Major General Olufemi Oluyede Biography
Major General Olufemi Oluyede Biography: On October 30, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The appointment follows the ongoing medical leave of the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. Mr. Oluyede’s new role marks a major milestone in the history of the Nigerian Army as he will be the first officer to assume the position of Acting COAS. Mr. Oluyede will lead the Nigerian Army during this transitional period to ensure operational continuity and stability. With Mr. Oluyede’s decades of experience, extensive command roles and participation in major military operations, his leadership is expected to sustain the Army’s momentum in ensuring Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
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Major General Olufemi Oluyede Early Life and Education
Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede was born into a military-minded family and developed a strong interest in serving his country. His formal military training began at the Nigerian Defence College (NDA) where he trained as part of the 39th Ordinary Corps alongside his counterpart, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Educational Background
Nigerian Defence College (NDA): Oluyede graduated from the prestigious school of the 39th Ordinary Corps and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in 1992 and commissioned from 1987.
His academic and military training laid the foundation for his rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Army, combining leadership skills with tactical expertise.
Major General Olufemi Oluyede Age
Prior to this assignment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s elite Infantry Corps stationed at Jaji, Kaduna. The 56-year-old has a long association with Lagbaja, as both were course mates in the 39th batch of Ordinary Studies at the Nigerian Defence College.
Summary of Military Career
Major General Oluyede has held many important command positions throughout his career and made significant contributions to military operations both at home and abroad. In September 2020, he was promoted to Major General, a testament to his outstanding military service and leadership qualities.
Key Command Roles:
Infantry Corps Commander, Jaji, Kaduna: Prior to his appointment as Acting COAS, Oluyede was the 56th Infantry Corps Commander, Jaji, Kaduna where he oversaw the training and operational readiness of the Nigerian Infantry Unit.
Platoon Leader and Adjutant, 65th Battalion: Early in his career, Oluyede demonstrated strong leadership skills as a platoon leader and later as the Adjutant of the 65th Battalion where he coordinated tactical operations and force management.
Company Commander, 177th Guards Battalion: As a company commander, Oluyede led several internal security operations and improved the operational capability of the 177th Guards Battalion.
Commander of the Amphibious Training School: He demonstrated expertise in amphibious warfare when he served as commander of the Amphibious Training School and oversaw specialized training for naval and riverine operations.
Task Force 27 Brigade Commander: One of his most notable roles was leading Task Force 27 Brigade during Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast where he played a pivotal role in counter insurgency operations against Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations.
Major Honours and Awards
Major General Oluyede’s exemplary military service has earned him several prestigious military honours reflecting his dedication, leadership and operational success throughout his career:
Corps Medal of Honour: Recognising outstanding leadership within the Infantry Corps.
Grand Service Star: Awarded for exceptional contributions to the Nigerian Army.
Passed Staff Course (PSC): Completion of this course demonstrates strategic and operational readiness for senior command roles.
Member of the National Institute of National Institutions (MNI): Evidence of academic and professional achievement in military strategy.
Field Command Medal: Recognizes leadership during active field operations.
Field Command Medal of Honour: Recognizes contributions to command duties and mission success.
Field Training Medal: Awarded for commitment to improving military training standards.
Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award: This coveted award is presented to officers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and outstanding achievements.
Leadership Style and Vision
Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede is known for his no-nonsense leadership style that emphasizes discipline, operational efficiency and the welfare of the troops. He is deeply committed to improving the Nigerian Army’s responsiveness to contemporary security challenges, particularly in the areas of counter-insurgency and military preparedness.
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Major General Olufemi Oluyede Wife (Personal Life)
Major General Olufemi Oluyede is a family man, married with three children. Despite a demanding military career, he has maintained close ties with his family and is known for his dedication to balancing his personal and professional life.