President Bola Tinubu has promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Tinubu decorated Oluyede with his new rank during a short ceremony at his office in the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
The President 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,’’ Tinubu said.
The President 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,’’ Tinubu said.
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.
In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed Taoreed Lagbaja, the substantive COAS.
Recall that there have been speculations about the state of health of Lagbaja, who the military headquarters said is abroad for medical treatment.
His continued absence has fuelled speculations that he had died, but the military authorities have denied the rumour.
The DHQ said Lagbaja is currently observing his annual leave and is “hale and hearty”.
Until his promotion, Oluyede was a Major General. He was appointed as the acting army chief by the president on October 30.
Oluyede served as the 56th commander of the infantry corps of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the position of major general in September 2020.
