Setting Agenda for the New Army Spokeswoman As Written By Chidi Omeje

By Chidi Omeje

The Nigerian Army turned a historic page on Tuesday, 22 April, 2025, with the assumption of office by Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele as the acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), the first female officer to ever occupy this critical and highly visible position.

With this appointment, Lt Col Anele has assumed the dual role of spokesperson and chief image maker of the Nigerian Army, an institution currently navigating through one of the most challenging periods in its contemporary history.

Her emergence is not only groundbreaking in the context of gender representation but also deeply symbolic of a possible turning point in how the Nigerian Army tells its story, engages with the public, relates with the media, and repositions its image and reputation for desired public perception.

At a time when the Army is clearly overstretched (but thankfully not overwhelmed) with the patriotic task of spontaneously dealing with the complex internal security challenges assailing the country – from insurgency and terrorism to banditry and industrial-scale kidnapping; from communal and inter-ethnic clashes to violent separatist agitations and attacks on our maritime assets – the reputation of the Nigerian Army has, more than ever, come under intense public scrutiny.

The Nigerian Army’s storied legacy as a guardian of national security and unity has been subtly tarnished by isolated incidents of alleged misconduct and human rights infractions perpetrated by a minuscule minority within its ranks. Furthermore, a perceived disconnect between the military and civil society has somewhat marred the institution’s otherwise sterling reputation.

Despite these challenges, the Nigerian Army remains a vital pillar of national stability and security, with a long history of bravery, sacrifice, and service to the nation. The overwhelming majority of its personnel are dedicated professionals who uphold the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and respect for human rights.

To restore its reputation and build stronger bridges with civil society, Lt Col Anele and her team have a heavy but vital responsibility: to reset the narrative and restore confidence in the institution she now represents.

Her appointment is symbolic, but symbolism alone is not enough. It is now time for substance, strategy, and storytelling. The Nigerian Army does not just need a public relations officer; it needs a communicator-in-chief who understands that public perception is not a luxury – it is a strategic necessity. The Army needs not just a spokesperson who will defend its actions, but a relatable conversationalist who will proactively engage, rebuild trust, project transparency, and inspire confidence.

The new image maker must strive to collapse whatever wall of mutual distrust that exists between the Army and the general public, and consciously build the bridge of understanding and partnership between them. It is therefore apropos to note here that instances of perceived overreach, delayed communication and offhandedness have fed a climate of skepticism and, at times, outright distrust. Lt Col Anele must be invested in creating narratives that reflects the Army’s responsiveness while embracing the need for gallantry and accountability. She should also have it at the back of her mind that her new role demands not just eloquence or pomposity but empathy and mutual respect, especially when relating with the media.

But the truth is that for the new spokesperson, the stakes could not be higher. As the first woman to lead the Army’s public relations directorate, she is blazing a trail. But like I stated earlier, her appointment goes beyond the symbolism of a glass ceiling shattered. It signals the Army’s acknowledgment that it must do things differently – and better, and here’s what I think:

One of the most pressing tasks before her is to restore public trust. That means being transparent, timely, and truthful. Gone should be the days when military PR meant silence or selective storytelling. Nigerians are demanding answers, accountability, and assurance. Lt Col Anele must rise to the moment by embracing proactive and responsive communication.

She should also have it at the back of her mind that the average Nigerian must henceforth begin to see the Army not as a faceless force, but as a collection of individuals – brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers – patriots who serve the fatherland with utmost dedication and sacrifice. Telling these stories, showcasing their humanity and commitment, and acknowledging their challenges can help shift public perception from suspicion to solidarity. In today’s fast-paced digital age, the battle for hearts and minds is fought not only in the field but also online. The new DAPR must strengthen the Army’s presence on social media and other digital platforms, providing credible information, countering misinformation, and engaging younger audiences in real-time.

Beyond her professional duties, Lt Col Anele now bears the torch for thousands of young female officers looking up to her. Her success will not only validate their aspirations but will also open doors wider for women in uniform. She must mentor, empower, and inspire the next generation of female leaders in the military.

All said, our dear Appolonia must understand that she has no option but to succeed. This is not just a professional appointment; it is a mission with national implications. Her every word, every strategy, and every decision will not only define her legacy but could shape the future of military-civil relations in Nigeria. Failure is not an option, not just because of the expectations placed on her shoulders, but because the Army, now more than ever, needs a voice that can be trusted, a face that Nigerians will always look forward to seeing on television, telling them about their Army.

She carries the hope of institutional transformation and the promise of gender inclusion. The eyes of a nation are watching, and history will remember not just that she was the first, but that she made the difference. Congratulating her is in order.

*Chidi Omeje is the publisher of Security Digest (www.securitydigestng.com)