President Bola Tinubu has submitted a formal request to the Senate, seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

According to a statement from Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the letter, sent on Friday, aligns with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.

Oluyede was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, following the illness of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s ability to lead the Nigerian Army effectively, citing his professional integrity, leadership skills, and extensive military experience as assets crucial for ensuring national security and stability.

A member of the 39th Regular Course, Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and achieved the rank of Major-General in September 2020. Before his acting appointment, he served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna.

Oluyede’s military career spans multiple command and staff positions, including Platoon Commander, adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

His operational experience includes participation in 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.

For his distinguished service, Oluyede has earned numerous awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, the Field Training Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

Oluyede is married and has three children.