President Bola Tinubu has approved the promotion of the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede to the rank of Lieutenant General.
The new Army Chief was decorated by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday afternoon.
Decorating the new 3-star general, President Tinubu said, “It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today. 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 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,’’
Charging the new Army Chief to be steadfast in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, President Tinubu said, “We are facing challenges, but progress is being made.’’
Lt. Gen. Oluyede was appointed last week in Acting capacity pending the return of the substantive Cief of Army Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently in undisclosed location as part of his annual leave according to military authorities.
There have been media reports that Lt. Gen Lagabaja may have died in an European hospital where he is allegedly receiving treatment for an undisclosed ailment. The military authorities have strongly denounced the report calling it “fake news.”
The promotion of Oluyede to the rank of Lt. general may well be a preparation for him to replace Lagbaja permanently.