President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, to the distinguished rank of Lieutenant General. The decoration ceremony, held at the State House in the President’s office, marked a symbolic moment of reinforcement for Nigeria's military leadership as the country tackles pressing security challenges.
During the ceremony, President Tinubu praised the dedication, bravery, and patriotism of the Nigerian military, underscoring their vital role in safeguarding the nation's stability. The President highlighted that Nigeria's progress in combating terrorism and banditry has been due to the seamless “synergy” between the armed forces, acknowledging that the successes witnessed across volatile regions stem from the collaborative strength of the military branches. Tinubu urged the service chiefs to maintain their unity, stressing that harmony among Nigeria's defense leadership is paramount for the continued safety and prosperity of the nation.
Reassuring the military’s leadership of his government’s unwavering support, President Tinubu pledged to remain receptive to the guidance of military officials, vowing to keep Nigeria on a path toward peace and security. “The sacrifices and courage displayed by the armed forces are beyond commendable,” Tinubu stated, adding that the government will always be responsive to the military's needs to bolster their capacity for tackling insurgency, banditry, and other security threats.
The newly promoted Lieutenant General Oluyede expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the honor, noting the solemn weight of the promotion as he assumes heightened responsibilities in ensuring national security. He acknowledged his commitment to advancing the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and emphasized his dedication to achieving peace across Nigeria. This leadership vision, he said, is focused on fostering security operations that are both effective and aligned with the President's strategic goals for a peaceful Nigeria.
Lieutenant General Oluyede, identified by his service number (N/9318), was granted a Regular Combatant Commission as a second lieutenant in 1992 as part of the 39 Regular Course, with his seniority dating back to 1987. Over his distinguished career, Lt. Gen. Oluyede has demonstrated valor and leadership in multiple critical operations. He has participated in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, exemplifying Nigeria’s dedication to regional stability. His deployment in Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi and more recently, in Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, underscores his pivotal role in domestic and regional security efforts.
