By Nchetachi Chukuwajah
President Bola Tinubu has decorated the new service chiefs with their respective ranks to mark their formal assumption of office.
The ceremony was held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, October 30.
The president performed the decoration alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the decorated officers, each dressed in their respective service uniforms.
Those decorated were former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who was appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and promoted to the rank of a General; Major General Wahidi Shaibu, appointed as Chief of Army Staff, was decorated with the rank of Lieutenant-General; Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke, appointed as Chief of Air Staff, was decorated with the rank of Air Marshall; and Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, appointed as Chief of Naval Staff, was decorated with the rank of Admiral.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Emmanuel A.P. Undiendeye, who was retained by the President, was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General.
At the ceremony, Tinubu charged them to be innovative and courageous in tackling terrorism and emerging security threats across the country., while also urging them to approach their assignments with the highest level of patriotism and dedication.
Tinubu said the ceremony signified more than a formal decoration but a renewed commitment to ensuring peace and security for all Nigerians.
“Today’s ceremony is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians,” he said.
The president acknowledged the sacrifices of the armed forces in defending the nation’s territorial integrity, noting that many officers had paid the ultimate price in service to the country.
“In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories,” he said.
Tinubu commended the military for restoring peace to previously troubled areas and rescuing kidnapped citizens, saying their efforts had significantly weakened terror groups.
The president however, cautioned that security threats were evolving, with new armed groups emerging in parts of the North-Central, North-West, and South.
“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head,” Tinubu said.
He urged the service chiefs to leverage technology and fresh strategies to stay ahead of those who threaten national peace and stability.
