LIEUTENANT COLONEL APPOLONIA MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST FEMALE SPOKESPERSON OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY
In a historic appointment marking a major milestone for gender representation in Nigeria’s armed forces, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele on Tuesday April 21st assumed duties as the first female Director of Army Public Relations at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Her resumption was formalized during a brief but symbolic inauguration ceremony at Army Headquarters, drawing praise from senior officers who described her appointment as a bold step forward for inclusivity in the military. With decades of experience in military communication, strategic messaging, and media relations, Lt. Col. Anele’s promotion comes as the army seeks to strengthen public engagement and transparency.
Her rise to the top of the Army’s communications arm underscores the growing role of women in Nigeria’s security institutions. Prior to her new role, Anele held various command and instructional posts and was instrumental in several internal communication strategies within the force.
Military insiders say her appointment is expected to energize the Army’s public relations machinery and inspire more women to aim for leadership positions in a traditionally male-dominated institution.
