President Bola Tinubu has urged the Senate to confirm Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
Tinubu’s letter requesting the Senate’s approval for his nomination was formally read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.
He had appointed Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff following the passing away of his predecessor, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, on November 5.
The president commended Oluyede’s exceptional leadership qualities, citing his professionalism and commitment to national security since taking office in an acting capacity.
He expressed confidence in Oluyede’s ability to propel the Nigerian Armed Forces forward and urged the Senate to expedite his confirmation.
Tinubu’s letter of request, titled: “Confirmation of Appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff, reads: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 218, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and Section 18, Subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Lieutenant General Oluyede has been serving diligently in an active capacity since his appointment.
“He has displayed exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the security and continued stability of our nation and the progress of our Armed Forces.
“His qualifications, experience, and contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large make him well suited for this important role.
“While I am confident that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Army for further legislative work and to report back to plenary as soon as practicable.
Born in Ikere, Ekiti State, in 1968, Oluyede embarked on his military career in 1987 as a cadet in the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He was officially commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 after completing the Nigerian Army’s rigorous training regimen.
In September 2020, he attained the rank of Major General, reflecting his dedication, competence, and commitment to Nigeria’s security.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has taken on many leadership roles, including 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 record extends to significant peacekeeping and national security operations.
Notably, he served with distinction in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, a key deployment aimed at maintaining peace and stability in West Africa.
He further contributed to Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, focusing on protecting Nigeria’s interests in the region, and later commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI, which combats insurgency in the Northeast of Nigeria.
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