Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday promoted Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede to the rank of Lieutenant General.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oluyede was promoted from Major General to the rank of Lieutenant General, following his appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff on Wednesday, 30 October 2024.
He will be acting as Chief of Army Staff, pending the return of the substantive army chief, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on medical leave.
Decorating Oluyede during a ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, President Tinubu said: 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. 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.
He assured the military that the government would always listen to their advice and keep the country on the path of peace and prosperity, saying, “We are facing challenges, but progress is being made”.
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.
Oluyede expressed 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.
Oluyede was granted Regular Combatant Commission as second lieutenant, member of the 39 Regular Course, on Sept. 19, 1992, with seniority in the same rank effective Sept. 12, 1987.
He participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group mission in Liberia, Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, and Operation Hadin Kai in the North East.