*Lt General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede: A Round Peg in a Round Hole

By Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the appointment of Lt Gen Oluyede as *Chief of Defence Staff,* it was not just another change of guard — it was the perfect alignment of talent, experience and purpose. In his lengthy and distinguished military journey, Oluyede has repeatedly shown why he is exactly the “round peg” for this “round hole.”

*A Remarkable Journey*

Born in 1968 in Ikere, Ekiti State, Oluyede joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of the 39th Regular Course and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 (effective from 1987).

Over decades of service he has held vital command and staff roles including:

Platoon Commander & Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer at Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

Operational leadership in the field: he served with the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia, commanded operations in the Bakassi Peninsula (Operation Harmony IV) and led the 27 Task Force Brigade under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East.

He rose to Major General in September 2020, then to Lieutenant General as he assumed as COAS, Nigerian Army.

This experience means that from the trenches to strategic command rooms, Oluyede has been there, done that — making him supremely qualified for the top seat.

*Achievements That Speak Volumes*

As he climbed the ranks, Lt Gen Oluyede didn’t just execute orders — he reformulated them. He has been recognised for his distinctive approach to soldiering and institutional reform.

He implemented welfare initiatives for the troops: from improving feeding allowances to introducing a housing scheme for soldiers.

He modernised training and operations: establishing new training depots (for example in Oshogbo), upgrading intelligence and surveillance across theatres of operation.

He stressed joint-agency cooperation and adaptation to new threat landscapes: understanding the era of asymmetric warfare, technology and regional security linkages.

These moves show his dual focus: one on the people in uniform, and one on the structure in which they serve. It’s a rare combination, and it’s exactly what the demands of Nigeria’s defence environment require.

*Why This Appointment Matters*

With Nigeria navigating insurgency, banditry, maritime threats and porous borders, placing the right leader at the helm of the Armed Forces is critical. Lt Gen Oluyede’s appointment as Chief of Defence Staff thus signals three important messages:

1. *Continuity with reform*: His earlier initiatives as Chief of Army Staff give him momentum rather than a blank slate.

2. *Breadth of experience*: He bridges the gap between field operations and institutional leadership.

3. *Human-centred leadership:* He recognises that security is not only about fire-power, but also morale, dignity and professionalism.

That said, expectations are high and the challenges real. To excel, he must deliver on several fronts:

Operational effectiveness: real, measurable improvements in key theatres.

Institutional modernisation: smoother logistics, better training, joint-force integration.

Troop welfare and morale: keeping soldiers motivated, equipped and respected.

Public trust and professionalism: ensuring the military is part of the solution and aligned with democratic values.

*The Road Ahead: Why He Will Succeed*

Lt Gen Oluyede isn’t just the right person for this role — he is arguably the only one who checks all the boxes. His leadership style is calm, strategic and inclusive. His record is both operational and reformative. His vision is aligned with the demands of modern security.

Whether he is reshaping training facilities, enhancing inter-service coordination or ensuring that Nigeria’s defence posture is fit for 21st-century threats, he brings the credentials, and the mindset, that matter.

*Conclusion: A Legacy Begins*

As Lt Gen Oluyede steps into the role of Chief of Defence Staff, Nigerians can look ahead with hope. His journey from cadet in Ikere-Ekiti to the highest military office is testament to dedication, excellence and service. He stands not just as a commander, but as a symbol of the possibility of transformation — of the Armed Forces and of national security.

In appointing him, Nigeria hasn’t taken a chance. It has made a promise: that its defence will be led by someone capable, experienced and committed. And in him — a true round peg in a round hole — that promise has a realistic chance of being fulfilled.

The article was contributed by Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi.

New Service Chiefs: NASRE Calls For Fresh Strategies And Stronger Commitment To Nigeria’s Safety

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resource Editors (NASRE) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of new Service Chiefs, describing the decision as a necessary and strategic step toward repositioning Nigeria’s security architecture and restoring citizens’ confidence in the nation’s defence institutions.

In a statement signed by the National President, Femi Oyewale, NASRE congratulated the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, urging them to inject fresh energy, strategic thinking, and measurable results into the task of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring peace across all regions.

The Association noted that Nigerians are yearning for visible improvements in security operations, especially in the fight against insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, oil theft, and other forms of organized crime. It therefore called on the new military leadership to adopt intelligence-driven tactics, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and rebuild the trust between security operatives and the citizens they serve.

NASRE also emphasized the need for the Service Chiefs to prioritize the welfare of officers and men in uniform, ensuring that those on the frontlines are adequately equipped, trained, and motivated. The Association further urged strict adherence to human rights principles in all operations to promote harmony between security agencies and civilian communities.

