10 Things To Know About Maj Gen Oluyede, Newly Appointed Acting COAS

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), stepping in temporarily for Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently on medical leave.

EKO HOT BLOG reports key details about Major General Oluyede, highlighting his background and contributions to the Nigerian Army.

1. Previous Role: Major General Oluyede previously held the position of 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps, one of the Nigerian Army’s most prestigious units, headquartered in Jaji, Kaduna.
2. Age and Birth: Born in 1968, Major General Oluyede is 56 years old.
3. Career Beginnings: Oluyede officially began his service when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, although his service is retroactively recognized from 1987.
4. Military Class: Oluyede and the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Lagbaja, were coursemates and belong to the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
5. Rank Achievement: After three decades of dedicated service, Oluyede was promoted to Major General in September 2020.
6. Operational Experience: Throughout his career, Major General Oluyede has played key roles in high-profile missions, including:
   • The Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia.
   • Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi.
   • Operation HADIN KAI in Nigeria’s Northeast, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
7. Honors and Commendations: In recognition of his contributions, he has received several military awards, including:
   • The Corps Medal of Honour
   • The Grand Service Star
   • The Field Command Medal
   • The Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award
8. Advanced Military Education: Oluyede is an alumnus of the Nigerian Army’s Staff Course and a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), the country’s premier policy and strategy think tank.
9. Personal Life: He is married and has three children.
10. Temporary Appointment: While Major General Oluyede is stepping in as the acting COAS, the role remains with Lt. General Lagbaja, who will resume upon completion of his medical leave.

Major General Oluyede’s extensive experience and commendable service record make him a fitting choice to lead the Nigerian Army in this interim period.

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