Tag: Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Saturday cautioned young Nigerians against engaging in social vices, including cultism, drug abuse, and other vices.

He gave the advice at the public speaking engagement held at Community Secondary School, Odo-Ape, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi state in commemoration of  the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025.

The Commander 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Sidi,  spoke on behalf of the COAS.

He emphasised the importance of positive values and responsible behaviour among young people.

The COAS said the 2025 celebration is particularly important as it highlights the army’s resilience and commitment to national security amidst various internal security challenges.

Represented by Major Azi Izang, the Brigade Education Officer, the Commander expressed profound gratitude to the Almighty God for the Army’s victories and challenges overcome in the past year.

He stressed  the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to national resilience and security, highlighting the COAS’ command philosophy of consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards a well-motivated and combat-ready force.

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He said the public speaking engagement aimed to enlighten young Nigerians on patriotism, the Nigerian Army’s ethics, criteria for joining the Army, and advocacy against drug abuse and cultism.

He admonished the students to be patriotic citizens, embracing honesty, and shunning criminality.

The Commander appreciated the Odo-Ape community for their warm reception, and encouraged the students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills for their personal growth, community development, and the nation’s progress.

 Lieutenant Gbemisola Ojowa and Lieutenant Hassan Abdullah conducted interactive sessions with the students, providing insights into the Nigerian Army’s career paths and the necessary qualifications.

In his vote of thanks, the School Principal, Mr Alfred Obayelu, thank the COAS and the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army for the choice of their school to mark the 2025 NADCEL.

 “I believe the choice of selecting Odo-Ape community school is a warning signal to criminal elements in the area to relocate.

“We thank the Nigerian Army for the gesture,” Obayelu said.

The students’ representatives: Great Adeyanju and Dorcas Adeboye, said the programme broadened their knowledge on career paths in Nigerian Army, and the danger of cultism, drug abuse and social vices.

The week-long activities commemorates the 162nd anniversary of the Nigerian Army, which includes special Juma’at prayers, interdenominational church services, public speaking, among others.

Disappointed that troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) were still receiving N1,500 as their daily Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has announced an upward review to N3,000 from March ending.

The COAS revealed this while addressing officers and soldiers of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lagos, at the 9th Brigade Parade Ground in Ikeja.

Oluyede is on a duty tour of project sites within the 81 Division’s area of responsibility.

Assuring the troops of his commitment to bettering their welfare, the COAS acknowledged that many serving Warrant Officers do not own a house they would retire to.

He said the service has introduced a housing scheme to address the accommodation needs of retiring officers, so that they would have a roof over their heads upon retirement.

“I am going to build on what my predecessors have done in improving the welfare of our personnel. I am sure you are all aware of our initiatives. 

“In December, under the Nigerian Army Housing Scheme, we unveiled the first set of houses in Abuja. As I speak, we are beginning a new set in Ibadan.

“We have also secured land for another set in Jos. Additionally, we are developing housing units in Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Akwa Ibom states. 

“This will ensure a widespread distribution of houses that soldiers can subscribe to. You will all agree with me that there is nowhere in Nigeria where you can buy a two- or three-bedroom house for as low as N8 million. 

“This is a significant investment by the Army to ensure you have a comfortable post service life. In fact, we are accelerating the process so that more personnel can benefit. I want you to believe in this system because it is worthwhile,” he said.

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Oluyede also said the service has introduced a-three per cent interest loan for soldiers in need, to enable them undertake projects of their choice.

“As for the loan scheme, it comes with just a 3% interest rate. If you go to banks, the lowest interest rate you will find is around 25%. We have deliberately kept our rate low to make it accessible. More funds will be injected into the scheme, so if you have pressing financial needs, you are encouraged to apply.

“However, I want to advise that if you don’t truly need it, or if you are not in urgent need, it’s best not to take it. It is easy to obtain but difficult to repay. That said, it is available to you, it is your right, and you can apply for it at any time. Once approved, you will receive it as quickly as possible,” he said.

On soldiers paying for their uniforms out of pocket, the COAS said it was concerning, revealing that distribution of about 100,000 kits monthly had commenced.

“We have allocated uniforms to smaller divisions. The next phase will cover the 82nd Division. Once we complete distribution there, we will proceed here and issue more uniforms. I can assure you that before the end of the year, you will likely receive another set.

 “As soon as we acquire more, you will get them. However, I want to emphasize that obtaining uniforms is not an easy process,”  Oluyede said. 

With the various welfare packages to boost their morale, Oluyede urged personnel to remain committed to their duties, stressing that more was expected of them.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has praised officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices and commitment in tackling the security challenges facing the country.

The COAS said this in his New Year message to soldiers at a special lunch at the Brigade Tactical Headquarters at Tagina in Rafi Local Government Area in Niger State on New Year’s Day.

Oluyede, who was represented by the Commander of 18 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Taiye Ahmed, urged the troops to remain focused, disciplined and loyal to constituted authority.

The COAS advised the troops to maintain the spirit of patriotism and continue to give their best in the discharge of their assigned duties and responsibilities.

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He also urged them to maintain the spirit of patriotism and continue to give their best in the discharge of their assigned duties and responsibilities.

The Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Ahmadu Attahiru II, who was represented by the Hakimin Tagina, Alhaji Garba Bako, said the swift and timely responses of the troops had reduced security threats in the area.

He noted that the establishment of the 18 Brigade Tactical Headquarters at Tagina had restored peace and boosted the local economy.

The chaplains of the troops prayed for a successful and prosperous Year 2025.

• Oluyede faces Senate, House of Reps screening for confirmation

The acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has promised to restore lasting peace across the country, if confirmed as the substantive COAS.

