By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The Nigerian Army has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anaele as the acting Director of the Department of Army Public Relations, making her the first female officer to hold the position in the institution’s history.
Anaele is set to officially assume duties on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, taking over from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who previously held the role.
Her appointment marks a historic milestone for the Nigerian Army, which has existed for more than five decades without a woman ever heading its public relations department.
Anaele’s elevation to the high-profile role signifies a step forward in promoting gender inclusivity within the military’s leadership ranks.
Her appointment is already being hailed as a progressive move, particularly in an institution traditionally dominated by male officers at senior levels.
Anaele brings years of experience in military communications and public affairs to the role, and her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Army’s engagement with the public and media.
