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  • Green Lunar boss hails Oluyede’s appointment as CDS, commends Tinubu’s strategic choice

    Green Lunar boss hails Oluyede’s appointment as CDS, commends Tinubu’s strategic choice

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Green Lunar Nigeria Limited, Olaniyi Odina, has congratulated Nigeria’s newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, describing the appointment as well-deserved and reflective of years of committed service to the nation.

    In a statement issued in Abuja during the handing-over ceremony at the Armed Forces Complex, Odina lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he termed a thoughtful and strategic decision, noting that General Oluyede’s elevation demonstrates the administration’s commitment to merit, professionalism, and national security excellence.

    He hailed the new CDS as a disciplined and competent officer with a reputation for integrity, adding that his leadership would further enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    “Lieutenant General Oluyede’s appointment is a refreshing development for our military and the nation. He is a visionary leader with deep operational experience and an unbroken record of loyalty to Nigeria. I am confident that under his command, the Armed Forces will sustain and surpass recent gains in combating terrorism and other security challenges,” Odina said.

    Odina also urged the new Service Chiefs to continue expanding ongoing digitization reforms across the military, especially in medical facilities, schools, and administrative systems, noting that technological modernization is key to improving efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness.

    Reaffirming Green Lunar’s commitment to supporting the military in achieving a technologically advanced defence system, he assured continued collaboration to enhance intelligence operations, service delivery, and personnel welfare.

    Odina encouraged General Oluyede to foster greater synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while prioritizing troop welfare and morale.

    He expressed optimism that the new CDS would bring renewed energy and innovation to defence administration through improved intelligence coordination, inter-agency cooperation, and strategic leadership.

    “I congratulate him once again and pray for divine wisdom, strength, and success in this vital national assignment. His success is Nigeria’s success. We must all support him and the Armed Forces as they continue to safeguard our sovereignty and unity,” Odina added.

  • Coalition commends Army Chief Oluyede for prioritising troops’ welfare

    Coalition commends Army Chief Oluyede for prioritising troops’ welfare

    A coalition of civil society unions, the Campaign Against Injustice (CAI), has praised the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian troops.

    In a statement on Monday by its convener, Abbey Jolaosho, CAI said the initiative has further strengthened the Army Chief’s resolve to confront Nigeria’s security challenges head-on.

    “The announcement by Gen. Oluyede will boost the morale of the troops and provide the impetus for them to give their best. We are glad with this development as it confirms our belief that the Army Chief has what it takes to win the war on terrorism,” the group stated.

    CAI further appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to support the military whenever necessary, noting that the fight against insurgency requires a collective effort.

    “We are using this medium to urge all Nigerians to ‘own’ the Army and assist in whatever ways at this defining moment in our country. We have to bear it in mind that defeating this hydra called terrorism would require the support of the civilians. 

    “It’s expedient at this moment to also play our own part, which is incumbent on us by the Constitution as good citizens,” the group noted.

    It would be recalled that Gen Oluyede last Tuesday paid an operational visit to Godwin Ally Barracks, Ogoja, Cross River State, where he commended the resilience and dedication of officers and soldiers of 130 Battalion and 341 Artillery Regiment. 

    He praised their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and assured them that the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise their welfare alongside operational effectiveness.

    The visit formed part of his assessment tour of formations and units under the 82 Division Area of Responsibility. 

    On arrival, the COAS inspected key facilities, interacted directly with the troops, and expressed appreciation for the sacrifices they continue to make in the face of difficult security challenges.

    Oluyede, who has consistently underlined his belief in supporting soldiers’ families, disclosed that substantial resources were being invested in revamping schools within the barracks to ensure children and wards of personnel have access to first-class education. 

    He also directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated accommodation blocks to provide better living standards for soldiers and their dependants.

    Reaffirming his “Soldiers First” mantra, the Army Chief stressed that his administration was committed to improving the living and working conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, while equipping them with the tools needed to tackle evolving security threats.

    Read Also: COAS Oluyede rallies troops in Cross River, promises improved welfare

     He cited the recent increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, which has allowed commanders to provide better meals for their troops, as a measure that must be matched by renewed commitment and professionalism on the part of the soldiers.

    The COAS further announced ongoing efforts to provide every soldier with new uniforms and essential military kits to ensure seamless operational performance. 

    These measures, he said, were part of deliberate steps to standardise readiness, reinforce esprit de corps, and raise morale across the ranks.

    Charging the troops to maintain the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, General Oluyede urged them to strengthen synergy with sister security agencies and engage positively with host communities. 

    He said that such collaboration was vital to consolidating peace and stability in Cross River and the wider region.

