Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has officially taken office as the 24th Chief of Army Staff, COAS, of the Nigerian Army.
This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for the army, symbolized by the lowering and hoisting of the command flag at Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Oluyede’s appointment was approved by President Bola Tinubu on October 30, following the death of his predecessor, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
His tenure was formalized after confirmation by the Senate and House of Representatives.
As the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps, Oluyede has been instrumental in advancing the army’s operational capacity.
With a distinguished military career spanning over three decades, he has participated in numerous operations, including counterinsurgency efforts in the North-East and peacekeeping missions in Liberia.
Oluyede’s leadership style is characterized by his pragmatic approach, focusing on discipline, operational efficiency, and troop welfare.
As COAS, he will prioritize strengthening the army’s capacity to defeat insurgent groups, improving training and capacity building, and enhancing the welfare of troops.
The newly minted Chief of Army Staff faces significant challenges, including managing security threats across the nation.