15 Things You Should Know About the New Army Spokesperson – Lt Col (Mrs) Appolonia Anele

The Nigerian Army has appointed a new spokesperson — and she’s a woman of strength, wisdom, and service.

Here are 15 simple but powerful facts about Lieutenant Colonel (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele, the new Acting Director, Army Public Relations (Ag DAPR):

1. She comes from a military background
   Her late father was a Warrant Officer, so military life has always been part of her story.
2. She’s from Imo State
   She hails from Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area in the South East.
3. She grew up in Jos
   Her early education was in Plateau — Army Children’s School and Command Day Secondary School.
4. She studied Mass Communication
   She got her Diploma and Degree from the University of Jos.
5. She joined the Army in 2007
   After NYSC, she was commissioned as an officer through Direct Regular Course 15.
6. She served with the UN in Darfur
   In 2008, she was part of the peacekeeping mission in Sudan — representing Nigeria with pride.
7. She has two Master’s Degrees
   One in Gender, Peace & Security and another in Leadership & Strategic Studies.
8. She’s trained in five different countries
   Nigeria, Ghana, Sweden, Mali, and the UK — constantly growing and learning.
9. She once worked directly with the Chief of Army Staff
   From 2018 to 2021, she served as his Public Relations Officer — a big role, handled with class.
10. She has trained many soldiers
    As Chief Instructor at NASPRI, she mentored and built upcoming military communicators.
11. She pushes for gender equality
    She’s delivered powerful talks about women in the military and peace operations.
12. She’s worked in many departments
    From Defence Space Administration to Human Rights at Defence HQ — her experience is wide and solid.
13. She’s highly respected in her field
    She’s a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and holds the Forces Service Star award.