By Abbanobi -Eku Onyekachi, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate, seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAST).
This move follows Tinubu’s appointment of Oluyede as Acting COAF) on October 30, after Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja fell ill. Unfortunately, General Lagbaja passed away on November.
Before his appointment as Acting COAF, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, and rose to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.²
Oluyede has held various command positions throughout his military career, including, among which were: Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He has also participated in several operations, including: ECOMOG Mission_ in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations.
Oluyede’s meritorious service has earned him numerous honors, including: Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, Membership in the National Institute, Field Command Medal, Field Command Medal of Honour, Field Training Medal, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award and Personal Life.
Oluyede is married with three children.
