President Bola Tinubu on Thursday charged the newly appointed service chiefs to be innovative, and courageous in tackling terrorism and emerging security threats across the country.
Tinubu gave the charge while decorating the new service chiefs at the State House, Abuja, urging them to approach their assignments with the highest level of patriotism and dedication.
He 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.
“I charge you to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Nigerians expect results, not excuses,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the armed forces with the resources needed to effectively execute their mandate.
“I wish you success as you take up the challenge. I promise to provide all the support you need to get the job done,” he said.
The president prayed for the continued safety of the nation’s Armed Forces and peace across the country.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede who responded on behalf of the Service Chiefs, assured of proper synergy in tackling the nation’s security threats.
“I want to assure Mr. President and all Nigerians today that we’ll do all our utmost best to ensure that we rid Nigeria of all forms of criminality and make Nigeria safer to ensure socio-economic endeavours can thrive,”
Other service chiefs in attendance are Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waheedi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas.
The new CDS Lt. Gen. Oluyede was decorated with the new rank of General, the new Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major Gen. Shaibu was also decorated with the rank of Lt. General, the Chief of Naval Staff, CNS, Rear Admiral Abbas was decorated as Vice Admiral, while the Chief of Air Staff, CAS, Air Vice Marshal Aneke, was decorated with the rank of Air Marshall.
The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major General Undiendeye, who was retained by the President, was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General.
The wives of the new Service Chiefs were by their husbands’ sides to assist with the decoration.
Also, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; the Deputy President of Senate, Jubril Barau; the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume; the National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, among others, witnessed the brief ceremony.
