Abuja: Lt.-Col. Onyechi Anele, on Tuesday, took over command of the Directorate of Army Public Relations as the first female officer to hold the position in the Nigerian Army. Anele, whose appointment is in acting capacity, took over from the erstwhile Director, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, who has been posted to the Nigerian Heritage and Future Centre, Giri Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Anele acknowledged the significant responsibilities and expectations associated with her new role, emphasizing the historic nature of her appointment. She pledged to uphold professionalism in her capacity as the first female officer to serve as the army spokesperson in the history of the Nigerian Army and Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Anele expressed her gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting her with the position. "I assure you and the entire leadership of the Nigerian Army that I will justify this confidence by remaining absolutely loyal, committed, focused, and results-driven," she stated.
In her remarks, Anele praised her predecessor, Nwachukwu, for his dedication and professionalism, noting that he had significantly enhanced the directorate's stature. She highlighted Nwachukwu's remarkable contributions to improving the image and strategic communication of the Nigerian Army.
Anele urged the media to maintain their support for the army as partners in progress and commended the defence correspondents for their professionalism. She encouraged them to uphold truth, fairness, and responsibility in their reporting for the nation's benefit.
"It is my pleasure to appreciate all Nigerians for their trust and support to the Nigerian Army. I urge you to continue to support the Nigerian Army as we work tirelessly to safeguard our nation's peace, unity, and sovereignty," Anele said. She assured the public of her commitment to lead the directorate with transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness.
Earlier, Nwachukwu expressed his gratitude to the former and current Chiefs of Army Staff, including Lt.-Gen. Oluyede, for their support and guidance during his tenure. He emphasized the importance of the media's role in supporting the army's efforts to address security challenges and urged them to prioritize the defence of Nigeria.
To his successor, Nwachukwu conveyed his confidence in Anele's ability to elevate the directorate's accomplishments. "The foundations have been laid by our founding fathers, upon which we have continued to build; the tools are in place. Take the directorate to even greater heights. I am confident that you will carry the torch with purpose, passion, and integrity," he concluded.