By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), succeeding General Christopher Musa.
The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued in Abuja by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
General Oluyede, who hails from Ikere in Ekiti State, began his military journey in 1987 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as part of the 39th Regular Course and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1992.
Reports suggest that his strategic focus as CDS will centre on strengthening coordination among the armed forces, advancing intelligence sharing mechanisms, and improving the welfare and logistics support of Nigerian troops.
”The new CDS was born in 1968 in Ikere, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
”On 30 October 2024, he was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by Bola Tinubu, subsequently confirmed by the House of Representatives and officially assumed office on 9 December 2024.
”Prior to his current post, he served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna State, a key leadership position.
”His promotion to Lieutenant General (“Lt Gen”) accompanied his new role as COAS – reflecting his seniority and credentials.
”Oluyede’s career includes significant domestic operational experience, especially in infantry command and internal security operations in Nigeria’s northeast and other hot-zones.”
With decades of distinguished service behind him, General Oluyede is widely regarded as an officer committed to professionalism, discipline, and the enhancement of Nigeria’s defence capabilities.