    The Ogoja visit, like others undertaken in recent weeks, highlighted the dual focus of the Army Chief’s leadership — driving operational efficiency on the frontlines while also investing heavily in welfare initiatives for the rank and file.

  • COAS Oluyede rallies troops in Cross River, promises improved welfare

    COAS Oluyede rallies troops in Cross River, promises improved welfare

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has assured soldiers of commitment to improving their welfare and working conditions, enabling them to effectively tackle evolving security challenges.

    He also expressed passion for the education of soldiers’ children and wards, disclosing that the Army is investing significant resources to revamp barracks schools and provide their children with quality education.

    The COAS gave the assurance during his visit to 130 Battalion and 341 Artillery Regiment, Ogoja, Cross River State, as part of his assessment tour of Nigerian Army formations and units under the 82 Division Area of Operational Responsibility (AOR).

    According to the statement by the army, spokesman, Lt.-Col. Apollonia Anele, the COAS directed the immediate renovation of dilapidated accommodations to improve the living conditions of soldiers and their families.

    The COAS noted that the recent increase in the Ration Cash Allowance has enabled commanders to provide better feeding for soldiers and therefore expects them to reciprocate by giving their best in the discharge of their duties.

    Read Also: NADCEL 2025: Olowu hails COAS Oluyede for revitalizing Army, securing borders

    He informed the soldiers of ongoing efforts to provide all Nigerian Army personnel with new sets of uniforms and essential military kits to enable them to perform their duties seamlessly. 

    These measures, he explained, are part of deliberate efforts to standardize operational readiness, enhance morale, reinforce esprit de corps, and entrench his *“Soldiers First”* mantra.

    Gen Oluyede charged the troops to uphold the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, and fosteri synergy with sister security agencies and host communities.

    “Such collaboration is vital to achieving lasting peace and stability in the region,” he said. 

  • Chief of Army Staff advocates ranching to address food insecurity

    Chief of Army Staff advocates ranching to address food insecurity

    Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede has advocated for the immediate adoption of ranching as a national policy as a way of addressing the growing food insecurity across the country. 

    Represented by the Executive Director, Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited, Major General Olufemi Dare at the National Summit on Food, Nutrition, and Food Security organised by the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security in Abuja, the Army Chief said open grazing was no longer sustainable.

    He asked the National Assembly to enact legislation banning open grazing and provide ranching alternatives for herders.

    The issue of whether to adopt ranching or continue with open grazing has created lots of agitation among Nigerians. 

    Gen Oluyede said, “The issue of food insecurity is give and take. Even if all security agencies are deployed to the farms, they cannot cover every farmland. 

    “There’s a need to embrace ranching, leverage technology, and ensure every state and local government gets involved. Security agencies should be empowered to focus on their constitutional duties.”

    He disclosed that the Nigerian Army has established various formations aimed at preventing farmer-herder clashes.

    Read Also: Group commends Chief of Army Staff over visit to Benue after deadly attacks

    Also speaking, a representative of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Yusuf Sani Idris disclosed that the Nigerian Navy has contributed immensely to the food security in the country through the establishment of Admiralty Farms Limited, with operational farms across nearly all six geopolitical zones. 

    He explained that the farms provide both food security and physical security for farmers, while plans are underway to expand to other zones.

    Also speaking through Assistant Commandant General Besong Michaels Ogar, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

     stressed the need for timely information  sharing to address security breaches affecting farms. 

    He urged the National Assembly to help streamline herder and farmer activities, noting the tension over encroached cattle routes in the Middle Belt, Northeast, and Northwest.

    Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Chike Okafor, reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring a safer and food-secure Nigeria, adding that peace and security are vital for both farmers and security agencies alike.

  • Army remains committed to protecting Nigerians – COAS Oluyede

    Army remains committed to protecting Nigerians – COAS Oluyede

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-General Olufemi Oluyede, reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to protecting all Nigerians as part of its sacred duty and constitutional responsibility.

    Gen. Oluyede gave the assurance at a Press briefing on the occasion of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, and 162th year anniversary.

    Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Gold Chibuizi, the COAS noted that the Army’s 162 years of existence has been that of “selfless dedication to duty, patriotism, loyalty and commitment to protecting our families, friends, compatriots and above all, safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of our beloved country.”

    According to the COAS, the Army had grown exponentially over the years, surmounting all challenges that every generation of our forebears have had to contend with.

    He said Nigerian soldiers had participated in the two great wars, conducted and concluded the Nigerian Civil War, upheld the banner of peace in the West African subregion and projected peace and stability across the African continent.

