President Bola Tinubu has honoured and decorated the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, with a higher rank of Lieutenant General.
The decoration of the acting Army Chief was held at the President’s Office on Tuesday.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, commended the military for its unwavering courage, dedication, and patriotism in maintaining the nation’s security.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today,” the President stated.
“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,’’ the President said.
President Tinubu 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.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed deep gratitude and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and to maintaining peace across the country.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede (N/9318) was granted Regular Combatant Commission as second lieutenant as a member of the 39 Regular Course on September 19, 1992, with seniority in the same rank effective September 12, 1987.
The acting Chief of Army Staff 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.
LEADERSHIP reports that the acting COAS was promoted from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General days after he was appointed as acting Army Chief by the President pending the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on medical leave.
