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Tag: Olufemi Oluyede

  • JUST IN: Reps confirm Oluyede Chief of Army Staff

    JUST IN: Reps confirm Oluyede Chief of Army Staff

    The House of Representatives has confirmed Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Lieutenant General Oluyede was confirmed substantive Chief of Army Staff by the House of Representatives on Thursday.

    This followed his screening on Wednesday by the Joint Committees on Defence and Army.

    The committee Chairman, Babajimi Benson submitted the report during plenary and urged the House to confirm Oluyede; a prayer granted at the session presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

    Details later…

  • CDS reacts as Senate screens Acting COAS behind closed doors

    CDS reacts as Senate screens Acting COAS behind closed doors

    The Senate, on Wednesday, screened the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, behind closed doors.

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua, before the screening, recalled that the Senate had, at its sitting on Tuesday, read President Bola Tinubu’s request urging them to confirm Oluyede’s appointment as Chief of Army Staff.

    Yar’adua commiserated with Oluyede over the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja.

    He said that Lagbaja made significant strides in improving the welfare of the army and brought innovations, such as the Nigerian Army Aviation.

    “It is a known fact that the nation is currently bedevilled by multiplicity of security challenges requiring cogent and urgent solutions.

    “I want to use this opportunity to commend the gallantry of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army and the armed forces in general for the successes recorded so far in the war against insurgency and other criminalities within the country.

    “This they did to the extent that some of them laid their lives for that,” he said.

    Yar’adua said that the screening, therefore, tended to bring to bear Oluyede’s professional skills, experiences and expertise.

    This, he said, was based on his strategic knowledge and vision toward defending Nigeria from external aggression, maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land.

    “Your abilities to offer proposals toward finding solutions to military funding and welfare of personnel will be of interest to this country,” the senator said.

    CDS hails NASS over speedy screening of acting COAS

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended the National Assembly (NASS) for the speedy screening of the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

    Musa gave the commendation in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The CDS, who witnessed the screening process in both chambers, said he was impressed with the manner in which the Senate and House Committees on Army conducted the process.

    He assured the National Assembly that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede would bring new vigor and his vast experience to bear in the fight against insecurity if confirmed as substantive Chief of Army Staff.

    Musa also pledged that Oluyede would build on the legacy of the late COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    He described the prompt action of the NASS as patriotic and apt at this critical time.

    The defence chief reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to securing the nation.

    “The AFN remains loyal to constituted authority in pursuit of its constitutional roles,” he said.

  • Acting COAS expresses worries over challenges faced by soldiers

    Acting COAS expresses worries over challenges faced by soldiers

    The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has solicited for more budgetary allocation for the Nigerian Army to enable it to discharge its constitutional responsibilities and provide accommodation for soldiers.

    Oluyede made the appeal when he received the Senate Committee on Army led by Sen. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua on a condolence visit on Monday in Abuja.

    The army, he said, has been recruiting about 15,000 personnel yearly but is yet to provide commensurate accommodation to house them.

    He expressed worries that the army might face challenges of accommodating the soldiers when the current security challenges stabilised and they return to barracks.

    “It is important for me to reiterate that Nigeria belongs to all of us and without your support, it would be very difficult for us to secure Nigeria.

    “I want to really appeal to you, very eminent personality of Nigeria, to just please support us and make our job very easy so that we can help secure Nigeria as much as possible.

    “Well, over time, we have had situations where the resources that are attributed to the Nigerian army keeps dwindling.

    “I think this is a very good forum for me to appeal that maybe in considering next year’s budget, a few very important issues should be noted.

    “For instance, in the last couple of years, we’ve been recruiting about 15,000 personnel but I can tell you that not a single support has been given in terms of the accommodation,” he said.

    Earlier, Sen. Yar’Adua urged the Acting COAS to continue with the legacy of the late Army Chief, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    He said the senate had a robust relationship with Lagbaja who he described as a “very practical officer” and very knowledgeable of military Operations.

    He descried late Lagbaja as a “very honest officer who always “says it as it is”.

    The Committee chairman said that the late Lagbaja led the army and improved security of the country significantly.

    He assured the acting COAS of same courtesy and support for him to continue with the legacy of Lagbaja, and urged the army to deploy technology in the fight against terrorism.

  • Finally, Tinubu moves to confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    Finally, Tinubu moves to confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    President Bola Tinubu on Friday sent a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Onanuga explained that in the letter, Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provisions of Section 218 (two) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18 (one) of the Armed Forces Act.

    He recalled that Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on Oct. 30 following the illness of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. According him, Gen. Lagbaja, however, died on Nov. 5.

    He said that Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. Gen. Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.

    Onanuga stated that before he was appointed Acting CAS, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, like his predecessor, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna state.

    ”He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987 and rose to Maj.-Gen. in September 2020. Since his commissioning as an officer, Oluyede has held many command positions,” Onanuga said.

  • What Acting Chief of Army Staff said about Lagbaja’s death

    What Acting Chief of Army Staff said about Lagbaja’s death

    The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olatubosun Oluyede, on Wednesday expressed sadness over the death of his predecessor Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    Oluyede, speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, said Lagbaja’s death was highly regrettable.

    “I mean the country as a whole under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, did the very best for him to be alive with us  today.

    “But as we all know, we all belong to God and He takes when He feels necessary for him to do so. So, it’s on a very sober note that I am talking this moment because the entire Nigeria Army is in a sorrowful mood because we have lost our leader, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja,” said Oluyede.

    He said the late COAS gave his all to Nigeria, and was a selfless leader who was passionate about Nigeria and led the Nigeria Army very well.

