President Bola Tinubu on Thursday decorated the newly appointed service chiefs with their official ranks at a ceremony held inside the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event, which started shortly after 2:00 p.m., had in attendance Vice President Kashim Shettima and the spouses of the newly decorated officers, all clad in their service uniforms.
Those decorated included General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Lieutenant-General Wahidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Air Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff; and Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Tinubu congratulated the officers on their appointments and Senate confirmation, noting that the occasion went beyond the formality of decoration, as it symbolized a renewed effort to secure the nation.
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“Distinguished Service chiefs, I congratulate you on your appointment and subsequent confirmation by the Senate. As your Commander-in-Chief, I am entrusting you with a tremendous responsibility—one that you must approach with the highest standards of commitment and dedication,” the President said.
He emphasized that national security remains the foundation of development, adding that no meaningful progress could be achieved without peace and stability.
“Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance,” he said.
Tinubu commended the armed forces for their resilience and sacrifices in defending the country’s territorial integrity, recalling their role in reclaiming territories once occupied by insurgents and rescuing many abducted citizens.
However, he cautioned that emerging security challenges must be swiftly addressed to prevent them from escalating.
“Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the 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,” he charged.
The President urged the new military heads to adopt innovative strategies, embrace technology, and act ahead of those who seek to destabilize the nation.
“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” Tinubu said, assuring them of his administration’s full support in carrying out their duties.
