…ASSURES OF INCLUSIVE, OPEN-DOOR POLICY
By Okosun Dennis
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechukwu Appolonia Anele, has had a parley with Defence Correspondents in Lagos, assuring them of her unflinching support, inclusive and open-door policy with a view to having a robust relationship between the Nigerian Army and the media.
She pledged to build on existing cordial relationship, describing journalists as critical partners in promoting public understanding of the military’s role.
Speaking during a media parley at the Nigerian Army Officers Mess, Onikan, Lagos on Friday, 8th August 2025, Lt. Col. Anele explained that timely and transparent communication are essential ingredients in countering misinformation and building trust between the Army and the public.
“There are times we have altercations with the larger society; we are Nigerians, and things do happen. We try to admonish our men as much as possible and make them realize that it is your tax that pays our salary,” she emphasized.
Continuing, the DAPR noted that “We’re here to serve you, to defend you, and not to pick up arms, brutalize, or go against the public. So please, help us to tell our story, and I am always available as much as possible.”
The new spokesperson, being the first female to occupy the position, harped on the inevitability of a functional feedback system, reiterating that not responding to media enquiries promptly could fuel speculation.
“Most times, when it comes to the military, you hear things like, ‘All efforts to reach the DAPR proved abortive. Those are the things we want to eradicate. If you don’t give the media your own side of the story, they will tell it for you — and trust me, you will not like it,” she cautioned.
Lt. Col. Anele assured that under her leadership, she would run an open-door policy that would provide accurate and timely information on Army activities. She expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting her with the historic appointment.
Her appointment which took effect from 22nd April 2025, marks the first time in the history of the Nigerian Army and the Military in general that a woman has been appointed as the Director of Army Public Relations.
Lt Col Anele, a seasoned officer with a background in Mass Communication and two Master’s degrees, enlisted into the Army in 2007 as a Direct Regular Course 15. Since then, she has served in multiple strategic roles, including as Public Relations Officer in the Office of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retired), at the Defence Space Administration, and in the Department of Civil-Military Relations at Defence Headquarters.
Her career also includes international peacekeeping experience with the United Nations in Darfur and professional training in Nigeria, Ghana, Sweden, Mali, and the United Kingdom. She is a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
Her appointment is widely seen as a significant milestone in the Nigerian Army’s commitment to gender inclusivity and responsiveness in public engagement and media relations.
With her promise of accessibility, transparency, and stronger collaboration with journalists, the Army’s public relations machinery appears set for a new frontier in its relationship with the Nigerian publics.
With avalanche of military experience, she has had romance with international peacekeeping with the United Nations in Darfur, Sudan as well as professional training in Nigeria Ghana, Mali, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. She is also a certified member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)
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