    Read Also: Our commitment to secure Nigeria must remain strong, Oluyede tells troops

    “In recent times, our nation has had to contend with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and caused a plethora of internal security issues,” he said. 

    “Notwithstanding, the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny these terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage, or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty.

    The COAS said the theme of 2025 NADCEL, which is “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive”, was carefully selected as it espouses his renewed drive to transform the Army by placing our soldiers first.

    He noted that the Nigerian Army as an instrument of national unity, integration and development, had made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civil-military relations and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.

    The COAS said the celebration affords them the opportunity to recognize and honour the heroic contributions of our officers and soldiers, past and present.

  • Our commitment to secure Nigeria must remain strong, Oluyede tells troops

    Our commitment to secure Nigeria must remain strong, Oluyede tells troops

    • COAS presents cheques to relatives of deceased personnel

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called for more determination among Nigerian Army officers and soldiers to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

    Oluyede said the army’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians must remain strong.

    The COAS promised that the army would also sustain its support for personnel who became disabled in the line of duty.

    Oluyede spoke at this year’s edition of COAS Annual Conference yesterday in Abuja, where he also presented cheques to some next of kin (NOKs) of deceased personnel of the Nigerian Army under the Group Life Insurance scheme.

    The COAS said the army’s focus would be on developing innovative strategies to confront and ultimately defeat terrorism and other threats to the peace and security of the country.

    He urged operational commanders to engage actively with their troops to ensure that they are motivated, prepared, and ready to tackle challenges head-on.

    Oluyede advised them to embody decisive action and set good examples that inspire the force as well as lead with determination, resilience, empathy, and an unyielding commitment to the army’s mission objectives.

    He said: “We have increased the tempo of ongoing operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and wanton killings across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

    “The fight against terrorism and banditry under Operations Hadin Kai and Fansan Yamma has been intensified in the Northeast and Northwest theatres, respectively.

    Read Also: Senate clear Oluyede for COAS job

    “In particular, Operation Fansan Yamma is making concerted efforts to speedily dismantle the Lakurawa terror group’s networks in the Northwest.

    “These operations leverage enhanced intelligence gathering, rapid deployment of special forces, and synchronised air and ground offensives to establish control and neutralise threats in the region.”

    Oluyede told the troops that the Nigerian Army under his leadership remained steadfast and unwavering in its commitment to addressing the challenges facing our great nation.

    He added: “My leadership concept aims to create an enabling environment that facilitates administrative and operational successes for the Nigerian army.”

    The COAS said there were ongoing reinforced efforts to engage local communities in information gathering and sharing to foster trust as well as promote a united stance against Lakurawa and other terrorist groups.

  • Senate clear Oluyede for COAS job

    Senate clear Oluyede for COAS job

    The Senate yesterday confirmed the nomination of Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede for appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    The resolution of the Senate followed its adoption and approval of the report of its Committee on Army during plenary.

    Committee Chairman Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, who presented the report, said the committee was impressed with the high level of understanding, achievements, and excellence stated in the credentials of the nominee.

    Yar’Adua, the senator representing Katsina Central, recalled that Oluyede had been screened at the committee level, adding that he possessed all the necessary requirements to be the Army boss.

    He said there was no petition against Oluyede’s appointment and that the Department of State Services (DSS) had cleared him of necessary security issues.

    The senator recommended the appointment of Oluyede as substantive Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff.

    Simon Lalong, the senator representing Plateau South, seconded the motion for the report to be considered by the Red Chamber.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the acting army chief on October 30, following the illness of Taoreed Lagbaja, who later died on November 5.

    Read Also: Reps confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    The President’s request to confirm Oluyede as the substantive COAS was formally read on the floor of the Senate on November 26 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Army for further legislative action.

    Senators approved that Oluyede be confirmed for appointment when Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the recommendation of the committee to voice vote.

    Akpabio hailed the committee for the timely presentation of the report and expressed the hope that the appointment of Oluyede would drastically reduce insecurity and usher in an era of peace across the country.

  • BREAKING: Senate confirms Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    BREAKING: Senate confirms Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    The confirmation followed the adoption of the Committee on Army’s report on the Oluyede screening at the plenary on Tuesday, December 3.

    The report was presented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’adua (APC-Katsina).

    Read Also: Reps confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    Yar’adua said the committee was impressed with the high level of understanding, achievements, and excellence stated in the credentials of the nominee.

