President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, October 30, formally decorated Nigeria’s newly confirmed service chiefs with their new ranks during a ceremony held inside the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.
The event marked a symbolic transfer of command within the armed forces and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening national security.
Those honoured were General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff; Vice Admiral Idi Abass, Chief of Naval Staff; Air Marshal Kevin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff; and Major General Emmanuel Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence.
Tinubu was assisted by the spouses of the decorated officers, who joined in the ceremonial presentation of ranks before a gathering of government and security officials.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas led top dignitaries at the event.
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Others included Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and Head of Service Didi Walson-Jack.
Also present were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, along with the heads of the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and National Identity Management Commission, also attended.
The ceremony followed the National Assembly’s confirmation of the nominees after Tinubu urged lawmakers to approve their appointments promptly, enabling them to assume their posts without delay.
Officials said the event represented both a fresh start for the military and a renewed drive to fortify Nigeria’s defence system.