Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Anele has officially assumed duty as the new spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, following a handover ceremony at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In her remarks during the ceremony, Lt. Col. Anele, the first female officer to hold the position in the history of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria, expressed her deep appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for the confidence reposed in her.
“I stand before you today with a deep sense of honour, humility, and gratitude to Almighty God as I assume office as the Acting Director of Army Public Relations,” she stated. “This is a moment I do not take lightly—not just because of the enormous responsibilities it entails, but also for the historic significance of my appointment.”
She continued, “To be entrusted with this strategic role is an honour I owe to the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede. I pledge to remain loyal, committed, focused, and result-oriented in discharging my duties.”
Addressing staff of the Directorate of Army Public Relations and members of the media, Lt. Col. Anele commended their dedication and professionalism. She urged her team to continue supporting the directorate’s mission and reaffirmed her commitment to fostering collaboration.
“To our colleagues in the media, especially defence correspondents, I appreciate your professionalism in covering military operations. You are our partners in progress. I encourage you to sustain this momentum, while upholding truth, fairness, and responsibility in your reporting,” she said.
She also thanked Nigerians for their continued trust and support for the Army in its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and other security challenges across the country. She appealed for sustained cooperation from the public in support of the Army’s mission to preserve national peace, unity, and sovereignty.
Promising to lead with transparency, professionalism, and accountability, Lt. Col. Anele assured that the Directorate under her leadership would not only communicate the Army’s mission in words but demonstrate its values through actions that reflect honour, sacrifice, and dedicated service to the nation.
