President Maada Bio Decorates Gen Oluyede With Prestigious Sierra Leonean National Award

The President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has conferred one of the country’s highest national honours, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel, on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, in recognition of his contributions to peace and stability in Sierra Leone.

The decoration took place during a colourful parade marking the 17th Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, where distinguished military leaders and international guests gathered to celebrate the country’s defence forces and honour individuals who played key roles in restoring peace during the civil war.

In a press statement issued by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the award was presented to General Oluyede in appreciation of his efforts in securing and sustaining peace in Sierra Leone while serving under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). The honour also recognised the sacrifices of Nigerian officers and soldiers who contributed significantly to the country’s stability.

During the citation, the Nigerian CDS was commended for his outstanding service and leadership while deployed in Sierra Leone between 1992 and 1994. He served as a Platoon Commander at the residence of the then Head of State, where he demonstrated professionalism, courage, and dedication to protecting the government and civilians at a critical period in the nation’s history.

Other distinguished personalities from Nigeria and across the world were also decorated at the ceremony. Among them were former Nigerian CDS, General Martin Luther Agwai (retd), Lieutenant General Daniel Opande of Kenya (retd), Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea, Major General Paul Rogers of the United States, and Brigadier General Edward Butler (retd) of the United Kingdom.

The event also featured solemn tributes to the courage, sacrifice, and solidarity of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Sierra Leonean authorities praised Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOMOG, noting that Nigerian troops stood at the forefront of regional peace enforcement during the country’s civil war.

The Nigerian contingent was specifically commended for its bravery, resilience, and commitment to protecting civilians, which helped restore order and laid the foundation for lasting peace in Sierra Leone.

The ceremony highlighted the enduring military and diplomatic ties between Sierra Leone and Nigeria, as well as the broader commitment of West African nations to collective security and regional stability.