~Ogbeni Olawale Dawodu
In a brief ceremony held at the Presidential Office in Abuja on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, President Bola Tinubu officially promoted the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General.
The President’s communications team confirmed the promotion in a statement, saying, “President Tinubu decorates Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, as Lt General.”
During the ceremony, President Tinubu praised the Nigerian military for its dedication and valor, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining national security. “It is both an honor 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,” said the President. He added, “We recognize all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable.”
Assuring the military of the government’s unwavering support, President Tinubu emphasized that progress is steadily being made despite ongoing security challenges. “We are facing challenges, but progress is being made,” he affirmed, attributing recent successes in combating terrorism and banditry to the “synergy” within the armed forces.
He urged service chiefs to maintain harmony, saying, “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.”
Lieutenant General Oluyede, in response, expressed deep gratitude for the promotion and vowed to uphold the vision of the indisposed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently on an extended sick leave. “I am deeply honored by this promotion and committed to maintaining security and peace across the country,” Oluyede said.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede (N/9318), who was commissioned as a second lieutenant with the 39 Regular Course in 1992, has a distinguished service record, including participation in key missions such as the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, and Operation Hadin Kai in the North East.
