Why Defence Journalists Honoured CDS Oluyede At DECAN Conference

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has honoured the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and commitment to strengthening joint military operations.

Oluyede, represented by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, received the award at the DECAN Conference on National Security and Awards 2026, held on Monday, 12 October, at the Army Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.

The award recognised his leadership in coordinating the operations of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force towards addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

His leadership approach aligns with his military strategic philosophy of consolidating the capabilities of the AFN through enhanced jointness, improved operational posture, personnel welfare and sound administration.

The philosophy also emphasises a whole-of-government approach to national security, recognising the importance of collaboration among the military, other security agencies and relevant government institutions.

Under Oluyede’s leadership, enhanced cooperation among the services remains central to efforts to improve operational effectiveness and respond to complex threats across Nigeria’s security theatres.

His emphasis on jointness seeks to promote coordinated planning, intelligence sharing and the effective deployment of military capabilities, rather than allowing individual services to operate in isolation.

The CDS has also stressed the importance of personnel welfare and professional development in building a motivated and effective fighting force.

The approach recognises that operational success depends not only on equipment and combat capability but also on the professionalism, morale and welfare of the personnel entrusted with defending the country.

At the DECAN conference, Oluyede, represented by the Director of Defence Information, retired Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba urged defence journalists to collaborate with the military to tackle misinformation and AI-generated fake content that can undermine national security.

He described the conference theme, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” as relevant to the changing character of modern warfare.

The CDS noted that contemporary conflicts increasingly required technological superiority, timely intelligence and effective management of the information environment, alongside conventional military operations.

His message reinforced the importance of credible reporting and responsible information dissemination in supporting national security and public understanding of military operations.

The award to Oluyede highlights the importance of strategic military leadership, inter-service cooperation and constructive military-media engagement in advancing Nigeria’s security objectives.

DECAN is an association of journalists covering defence and security issues in Nigeria.