Outgoing Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu Speaks On How He Reacted To Security Challenges With Innovation, Vision and Purpose At Handover Ceremony

Outgoing Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu Speaks On How He Reacted To Security Challenges With Innovation, Vision and Purpose At Handover Ceremony

SPEECH BY THE OUTGOING DIRECTOR ARMY PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR GENERAL OYEAMA NWACHUKWU ON THE OCCASION OF THE HANDING AND TAKING OVER CEREMONY AS AT ARMY HEADQUARTERS CONFERENCE ROOM ON ……APRIL 2025

Protocol

It is with a profound sense of gratitude to God the Almighty that I address you today as I formally bow out as the Director, Army Public Relations, after an eventful and fulfilling almost four-year tenure. It is both a moment of reflection and appreciation, an opportunity to take stock of the journey we have shared and the strides we have collectively made in enhancing the image and narrative of the Nigerian Army.

When I assumed this noble responsibility on 16 June 2021, I was fully aware of the enormous expectations that came with it, especially in an era defined by the rapid evolution of the digital media landscape, the proliferation of information channels and the relentless demand for timely, accurate and strategic communication. I knew that to remain relevant and effective, I had to modernize, adapt, and lead the media war from the front.

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, purpose. One of the major milestones was the retooling of the Directorate with cutting-edge multimedia equipment, positioning us to respond swiftly and professionally to both operational and non-operational media engagements. I ensured the acquisition of modern cameras, editing suites, audio-visual systems and digital communication tools necessary to thrive in the fast-paced global media space.

Going further, I also recognized the centrality of human capital development. To that end, I facilitated specialized local and international training for our officers and soldiers, exposing them to global best practices in strategic communication, crisis messaging, digital warfare, and media analytics. This has undoubtedly transformed the way we tell the Nigerian Army’s story credibly, and authoritatively.

The establishment of a fully functional Strategic Communications Centre stands today as a testament to our resolve to institutionalize deliberate and well-coordinated messaging. This centre has become the nerve hub for synchronized communication efforts across our formations and units.

In addition, the directorate under my watch berthed the first ever Nigerian Army Online TV named “Nigerian Army Info Tv” by establishing a state-of-the-art Studio at the Army Headquarters, purpose-built for the production of audio-visual contents, documentaries, news features and broadcast. This, I must assert, have significantly enhanced the media reach, engagement, and public perception of the Nigerian Army. Through this platform, the voice of the Nigerian Army now resonates louder and clearer, both within and beyond our borders.

I also ensured deepened relationships with traditional and new media actors, built bridges of understanding, and amplified the narratives of gallantry, resilience, and professionalism that define our troops on the frontlines.

It has indeed been a journey of transformation, of redefining army public relations, not just as a support service, but as a strategic arm in contemporary warfare and national security management.

To those who supported me in the Directorate uniformed and civilians alike, I am deeply grateful for your dedication and loyalty. Your commitment was the wind beneath my wings. Together, we laid the bricks for a solid institutional legacy.

I must also extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the former Chiefs of Army Staff, and the incumbent Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen OO Oluyede NAM, with whom I was privileged to serve, for their trust, guidance, and unflinching support. Your vision for a professionally responsive Nigerian Army inspired us to reach beyond the ordinary and to leave no stone unturned in projecting the values, operations, and triumphs of our beloved Army. Permit me to sincerely appreciate members of the fourth estate of the realm who over the years have gone through the thick and thin, relentlessly and untiringly weathering the storm with us in our effort at eradicating security challenges in troubled parts of our country. As you continue to carry out your vital societal role, I entreat you to always remember that the defence of our beloved country, Nigeria and the protection of her people must be our watch words.

To my successor, I have this to say; 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.

As I move on to the next phase of my career in service to our dear nation, I carry with me fond memories, valuable lessons, and a deep sense of fulfillment. I leave confident that the Nigerian Army Public Relations is now better positioned to meet the demands of the future.

Thank you all, and may God bless the Nigerian Army, and our beloved country, Nigeria.