The editors described the new appointments as an opportunity for the armed forces to reinforce discipline, transparency, and accountability within their ranks. Leadership by example, NASRE stressed, will not only inspire confidence among troops but also rebuild public trust in the military institution.

As a media body committed to responsible journalism and national development, NASRE reaffirmed its readiness to serve as a vital communication bridge between security agencies and the general public. It pledged to support the new Service Chiefs in ensuring clear communication of government policies, security updates, and public enlightenment initiatives that promote mutual understanding and confidence between the armed forces and Nigerians.

The Association pledged continuous support to the Nigerian government and security agencies through fair and factual reportage, reiterating its commitment to highlighting efforts that promote peace, unity, and stability across the federation.

Concluding, NASRE charged the new Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President and the Nigerian people through outstanding performance, unwavering patriotism, and visible progress in the protection of lives and property nationwide.

Buratai Calls for Strengthened Peace-Time Interoperability Among African Land Forces

Kigali, Rwanda — October 22, 2025

Former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff and ex-ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) has called on African military leaders to strengthen interoperability and communication systems during peace time, emphasizing that effective collaboration should not begin only when conflicts erupt.

Buratai made this call while speaking during a panel session at the Land Forces Commanders Symposium (LFCS) 2025, held in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 20 to 22, 2025. The annual forum brought together senior army chiefs, defence officials, and strategic thinkers from across Africa and beyond to discuss the theme:

“Leveraging Land Forces Capabilities for Enhanced Implementation of Peace and Security Strategies.”

Hosted by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), the symposium deliberated on contemporary defence and security issues affecting Africa’s military. One of the sub-themes discussed by Gen Buratai is ‘Enhancing Interoperability among Land Forces in Africa and beyond,’ which explored the technical, procedural, and human dimensions necessary for joint military effectiveness.

Buratai’s Practical Reflections on Africa’s Security Cooperation

In his remarks, Buratai expressed appreciation to the Rwanda Defence Force for the invitation, recalling his last visit to Kigali in 2017 as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff. Reflecting on his experiences, he stressed that Africa’s defence forces must establish mechanisms for rapid, reliable communication and coordination during peace, not only in crisis situations.

“We don’t have to wait until operations begin before we start communicating efficiently,” he noted. “There must be a deliberate effort to create seamless, continent-wide communication frameworks among our armies.”

Citing his experience as Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)—which comprises troops from Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin Republic—Buratai highlighted that “Incompatibility of communication systems, disparities in training and doctrine, and non-standardized equipment often limit our collective effectiveness,” he said.
“We must harmonize training, doctrines, and communication standards under the auspices of the African Union and regional blocs like ECOWAS and SADC.”

Lessons from Past Peacekeeping Operations

Drawing on Nigeria’s experience in ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone, Buratai warned that fragmented logistics, communication gaps, and differing rules of engagement among allied forces create friction that undermines mission success.

He also referred to challenges faced in AMISOM and AU missions in Sudan, noting recurring issues in logistics coordination, medical evacuation, and unified command structures.

“The lesson is clear — interoperability must begin from peace time,” he stressed. “Once it is tested and institutionalized in peace, it transitions smoothly into operations.”

Strategic Vision for Africa’s Defence Collaboration

Buratai’s intervention aligned with earlier remarks by President Paul Kagame, who urged African leaders to “challenge assumptions” and develop a new culture of collaboration that transcends borders and bureaucratic barriers. Kagame emphasized that Africa’s security challenges demand shared responsibility and professional cooperation among armed forces.

Pne of the symposium’s moderators, Brig. Gen. Patrick Kuretwa, Director General of International Military Cooperation at Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, described interoperability as the ability of allied militaries to act together coherently, efficiently, and effectively to achieve tactical and strategic objectives.

“This symposium is timely and very necessary,” Buratai said. “It challenges us to think strategically and act collectively to enhance peace and stability on our continent.”

About the Land Forces Commanders Symposium

The Land Forces Commanders Symposium (LFCS) is a continental platform that brings together African army chiefs and senior officers to discuss shared security priorities, exchange operational experiences, and develop coordinated frameworks for peace support and defense cooperation.

The 2025 edition, held in Kigali, featured high-level participation from East, West, Central, and Southern African militaries, as well as international partners. Discussions focused on Rethinking Land Operations in the Era of Drone Warfare, Promoting Bilateralism as a Complementary Option to Multilateralism to Achieve Peace and Security, among others is not only timely; but it is a must for African Land Forces and African-led security solutions in response to evolving continental securitychallenges.