KEY POINTS

• Lt. Gen. Oluyede vows to boost troop welfare, national security.
• He calls for troops to do their utmost in combating insecurity.
• Maj. Gen. Ibrahim also vows the Infantry Corps would sustain the progress made.

Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has reiterated his resolve to place Nigerian Army troops welfare as top priority and also ensuring security of Nigeria and its people.

This pledge was made by Lt Gen Oluyede at the official handover of the Infantry Corps to his successor, Major General Abdulkalifa Ibrahim, at Infantry Corps Headquarters, Jaji, Kaduna State.

It was the occasion of elevation of Oluyede from Commander of the Infantry Corps to Acting COAS following the demise of the late COAS, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.

Transition for Commendation

Lt. Gen. Oluyede at the event praised his successor as a seasoned senior officer and gentleman who he was sure would take the Infantry Corps to the next level.

Oluyede said, ‘I urge all officers and soldiers of the Corps to extend their full cooperation and support to Major General Ibrahim as he assumes command.’

He further thanked the Nigerian Army for their unity and turnout in support of the Internment of the late COAS, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, prayed for his eternal rest and strength to the family to bear the loss, the Acting COAS said.

Call to action for troops

In his speech, Lt. Gen. Oluyede urged officers and soldiers not to allow the loss of the late COAS to distract them from their duties.

He also added: “Let us put the unfortunate incident behind us, go back to work and decisively deal with all criminal elements who are a threat to the nation’s security.”

The new leadership perspective represents how I view and describe myself. Newly appointed Commander of the Infantry Corps Major General Abdulkalifa Ibrahim described his appointment as an opportunity to lead his Corps again.

Lt. Gen. Oluyede ‘s leadership had made tremendous progress achieved so far, especially in the areas of innovative initiatives and infrastructure development’.

It is an honor to lead in place of such a great leader. Ibrahim said: ‘I will work tirelessly to sustain the achievements of Corps as well as build on it.’