    Lieutenant General Oluyede was appointed to act as the Chief of Army Staff following the illness and subsequent death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

    Details shortly…

  • Reps confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    Reps confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    • Oluyede will combat terrorism, CDS assures National Assembly

    The House of Representatives yesterday approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for the confirmation of the appointment of Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    Oluyede was appointed acting COAS, following the illness and subsequent death of Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

    The President’s letter was read on the floor of the House on November 26 by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and an ad hoc committee, headed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), was constituted the following day to screen Oluyede

    The President’s letter reads: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 218, subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and Section 18, subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Lt.-Gen. Oluyede has been serving diligently in an active capacity since his appointment. He has displayed exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the security and continued stability of our nation and the progress of our Armed Forces.

    “His qualifications, experience, and contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large make him well suited for this important role.

    “While I am confident that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

    Oluyede was screened by the House’s ad hoc committee on Wednesday afternoon and the report of the screening was submitted yesterday to the House for consideration at plenary.

    Presenting the report for consideration, Benson said the committee believed Oluyede has the quality to lead the Nigerian Army.

    He said: “On November 26, 2024, the Parliament graciously appointed us to screen the acting Chief of Army Staff. We did that yesterday: we reviewed his CV, we questioned him on various issues, which included inter-agency synergy, civilian military relationship.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Macron foster economic ties at Nigerian-France Business Council in Paris

    “Our observation is that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede is fit and proper and gave a very good account of himself. In conclusion, we request that the House do approve his appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.”

    In a commendation, Benson said: “The ad hoc committee carefully and thoroughly engaged with the nominee for the position of Chief of Army Staff and was satisfied with his academic and professional qualifications, exposure, conduct, character, experience and general performance.

    “The ad hoc committee also observed that he displayed wide knowledge of tactics and military operations as exhibited during his acting capacity. Consequently, the ad hoc hereby recommends that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede be confirmed as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screening process of the committee.”

    The recommendation was unanimously adopted by the House.

    Also, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured the National Assembly that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede would bring new vigor and his vast experience to bear in the fight against insecurity if confirmed as substantive Chief of Army Staff.

    General Musa, who witnessed the screening process at the both chambers, yesterday, said he was impressed with the manner in which the Senate and House Committees for Army screened the Acting COAS.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the CDS also assured that Lt.-Gen. Oluyede would build on the legacy of the late Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja.

    The statement said: “The CDS described the prompt action of the National Assembly as patriotic and apt at this critical time.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain loyal to the constituted authority in pursuit of its constitutional roles.”

  • JUST IN: Reps confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    JUST IN: Reps confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

    The House of Representatives on Thursday, November 28, approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for the confirmation of the appointment of Lt Gen Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

    Oluyede was appointed acting as the Chief of Army Staff following the illness and subsequent death of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja

    The president’s letter was read on the floor of the House on Tuesday, November 26, by Speaker Abba Tajudeen while an ad-hoc committee headed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) was constituted on Wednesday for the screening or Gen. Oluyede

    In his letter, the President said: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 218, Subsection 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and Section 18, Subsection 1 of the Armed Forces Act, I am pleased to forward for confirmation by the Senate the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Lieutenant General Oluyede has been serving diligently in an active capacity since his appointment. He has displayed exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the security and continued stability of our nation and the progress of our Armed Forces.

    “His qualifications, experience, and contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large make him well-suited for this important role.

    “While I am confident that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept, Distinguished Senate President and Distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

    Oluyede was screened by the ad hoc committee on Wednesday afternoon and the report of the screening was submitted to the House for consideration at plenary on Thursday morning.

    Presenting the report for consideration, Benson said the committee believed that the Oluyede has the quality to lead the Nigerian Army.

    He said: “On the 26th of November 2024, the Parliament graciously appointed us to screen the acting Chief of Army Staff. We did that yesterday, we reviewed his CV, and we questioned him on various issues which included inter-agency synergy, and civilian-military relationships.

    “Our observation is that Gen Oluyede is fit and proper and gave a very good account of himself. In conclusion, we request that the House approve his appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.”

    Read Also: Acting COAS Oluyede brings new vigor to combat terrorism, CDS assures legislators 

    The committee’s new commendation said: “The ad-hoc committee carefully and thoroughly engaged with the nominee for the position of Chief of Army Staff and was satisfied with his academic and professional qualifications, exposure, conduct, character, experience, and general performance.

    “The ad-hoc committee also observed that he displayed a wide knowledge of tactics and military operations as exhibited during his acting capacity.

    “Consequently, the ad-hoc committee does hereby recommend that Lt. Gen. Oluyede be confirmed as the Chief of Army Staff of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, having successfully undergone the screening process of the committee.”

    The recommendation was! Unanimously adopted by the House.