humility and gratitude to Almighty God as I assume office as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army. 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"
She appreciated the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede for the opportunity and his visionary leadership and paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu.
According to the new Acting Director of Army Public Relations, his passion, resilience, and professionalism laid a formidable foundation and transformed the Directorate of Army Public Relations to the enviable state that it is now.
"Your contributions to enhancing the image and strategic communication of the Nigerian Army are remarkable over the years you served as Director. Sir, you remain an integral part of the DAPR family, and I will always value your counsel and support"
She acknowledge the media particularly Defence Correspondents as partners who have brought corporation, professionalism in reporting military activities while encouraging them to sustain the tempo as they uphold truth, fairness and responsibility in all engagements for the good of the country.
The outgone Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu charged the new Acting Director to take the Directorate to even greater heights while expressing confidence in her that she will carry the torch with purpose, passion, and integrity.
He appreciated all the former Chiefs of Army Staff, and the present Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede for their trust, guidance, and unflinching support while praising their vision for a professionally responsive Nigerian Army.
He therefore appreciated members of the fourth estate of the realm who over the years have supported the Nigerian Army relentlessly in its effort at eradicating security challenges in troubled parts of our country, urging them to continue the vital societal role, bearing in mind the defence of the country and the protection of the citizens are paramount.
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