President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy
The announcement comes as the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, temporarily steps down due to health reasons.
Oluyede will oversee the role until General Lagbaja’s return.
Major General Oluyede, a 56-year-old seasoned military leader, has served the Nigerian Army in various distinguished roles.
Prior to his new appointment, he led as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna.
Oluyede and Lagbaja share a long-standing bond as coursemates, both members of the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with service effective from 1987, Oluyede has risen through the ranks, attaining the rank of Major-General in 2020.
His extensive career includes key roles as Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer at Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
His leadership extended to commanding the 27 Task Force Brigade in the North East under Operation HADIN KAI, as well as contributions to the ECOMOG mission in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi.
Over the years, General Oluyede has received multiple honors in recognition of his service, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
His commitment to excellence has earned him prestigious accolades such as the Field Command Medal, Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.
The seasoned military strategist is also a proud family man, married with three children.
His appointment reflects the confidence of President Tinubu in his leadership abilities to uphold the responsibilities of the Chief of Army Staff during this interim period.
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