The Nigerian Army has appointed Lieutenant Colonel (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele as the Acting Director of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR).
Her appointment brings a wealth of expertise, leadership, and strategic communication experience to the role, as she takes charge of shaping and advancing the image and engagement efforts of the Nigerian Army.
Lt. Col. Anele is a seasoned public relations and crisis communication expert, recognized for her strategic foresight, dedication, and professionalism.
With a military career spanning over 17 years, she has served in diverse command, instructional, and public engagement roles both locally and internationally, including peacekeeping missions.
A native of Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area in Imo State, she began her education at Army Children’s School and Command Day Secondary School, both in Jos, Plateau State.
She holds a Diploma and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Jos, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on December 8, 2007, as part of the Direct Regular Course 15.
Throughout her career, Lt. Col. Anele has attended several specialized courses, including the Strategic Communications Course at NASPRI, and peace operations training at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana, Royal Airforce Halton in the UK, and training institutions in Mali and Sweden.
She holds two Master’s degrees—one in Gender, Peace and Security from the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Centre, and another in Leadership and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
Her impressive service record includes appointments such as Military Public Information Officer for NIBATT 5 in Sudan under UNAMID, Public Relations Officer to the former Chief of Army Staff, and most recently, Staff Officer Grade One, Human Rights, at the Defence Headquarters.
She has also served as Chief Instructor at NASPRI and Acting Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at the Nigerian Army Welfare Holdings Limited by Guarantee.
An advocate for gender inclusion and professional excellence, Lt. Col. Anele has presented papers at several military seminars and conferences, including the Nigerian Army Women Corps Convention and the Naval War College of Nigeria. She is an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and a recipient of the Forces Service Star (FSS) Award.
Lt. Col. OA Anele is happily married. Her hobbies include reading, taking long walks, and listening to music.
LV