Governors Biodun Oyebanji and Ahmed Ododo of Ekiti and Kogi states have expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the appointment of General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff and Major General Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff.
General Oluyede, who hails from Ikere-Ekiti, was, until his new appointment, the Chief of Army Staff.
Oyebanji, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Saturday, described Oluyede’s appointment as a welcome development.
The governor said the president acted right by recognising the exemplary qualities of the Ikere-Ekiti-born General and entrusting him with such a strategic position.
He said that the new CDS epitomised the core values of courage, integrity, and loyalty for which Ekitis are known.
The governor expressed confidence in Oluyede’s ability to excel in his new role, describing him as a gallant officer with a record of accomplishments in his military career.
He urged the new CDS to leverage his extensive experience and expertise in charting a new direction for the military, particularly during this critical period.
Also, Ododo lauded the president for appointing Shaibu as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
He gave the commendation in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja, the state capital.
Ododo expressed the state’s gratitude to the president for appointing Shaibu, a son of Kogi, as the new army boss.
The governor described the appointment as a “clear demonstration of the president’s commitment to fairness, equity, and recognition of merit in national service.”
“Shaibu is a source of pride and inspiration to the people of Kogi. His record of professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty stands him out as a fine officer and true patriot.
“We have confidence in the ability of the new COAS to deliver on the mandate of strengthening the Nigerian Army to defend the nation and sustain ongoing efforts to improve security across the country,” the governor said.
