By Augustine Ehikioya
Stepping into his new role as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Olusola Oluyede, now promoted a full General, has promised to sustain the tempo against insecurity in Nigeria.
According to him, he will be guarded by professionalism, discipline and accountability to restore peace, and stability In Nigeria.
He made the remarks in Abuja while taking over from the immediate past CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa. Security Watch Africa (SWA) was there.
The new team, he said, will build on the achievements of Gen Musa.
Gen Oluyede said “As I take over as the Chief of Defence Staff, I wish to reaffirm my total commitment to the defence and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The nature of threats confronting our nation, ranging from terrorism, insurgency and banditry to emerging cyber-borne attacks and maritime security threats, requires us to be ever vigilant, innovative and united.
“My leadership will therefore be guarded by the principles of professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation and accountability.
“We shall build on the achievements of my predecessor by strengthening synergy among the services and defence agencies. We shall also enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies.
“Our objectives, which is to restore and sustain peace, stability and national cohesion in every part of our dear country, remains uncontestable.”
Noting the important of staff welfare to operational effectiveness, he promised to prioritise it under his leadership.
“Under my leadership, the defence headquarters will continue to advocate for a good welfare, housing, medical support and training opportunities for personnel and their families.
“We shall also invest in the moral and psychological wellbeing of our troops, ensuring that their sacrifices are recognised and rewarded.”
According to him, his leadership will also prioritise capacity building, research and technological innovation to boost operational efficiency and strategic foresight.
“In doing so, we shall leverage resources and intellect available across our defence institutions, as well as partnerships with local and international stakeholders,” Gen Oluyede added.
He also urged the gallant soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen, to continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline, loyalty and professionalism.
“Remember that every action you take reflects not just on your service, but on the Armed Forces.”
While expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the new appointment, Gen Oluyede thanked President Bola Tinubu for finding him worthy of the appointment.
He extended appreciation to his predecessor, Gen Christopher Musa, noting that his tenure was marked by commitment and a clear vision for an armed forces that is professional, adaptive and people oriented.
“Your leadership brought about remarkable improvement in joint operations, interagency collaboration and the welfare of our troops. On behalf of the officers, men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I thank you for your selfless service to our nation and I wish you continuous success and fulfillment in your future endeavors.
“I must put on record this morning that you have done well.
And I strongly believe that posterity will judge you positively,” he stated.
To the retired senior officers and veterans at the occasion, the new CDS said their enduring support and wisdom will remain invaluable to the continued progress of the Nigerian military.
He noted that his leadership will continue to count on their guidance as it charts new parts in national defence and security management.
Urging all Nigerians to continue to support the armed forces, he said “The fight to safeguard our nation is a collective responsibility, and we draw strength from the trust and cooperation of the people we serve.“
He pledged his absolute loyalty to Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu.
“I promise to lead with integrity, courage and fairness, and together, we shall uphold the proud traditions of the Nigerian armed forces and advance the cause of peace, security and national unity,” he said.
The immediate past CDS, Gen Christopher Musa, gave glory to God for his 39 years in service, especially occupying the highest position in the Armed Forces for the past 28 months.
“It is with deep respect and heart full of gratitude that I stand before you today as I bid farewell to the service for the past 39 years, precisely 39 years one month.
“The Office of the Chief of Defence Staff is the highest position of responsibility in the Nigeria armed forces. It has been my singular honour to occupy same for the past 28 months. As I hand over the reins of leadership to Lieutenant General Olufemi Olusola Oluyede.
“For this, I’m eternally grateful to the Almighty God for His abundant grace and to the President, Commander in Chief of the Nigeria armed forces, President Bola Tinubu, for the confidence you reposed in me.”
Gen Musa took time to reel out some of the achievements recorded under his tenure.
“My tenure as the Chief of Defence Staff has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. We face the complex and dynamic security landscape, but we confronted it with unwavering resolve, guided by our constitutional mandate and shared vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
“We pursued a philosophy of jointness, people-centricity, interagency cooperation and kinetic synergy.
“This was not merely a slogan. It was on the operational principle that guided our actions. Under my watch, we worked tirelessly to deepen the integration of our army, navy and air force.
“Establishment of joint task force across our Theatres of Operation stands as a testament to our commitment for a unified approach. Also ensure that we work closely together in collaboration with all the sister security agencies and other MDAs.”
His tenure, he said, has enhanced operational effectiveness, improve intelligence sharing and foster the culture of service affiliations to achieve the common goal of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Noting that his tenure recorded gains in the fight against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality, he said the work is not yet over.
According to him, the officers and men of the Armed Forces, under him, demonstrated extraordinary courage, resilience and patriotism in adopting to the difficulty imposed by asymmetric warfare.
Despite operational environment, Gen Musa said his tenure did not neglect other areas that border on staff welfare, healthy and better working conditions.
Noting that several key Infrastructural development were carried out under his tenure, he said all the laudable achievements won’t have been possible without the support and contributions of everyone including former service chiefs, trusted partners, both local and foreign,
“It is indeed a great honour to serve my country at this capacity, and I remain eternally grateful to God Almighty at this chapter of my life,
“I must express that my heart is filled with a profound sense of utmost gratitude, fulfillment and optimism. Whatever challenges we’re facing, we will succeed. We will prevail. It is a battle that must be fought on multiple fronts.”
He commended the media for being an ally and the vital bridge between the frontlines and the public.
“By bringing these narratives to light, you have helped a nation to understand and appreciate the immense burden her soldiers bear, and I’m particularly grateful for the coverage during our most difficult operations.
“In summary, your scrutiny made us better, and we’ll continue to be better. The directors in their newsrooms, the reporters in the field operating the same perilous environments as our troops and the cameramen and the producers, we say a big thank you.
“The journey towards a completely secure Nigeria continues and your role as a pillar of truth and unifying force remains critical. I urge you to continue to stand firm for the truth, to uphold the ethics of your profession and to never waver in your support for our nation and the great men and women in uniform.”
Gen Musa also paid special tribute to the fallen heroes, the brave soldiers that paid the ultimate price in their service to Nigeria.
He added “We must never forget their sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers also go with our wounded colleagues and their families. Your scars are not marks of weakness, but symbols of honour and strength.
“You have given more than most ever will and your resilience reminds us what it truly means to serve with courage and dignity. The nation owes you more than words can express.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his immense moral and material support to the military during his tenure.
The immediate past CDS also thanked the various institutions and other organizations who contributed to the success story under his leadership.
He also expressed confidence in the ability of his successor, Gen Oluyede to handle the position effectively.
“I’ve known him for many years, and I can attest to his professionalism, strategic insight and dedication to duty. I urge the service chiefs to give him the full cooperation so that they can work as a team.
“I urge every officer and soldier to extend to him the same loyalty, cooperation and dedication you gave me.
“The task ahead remains demanding, but with your support and his leadership, I am certain you will scale greater heights and achieve even more resounding successes.
“In closing, I leave fulfilled, grateful and full of optimism for our beloved country. I love my country so dearly, and I want this country to succeed. I might be retiring from active service, but my commitment to Nigeria remains unshakable.
“I will continue to pray for the success of our armed forces and for the peace and unity of our great nation,” he concluded.
