Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)-designate Olufemi Oluyede says he will bring positive changes to the Nigerian Armed Forces while acknowledging that he cannot completely detach himself from the institution’s past challenges.
Gatekeepers News reports that Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during his screening by the joint House of Representatives committees on defence, navy, army, and air force, Oluyede described his nomination as a “privileged opportunity” to reposition the military for greater efficiency and accountability.
“I have served this great nation as an officer of the Nigerian Army for over three decades,” he said.
“I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great army in the past couple of years. However, I see my nomination as an opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the armed forces.”
Oluyede, who previously served as the 24th Chief of Army Staff, said his experience across various operational levels had adequately prepared him for the top defence role. He pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him by President Bola Tinubu through meaningful reforms and improved synergy among the services.
“The security environment we find ourselves in today requires a united effort from every Nigerian, strong regional cooperation, and deep collaboration between all the services,” he said.
The CDS-designate praised the Tinubu administration for “being on the right path to providing the enabling security environment for socio-economic growth” and vowed to strengthen ongoing reforms.
He also promised to prioritise the welfare of military personnel and their families, sustain existing “laudable programmes,” and work closely with the National Assembly to enhance oversight and operational effectiveness.
Meanwhile, Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff-nominee, told lawmakers that he would inject new vigour into the army’s training and operations.
Shaibu said his career experience in the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as in counter-terrorism operations in Nigeria, had prepared him for the role.
“With my wealth of experience in combating threats across the country, I intend to inject new vigour into our training and readiness,” he said, pledging to improve troop welfare and sustain the achievements of his predecessor.
