Army Chief Urges Youths to Join Military, Promotes Discipline and Patriotism in Sokoto Outreach

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has encouraged young Nigerians to consider careers in the Nigerian Army, emphasizing the values of discipline, patriotism, and national service. Speaking during a civil-military relations event held on Friday at Idris Koko Technical College, Farfaru, Sokoto, the Army Chief — represented by Brigadier General A. A. Musa, Commander of the 108 Division Equipment Service — said the initiative aimed to enlighten students about the Army’s nation-building role and inspire youth to pursue positive, purposeful lives. “It is our hope that through this initiative, more young Nigerians will consider a career in the Army and understand the importance of discipline, patriotism, and service to the nation,” General Musa said. The event featured educational talks and interactive sessions designed to bridge the gap between civilians and military personnel. Captain Musa Lemu, Administrative Officer at the 8 Provost Group, spoke on the dangers of criminal associations, urging students to focus on education and avoid peer pressure. Lieutenant E. O. Ojo delivered a presentation on “Civil-Military Relations and Community Interventions by the Nigerian Army,” highlighting the Army’s humanitarian outreach such as: Mallam Musa Koko, Director of Quality Assurance at the Sokoto State Ministry of Science and Technology, who represented the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, applauded the Nigerian Army for the initiative. “Programs like this help our students to envision meaningful futures and inspire them to contribute to national development,” he stated. The event attracted wide participation from students, teachers, Army officers, and government officials, and ended with a lively Q&A session, giving students a chance to engage directly with military personnel and explore opportunities in national service.

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Tinubu appoints General Oluyede as acting Chief of Army Staff

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020. Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School. General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade. Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute. Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal. Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is married and has three children.

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