Lieutenant Colonel (Mrs) Onyechi Appolonia Anele has been appointed as the Acting Director of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (Ag DAPR). Known for her extensive experience and expertise in public relations and strategic communication, Anele steps into this role with a commitment to excellence and a strong background in military public communication.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that Anele, who hails from Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area in Imo State, Nigeria, has a rich educational background. She completed her primary education at Army Children’s School in Rukuba Barracks and her secondary education at Command Day Secondary School in Jos, Plateau State. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Jos and has undergone various military training courses, enhancing her skills in public relations and crisis management.
Throughout her career, Anele has attended numerous military and civil courses, including the Young Officers Course and the Advanced Public Relations Officers Course at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information. She has also participated in international training programs, such as the Crisis Information Management Course at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana, further broadening her expertise in military communication.
In her professional journey, Anele has held several significant positions, including Military Public Information Officer for the Nigerian Battalion at the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur and Public Relations Officer to the Chief of Army Staff. Her previous roles also include Acting Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at the Nigerian Army Welfare Holdings Limited and Staff Officer Grade One for Human Rights at the Defence Headquarters.
Anele is recognized for her contributions to military education, having delivered lectures on gender perspectives in military operations and career planning for female officers. She is an Associate Member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and has received the Forces Service Star Award for her dedication to service.
In her personal life, Lieutenant Colonel Anele enjoys reading, taking long walks, and listening to music. She is happily married and continues to inspire others with her commitment to service and professional excellence in the Nigerian Army.