“I am not ashamed of my faith”: Nigerian Army’s First Female Spokesperson Attributes Success to Holy Rosary Devotion

Abuja, 14 September, 2025 / 9:20 PM

Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Apollonia Anele, the first woman to serve as Director of Public Relations in the Nigerian Army’s 162-year history, has attributed her strength and guidance in service to her Catholic faith and especially devotion to the Holy Rosary.

In an interview with ACI Africa on the sidelines of a courtesy visit by the Social Communication Department of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja to the Army Headquarters, Col. Anele said prayer and the teachings of Christ shape her leadership and sustain her amid challenges.

“Even as a senior military officer, I am not ashamed of my faith. I don’t joke with my Catholic faith, I share it with everyone I come across on a daily basis,” she told ACI Africa on Thursday, September 11.

Col. Anele added, “Before I leave the house every morning, I pray my Rosary. Mother Mary has been my guide and support. Each time I have a problem, I pray the Rosary and leave it. That has been my strength and my drive.”

Her office bears witness to her devotion, decorated with Catholic images and symbols. 

“I am very proud of my faith. I carry it into my professional duties as well as my personal life. If you look around the wall of my office, you will see the picture of our Mother of Perpetual Help and other holy images. Anywhere I find myself, I always go with them; they are my source of strength,” she affirmed.

She encouraged Catholics and even non-Catholics to embrace the devotion to our Blessed Mother. 

“I think my achievement is largely because I pray the Rosary every day. I encourage people to pray the rosary, and they get miracles from it. Our mother Mary is always available and willing to intercede for us, whether you are a Catholic or not, as long as you seek her maternal help, she will be there to help out,” Col. Anele said.

The Nigerian Army spokesperson, who is originally from the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, noted that the lessons from daily Mass and Gospel readings influence her decisions and her sense of responsibility.

“When you go to Mass every day, you learn one or two teachings from the Gospel and the sermon. That helps me to become who I am today,” she said.

When asked what Catholics in leadership should be known for, Col. Anele was clear: “Emulate Christ, that is all.”

She further indicated that living an authentic Christian life often speaks louder than arguments in interfaith settings. 

“If you live your life as an example, it showcases who you are and what you believe. Others can emulate you as well,” she said.

Col. Anele admitted that she never imagined she would join the Army. Her late father was a retired soldier, but she had hoped to work in the media. Her appointment as the first female spokesperson was something she never anticipated. 

“It has been challenging. I never saw this coming at this early stage, but it has been worth it. I have enjoyed the support of the Chief of Army Staff, other principal officers, and commanders across the Army,” she said.

Despite the challenges of her position, Col. Anele remains committed to carrying both her uniform and her faith with pride. 

“I am not ashamed of my faith. That is who I am,” she said.