President Bola Tinubu announced on Wednesday, in a press statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the appointment of Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Oluyede will forte for the indisposed Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, until he returns.
Theliberationnews brings you some facts about the new acting COAS:
1. Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede is 56 years old.
2. He is a graduate of the 39th Regular Course.
3. Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with an effective date of 1987, and rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.
4. Before his new appointment, he served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, located in Jaji, Kaduna.
5. Oluyede and Lt. General Lagbaja were classmates and are both alumni of the 39th Regular Course.
6. He has held various commands throughout his career, including roles as Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
7. Oluyede has participated in multiple operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
8. His accolades include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and recognition for completing the Staff Course, as well as membership in the National Institute. He has also received the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal, along with the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
9. The acting COAS is married and has three children