By Deborah Nnamdi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday decorated the newly appointed Service Chiefs with new ranks, urging them to deliver results and restore peace across the country.
The short but colourful ceremony took place at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and was attended by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
During the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, formerly Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, was decorated with the new rank of General. The Chief of Army Staff, formerly Major General Wahidi Shaibu, was promoted to Lieutenant General, while the Chief of Naval Staff, formerly Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, was elevated to Vice Admiral. The Chief of Air Staff, formerly Air Vice Marshal Kelvin Aneke, received his new insignia as Air Marshal.
Also honoured was the Chief of Defence Intelligence, formerly Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye, who was retained by the President and promoted to Lieutenant General.
Wives of the newly decorated officers assisted their husbands during the ceremony, which was witnessed by other dignitaries, including the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
In his address, President Tinubu charged the Service Chiefs to perform their duties with patriotism, innovation, and courage, noting that Nigerians are eager to see tangible results in the nation’s security landscape.
“Nigerians are in a hurry to celebrate peace. They want results, not excuses,” the President said, urging the military chiefs to work in unity, deploy technology effectively, and defeat the nation’s enemies once and for all.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, General Olufemi Oluyede pledged the Service Chiefs’ loyalty to the President and commitment to combating terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality threatening national stability.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure the safety of Nigerians and the progress of our nation,” he assured.
President Tinubu appointed the new Service Chiefs in October 2025, following the retirement of their predecessors. They were screened and confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday, after a two-hour closed-door session where lawmakers assessed their strategies for strengthening national security and reforming the armed forces.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, after the confirmation, commended President Tinubu for his choices, noting that the appointees possess the experience, discipline, and leadership capacity required to reposition the Nigerian military.
