November 05, (THEWILL) – On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, decorated the acting Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Olufemi Oluyede, with a higher rank of Lieutenant General.
President Tinubu had on October 30, appointed Oluyede, a Major General, as acting CoAS pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Confirming the new rank on Tuesday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted the president:
“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today. This recognition reflects your commitment and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes through your exemplary record. We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable.”
President Tinubu commended the military for its unwavering courage, dedication, and patriotism in maintaining the nation’s security.
He assured the military that the government would always listen to their advice and keep the country on the path of peace and prosperity.
“We are facing challenges, but progress is being made”, he added.
The President attributed the success recorded in tackling terrorism and banditry to the “synergy’’ in the armed forces and urged the service chiefs to sustain harmony in their relationship for the betterment of the country.
“The synergy among you has calmed the country, and we need that stability to continue. We need to assure all citizens that prosperity is not far from them”, President Tinubu stated.
On his part, Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed deep gratitude and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the vision of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and to maintaining peace across the country
Until his appointment, Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the elite Nigerian Army’s infantry corps based in Jaji, Kaduna.
The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were course mates and members of the 39th Regular Course.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.
Since his commissioning as an officer, Oluyede has held many commands. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.
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