..Pledges transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness
The first female Nigerian army officer to be appointed spokesperson and Acting Director of Army Public Relations Lt Col Onyechi Anele. on Tuesday assumed duty at Nigerian army Headquarters Abuja .
Anele pledged to lead with “transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness” and assured journalists of continued cooperation, just as she urged for fairness and responsibility in reporting military activities.
Noting the critical role of the media , she urge media practitioners “to continue to support the Nigerian Army as we work tirelessly to safeguard our nation’s peace, unity, and sovereignty. As I begin this journey, I pledge to lead the Directorate with transparency, professionalism, respect, and proactiveness. We will continue to tell the Nigerian Army’s story, not just through words, but through actions that reflect honour, sacrifice, responsibility and service to the nation.”
She paid deep gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for entrusting her with the task.
“It is a moment I do not take lightly.
“To be entrusted with this strategic role as the Nigerian Army spokesperson, being the first female officer to do so, is historic and humbling,” she said.
Lt. Col. Anele also paid tribute to her predecessor, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu for his transformative leadership.
She said “Major General Nwachukwu’s passion and professionalism laid a formidable foundation. I will always value your counsel and support.
Anele appealled to officers, soldiers, and civilian staff within the Directorate to remain “loyal, hardworking, focused and united.
She said, “I would like to implore the officers, soldiers and civilian staff of this Directorate to remain loyal, hardworking, focused and united, knowing that with a shared vision and collective effort, we will take Army Public Relations to greater heights.”
Earlier in his remark at the ceremony, former Nigerian Army spokesperson , Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who bowed out after nearly four years in the role said his tenure was “eventful and fulfilling.”
He said some of his achievements redefined the Army’s public relations operations.
According to him,“when I assumed this noble responsibility on 16 June 2021, I was fully aware of the enormous expectations that came with it.
“Today, I dare to say with confidence that I did not merely react to these challenges, I boldly confronted them head-on with innovation, vision, and purpose, ” Nwachukwu said.
Indeed, some of the achievements under his leadership, includes the acquisition of cutting-edge multimedia equipment, the establishment of a Strategic Communications Centre, and the launch of the Nigerian Army Info TV—an online platform aimed at enhancing media reach and public engagement.