    “He was courageous, he was known to be thorough and a professional to the core. So, it’s a big loss to us. And all we can say at this moment is that we pray that the good Lord will find a place for him to rest.

    “I want to enjoin Nigerians to celebrate him for the good work he did,” said Oluyede.

    Similarly, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru, Minister of Defence, said the death of Lagbaja was a great loss for the country.

    He said Lagbaja was a gallant and hardworking officer, who had been in all the theatres of war, adding that he had done commendably well for the country.

    Badaru and Alhaji Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed COAS.

    Defence Ministry condoles with Tinubu, Army, Lagbaja’s family

    The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and family of late Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on his passing.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja, by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

    Ogubike quoted the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle and the Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Kana as expressing rude shock with Lagbaja’s demise.

    He added, ”The ministers,  the management and entire staff of the ministry commiserate and extend their heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu on the transition to eternal glory of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

    “The ministry also commiserates with the Nigerian Army, the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the family. His death has been described as a great loss to his family, the Army and the nation at large.

    “The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the ministry as our working relationship with him was commendable as he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate .

    “The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

    “He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication. May his soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement read in parts.

    Lagbaja was a courageous, loyal, dedicated officer – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed sorrow over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

    The Army chief died on Tuesday after a brief illness at the age of 56.

    Musa, in a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, described the late army chief as a courageous, loyal and dedicated officer.

    He also conveyed his deepest condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, family of the late Lagbaja and all Nigerians over the sad loss.

    According to him, Lagbaja was a courageous, hard-working, reliable, loyal, and dedicated service chief whose tireless efforts and unflinching commitment to the security and well-being of the nation were unparalleled.

    “Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the AFN but also to the entire nation and humanity.

    “Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN and the national defence security landscape,’’ he said.

    The CDS said that Lagbaja demonstrated exemplary leadership, spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and playing instrumental roles in multiple security operations across the country.

    He said that late COAS made tremendous contributions to operations such as Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States, as well as Lafiya Dole, Zaman Lafiya and Hadin Kai in Borno.

    Other operations, according to him, include Zaki in Benue and UDOKA in the Southeast, amongst others.

    “His contributions to these operations reflect his relentless dedication to ensuring a safer and more secure Nigeria,’’ he added.

    Musa prayed for Almighty God to grant strength and comfort to his beloved wife, Mrs Maria Lagbaja and his family during this period of immense grief.

    According to him, the military and the nation will deeply feel the void left by Gen. Lagbaja’s invaluable service, especially in these critical times of addressing national security challenges.

    He said that Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as army chief demonstrated his sterling performance, courage and steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    “His enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large,’’ he added.

  • Tinubu reacts after promoting Acting Chief of Army Staff

    Tinubu reacts after promoting Acting Chief of Army Staff

    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.

  • Oluyede assumes office as Acting Chief of Army Staff

    Oluyede assumes office as Acting Chief of Army Staff

    The newly appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede on Friday assumed command as the first officer to be so appointed in that capacity in the history of Nigerian Army.

    Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday appointed Oluyede as Acting COAS, pending when the substantive COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, returns from medical leave.

    Lagbaja has been away on medical leave for about a month in an undisclosed hospital abroad and said to be recuperating.

    In his remarks at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, described the appointment of Oluyede as an unusual happening in the history of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    Musa said taking over of leadership of the army by an Acting COAS was the first “because of the unusual circumstances at the moment.

    “The event today is something that is new, that has never happened in the history of the armed forces.

    “Our brother and friend went for medical check-up, and it is our prayers that he will take the time to recuperate and come back.

    “The President and I met with the authorities and decided and directed and appointed an acting Chief of Army Staff with the full power to lead the army until the President decides otherwise. But for us as professionals, we have to continue with our task ahead.

    “No doubt, based on the challenges we have in the country, and the wisdom of the President, Commander-in-Chief, that today we present the authority to the Acting Chief of Army Staff for him to have full control and command of the Nigerian Army,” he said.

    The CDS said the appointment of Oluyede is in line with the provisions enshrined in the Armed Forces Act, Cap A-20, the Laws of the Federation 2004, Parts 7 Administration, Government, and Command, Sections 18 (1-4).

    In his response, the Acting COAS thanked President Tinubu for finding him worthy to take charge of the responsibility in a peculiar and sober situation as a nation.

    Oluyede said his appointment as Acting COAS was simply the right thing to do to enable Lagbaja to take sufficient time to get necessary medical attention and recuperate.

    He pledged to play the role with full commitment in accordance with the directives of the president and the command focus of Lagbaja.

    He said “as we turn into this unique period, I request that we all continue to pray for Lt.-Gen. TA Lagbaja’s speedy recovery and safe return to complete the career cycle.

    “Furthermore, I seek everyone’s support and cooperation so that we can succeed together in ending all forms of insecurity in the country and return our beautiful country to a land of peace and economic prosperity”.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu appoints acting Chief of Army Staff

    BREAKING: Tinubu appoints acting Chief of Army Staff

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in an acting capacity.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oluyede’s appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff follows the continuous absence of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is said to be on leave.

    Rumours had emerged that Chief of Army Staff Lagbaja died of cancer in an undisclosed hospital abroad. However, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu has debunked the rumours.

    Major General Nwachukwu was quoted to have said in a statement that that the COAS was on leave and also attending to his health outside the country. The Chief of Army Staff was said to be hale and hearty and that he will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave.

    The appointment of Major General Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff is expected to fill the vacuum left due to the continuous absence of Lagbaja, whose current state of health is not known to the public.

    According to a statement on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Oluyede will act in the position of Chief of Army Staff pending the return of Lagbaja.

    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 was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

    He has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.

    General Oluyede 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 theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

    Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.

    Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.

    Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is married and has three children.