Oluyede made the promise when he appeared before the House of Representatives’ Joint Committee on Defence and Army at the National Assembly Complex for screening yesterday in Abuja.

The acting COAS noted that the nation’s security environment required a united effort by all Nigerians.

Oluyede called for strong bilateral and multilateral alliances with neighbouring countries, as well as deep collaboration and joint efforts by the services and other security agencies.

He said: “I am honoured this evening to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts. I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the length and breadth of our dear country Nigeria.

“I humbly appear before you today to be confirmed as the 24th Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army simply because tragedy befell our Army and Armed Force and as a nation when the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, passed on after a brief illness.

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“Although before his passing, I had been appointed by Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Ahmed, to act in his place pending his expected full recovery and resumption of duty as the Chief of Army Staff then.

“After Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja’s demise and state funeral on November 15, 2024, Mr. President, in his wisdom, found me worthy to fully continue the excellent job the Army has been doing here and get me confirmed by the National Assembly.

“I have served this great nation as an officer of the Nigerian Army for over 30 years. My exposure to national security issues at the junior, middle, and senior cadres of the military profession has prepared me adequately for the assignment I am being screened for here today.

“In the past five years or thereabout, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of the Nigerian Army and I have somewhat been part of the running of the service in its entirety.

“Thus, I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great army in the past couple of years. However, I see my nomination as the Chief of Army Staff as a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities.

“Thus, if confirmed by this joint committee and given the common mandate to lead the Nigerian Army during this period, I promise to do my best to justify the confidence reposed in me by the appointing authority, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the confirming authority, which is you members of the National Assembly, and the generality of Nigerians.

“Let me underscore that the security environment we find ourselves as a nation requires a united effort on the part of every Nigerian. We also need strong bilateral and multilateral alliances between our country and our neighbors, as well as deep collaborations and joint efforts by the services and other security agencies.

“I am glad that this administration of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu is on the right path to providing the enabling security environment for socioeconomic activities to thrive and restore a dear country to the path of pride and success,” Oluyede said.

The acting COAS also said the Nigerian Army required tactical aircraft to fight modern types of insecurity.

“Aircraft have different strata of employment. We have the tactical and the strategic strata of employment. Now, the air support that we require as an army is the one at the tactical level, whereby the aircraft should be ready at the force during operations, the combat operations, at the tactical level. The air force, being the main player in that sphere, is to give us strategic cover. So, we require those aircraft and the air wing to support our operations,” he said.

The acting COAS said there was robust cooperation among the Armed Forces, adding that he intended to enhance this to ensure that Nigeria got better security and better socio-economic development.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, said Nigeria continued to grapple with an evolving spectrum of security challenges, ranging from insurgency and banditry to communal clashes and cyber threats.

The lawmaker recalled that in the past decade, the Armed Forces of Nigeria had been at the forefront of responding to these challenges, launching numerous operations and providing vital support to internal security efforts.

Commenting on the significant successes recorded in recent years, he said it was clear that more work remained to be done to achieve sustainable peace across the country. 

“The current dynamics of global security demand innovative and adaptive strategies. Threats are no longer confined to traditional battlefields; they now extend to cyberspace, economic domains and even the socio-political fabric of nations.

“In light of this, we must prioritise a forward-looking approach to national defence, ensuring that our military is well-equipped and adequately trained to address both conventional and emerging threats,” he said.

Benson said the committee’s task was not only to assess the qualifications and vision of the nominee for the COAS but also to establish a collaborative roadmap for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

The lawmaker said as a partner in the pursuit of a secure and prosperous Nigeria, the House remained steadfast in its commitment to legislative oversight and support for the Armed Forces.

He said the House would continue to provide the necessary legal frameworks, advocate for adequate funding and monitor the implementation of appropriations to ensure accountability and transparency in military operations.  

According to him, the position carries immense responsibility, hence the COAS must lead with integrity, professionalism and a deep commitment to the protection of lives and property.

“If confirmed, you will be expected to foster synergy among security agencies, prioritise the welfare of troops and uphold the trust of Nigerians. This committee will ask questions that reflect the concerns of our constituents and the nation as a whole. We urge you to provide comprehensive and candid responses to guide our deliberations.  

“In closing, I wish the nominee the very best during this screening exercise. Your role is pivotal in Nigeria’s journey toward lasting peace and stability and we look forward to working with you to achieve this goal,” Benson said.

He added that the outcome of the screening would be reviewed and presented to the House during today’s plenary.

Also, the Senate yesterday screened the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, behind closed-door to determine his suitability for appointment as the substantive COAS by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, addressed reporters briefly before the closed-door appraisal.

The Katsina Central senator recalled that the Senate had, at its sitting on November 26, read the request of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu nominating Oluyede for the top job.

He condoled with Oluyede over the late COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, saying the latter made significant strides in improving the welfare of soldiers and brought several innovations, including as the Nigerian Army Aviation, in less than two years in office.

He said: “It is a known fact that the nation is bedevilled by multiplicity of security challenges requiring cogent and urgent solutions.

“I want to use this opportunity to commend the gallantry of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces in general for the successes recorded so far in the war against insurgency and other criminalities within the country.

“This they did to the extent that some of them laid down their lives.”

Yar’Adua said the screening was aimed at showcasing Oluyede’s professional skills, experiences and expertise.

“This is based on your strategic knowledge and vision towards defending Nigeria from external aggression, maintaining its territorial integrity and securing its borders from violation on land.

“Your abilities to offer proposals towards funding solutions for military funding and welfare of personnel will be of interest to this country,” he said.