Abuja: Lieutenant Colonel Onyinyechi Apollonia Anele has made history as the first woman to hold the position of Director of Public Relations in the Nigerian Army, a role established in the organization’s 162-year history. She attributes her remarkable achievement and resilience to her deep Catholic faith and her daily devotion to the Holy Rosary.

Col. Anele has shared that her faith plays a central role in both her personal and professional life. She begins each day praying the Rosary, seeking guidance and strength for the challenges ahead. Her office reflects her spiritual commitment, decorated with Catholic symbols and images, including a picture of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. She encourages others, both Catholics and non-Catholics, to embrace the practice of the Rosary, emphasizing its power to inspire hope and bring divine assistance.

Daily attendance at Mass and reflecting on Gospel readings have also shaped her leadership style. Col. Anele says these spiritual practices guide her decision-making and foster a strong sense of responsibility, helping her navigate the demands of her military role while maintaining personal integrity.

In discussing the qualities that Catholics should embody in leadership, Col. Anele emphasizes living an authentic Christian life as a way to inspire others. She believes that demonstrating faith through actions often speaks more powerfully than words, particularly in diverse and interfaith environments.

Col. Anele’s story stands as an inspiring example of how personal faith and professional dedication can combine to break barriers and set new standards in traditionally male-dominated fields.