Why Tinubu Promoted Acting COAS Oluyede To Lieutenant General – Presidency

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General.

The President also decorated Oluyede with his new rank at the brief ceremony held at the State House in Abuja.

A statement released by the Special Adviser to Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President promoted the Acting COAS in recognition of his commitment and service to the Nigerian military.

President Tinubu added that Oluyede’s exemplary record is commendable.

During the event, President Tinubu 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,” the President stated.

“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 added.

President Tinubu 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 noted.

Tinubu highlighted the synergy in the armed forces as the reason for the successes recorded in the fight against terrorism and insecurity in the country. He, therefore, urged the service chiefs to sustain the 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,’’ President Tinubu stated.

Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed deep 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.

Until his appointment, Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the elite Nigerian Army’s infantry corps based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

Since his commissioning as an officer, Oluyede has held many commands. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

General Oluyede participated in several 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 theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.