President Bola Tinubu has decorated the new Service Chiefs with their new ranks in the military to suit their new positions.
The newly decorated handlers of the nation’s Armed Forces include Lieutenant General, now General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, as Chief of Defence Staff; and Major General now Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye Undiendeye as Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI).
Others are Major General, now Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Air Vice Marshal, now Air Marshal Kevin Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Rear Admiral, now Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
Tinubu last Friday announced the replacement of the Service Chiefs, a move that has been attributed to the need to refocus and strengthen national security.
While commenting on his action, President Tinubu, in a post on his verified X handle, charged the new military chief helmsmen to “deepen professionalism, vigilance, and unity within our Armed Forces as they serve our nation with honour”.
Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly appointed service chiefs to be innovative, and courageous in tackling terrorism and emerging security threats across the country.
The President gave the charge while decorating the new service chiefs at the State House, Abuja, urging them to approach their assignments with the highest level of patriotism and dedication.
Tinubu said the ceremony signified more than a formal decoration but a renewed commitment to ensuring peace and security for all Nigerians.
“Today’s ceremony is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians,” he said.
The president acknowledged the sacrifices of the armed forces in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, noting that many officers had paid the ultimate price in service to the country.
“In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories,” he said.
Tinubu commended the military for restoring peace to previously troubled areas and rescuing kidnapped citizens, saying their efforts had significantly weakened terror groups.
The president however, cautioned that security threats were evolving, with new armed groups emerging in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head,” Tinubu said.
He urged the service chiefs to leverage technology and fresh strategies to stay ahead of those who threaten national peace and stability.
“I charge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the armed forces with the resources needed to effectively execute their mandate.
“I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he said.
The president prayed for the continued safety of the nation’s armed forces and peace across the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen.Olufemi Oluyede who responded on behalf of the service chiefs, assured of proper synergy in tackling the nation’s security threats.
“I want to assure Mr president and all Nigerians today that we’ll do all our utmost best to ensure that we rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make Nigeria safer to ensure socio-economic endeavours can thrive,”
The ceremony was witnessed by the spouses the service chiefs, as their partners took the oath of allegiance and office before the President.
