KEY POINTS
- Tinubu asks Senate to confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff.
- Oluyede’s career has been domestic and international missions as well as leadership roles.
- Oluyede is a recipient of many awards and is coming with experience and integrity to the role.
President Bola Tinubu seeks for Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede to be confirmed as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
The letter, submitted on Friday, is in consonance with section 218(2) of the 1999 constitution and section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.
Since October 30, Oluyede has been Acting Chief of Army Staff after the illness and subsequent death of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on November 5.
Special Advisor Bayo Onanuga, in the statement by President Tinubu, described Oluyede as an experienced administrator, possessing professional integrity and leadership qualities which made his nomination a done deal (sic).
Extensive work in command and operations
Oluyede, who was the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna before his acting role, played in ‘The Lions of Bamuda’ (1987). Commissioned during the 39th Regular Course in 1992, he was promoted to Major General in 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has served in various command duties Platoon Commander, Commandant, Amphibious Training School and Brigade Commander during difficult operations.
He brings to the table experience of some peace keeping missions, including ECOMOG in Liberia, as well as local operations, including Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast.
Oluyede has been honoured several times for his service, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Field Command Medal and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
Given his background, he is therefore perfectly positioned to preside over the Nigerian Army and assist the nation confront its security challenges.
