History has again been made in the Nigerian Army (NA) with the symbolic lowering and hoisting of command flag, signifying the beginning of a new command of Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede which took place today, 9th December 2024 at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
It would be recall that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa decorated the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff ( COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede with Army Headquarters insignia.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has officially taken the reins as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, marking a significant milestone in the army's history. The symbolic lowering and hoisting of the command flag at the Army Headquarters in Abuja on December 9, 2024, signifies the beginning of his tenure
SpyeTV News reports that the Senate had on Tuesday confirmation his appointment of Lt Gen Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, as the substantive COAS followed the review of a report submitted by the Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central), during plenary.
The confirmation was sequel to the adoption and approval of the report of its Committee on Army, presented by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua.
Presenting the report, Yar’Adua said the committee had on November 26 screened General Oluyede as the acting COAS and found him worthy of appointment as the substantive COAS having met the criteria to occupy the exalted office. All the senators in attendance gave their nod for his appointment during the consideration of the report at the Committee of the Whole.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede
Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, 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.
Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.
He participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group 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.
He earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute. Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.
Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is married and has three children.