President Bola Tinubu has elevated the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Sources within the Presidential Villa confirmed the event, which was later officially announced by Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
The promotion ceremony took place in the President’s office.
If confirmed by the Senate, Oluyede will become the substantive army chief, officially succeeding Lagbaja. This promotion follows his recent appointment as acting army chief, advancing him from Major General to Lieutenant General.
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“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today,” the President was quoted as saying.
“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.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed profound gratitude and recognized the gravity of the occasion, reaffirming his dedication to advancing Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s vision and ensuring peace throughout the nation.
On October 30, 2024, Onanuga announced Oluyede’s appointment amid rumors of the death of army chief Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. The Defence Headquarters has since refuted these claims, clarifying that Lagbaja is currently on leave.
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Onanuga said in a statement.
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Before his current appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s elite Infantry Corps, headquartered in Jaji, Kaduna.
At 56, Oluyede and Lagbaja are coursemates, both members of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 39th Regular Course. Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with a retroactive effective date of 1987, and he achieved the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has held various command positions. He has served as a Platoon Commander and adjutant with the 65 Battalion, Company Commander of the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer with the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
General Oluyede has been actively involved in several major 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, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
His distinguished service has earned him numerous honors, such as the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, the Staff Course certification, and Membership in the National Institute.
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