President Bola Tinubu, in Abuja has promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Olufemi Oluyede to the next rank of Lieutenant General.
Last week, the President appointed Oluyede to stand in for the COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is said to be on medical treatment.
Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.
Oluyede’s decoration as a three-star General at the President’s office in Abuja on Tuesday.
President Tinubu commended the military for its unwavering courage, dedication, and patriotism in maintaining the nation’s security.
He said” “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 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.
General Oluyede expressed deep gratitude and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the vision of the COAS, General Lagbaja, and to maintaining peace across the country.
General 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 12 September 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.
