Lt. Gen Oluyede: A Legacy of Service and a New Dawn for Nigeria’s Defence Leadership
Lt. Gen Oluyede: A Legacy of Service and a New Dawn for Nigeria’s Defence Leadership
In the annals of Nigeria’s military history, few officers have achieved what Lt. General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede has accomplished. His appointment as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) marks not only a personal triumph but also a defining moment for the Nigerian Armed Forces. He is one of the very few Army officer in the country’s history to rise through every rank to the most EXPECTED full four-star General without skipping a single step. A remarkable proud heritage of the Infantry Corps, known for its courage and resilience.
General Oluyede’s steady rise through the ranks only proves his diligence and hard work. From the day he was commissioned as a young Second Lieutenant of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1992, his career has reflected the true spirit of service, one built not on privilege, but on performance, integrity, and consistent excellence. His leadership journey has been marked by loyalty to the nation and an unrelenting drive to safeguard its territorial integrity.
Through decades of service, General Oluyede has distinguished himself across multiple commands and operations. From his days in the 27 Task Force Brigade under Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast, where he led brave men into complex counter-insurgency operations to his tenure as Commander, Infantry Corps in Jaji, he has shown exceptional courage and tactical brilliance. His leadership on the frontlines has inspired troops, restored confidence in difficult terrains, and contributed immensely to the success of Nigeria’s internal security efforts.
General Oluyede’s career also reflects a deep understanding of global peacekeeping and multilateral defence relations. He has represented Nigeria with distinction in international operations, including ECOMOG missions in Liberia and Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, where his calm resolve and professionalism earned respect among peers and superiors alike. His foresight and experience in multinational operations have reinforced Nigeria’s reputation as a regional stabilizing power.
Beyond his combat achievements, General Oluyede is a visionary reformer. He has consistently championed modernization within the Armed Forces, advocating for better intelligence systems, advanced technology, and synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. His foresight on the changing face of modern warfare, where information and precision matter as much as firepower, places him among the nation’s most forward-thinking military minds.
Equally important is his strong belief in Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), the principle that the military must work hand-in-hand with the people it protects. Under his guidance, troops have engaged in humanitarian support, community rebuilding, and local partnerships that bridge the gap between security forces and civilians. His leadership philosophy reflects not just command, but compassion.
As he assumes his new position as Chief of Defence Staff, there is a collective sense of optimism across the nation. General Oluyede’s record of honour, his calm disposition, and his tested leadership will certainly propel the armed forces into new heights, continuing from his predecessors gains and achievements. More so, Nigerians trust that his wealth of experience and humility will further strengthen inter-service coordination and consolidate national security gains.
Nigerians are confident that General Oluyede will not only uphold the proud traditions of the Nigerian Armed Forces but will also build on them to achieve even greater heights.
I hereby extend my heartfelt congratulations to Lt. General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Staff. May his tenure bring renewed peace, stability, and progress to our beloved country. His rise is an inspiration and a reminder that dedication, courage, and integrity still define true leadership.
Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu President, Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement For Peace Unity Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM).
