The Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) has congratulated Lieutenant General Olufemi Olusola Oluyede, on his appointment as Nigeria’s new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a congratulatory message signed by its President, Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, AANI described the appointment as a well-deserved recognition of Lieutenant General Oluyede’s distinguished service, professional excellence and outstanding leadership qualities.

According to Ambassador Okafor, the appointment is a resounding acknowledgment of General Oluyede’s integrity, intellect, and uncommon courage, noting that his elevation reflects the confidence reposed in him to lead the Nigerian Armed Forces to greater heights in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called an inspired and merit-based decision, adding that the appointment further underscores the National Institute’s continuing contribution to producing strategic leaders with both policy insight and operational competence.

The AANI President also expressed appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs for their remarkable contributions to national security and nation-building, while wishing them God’s guidance and fulfilment as they transition into retirement.

As Lieutenant General Oluyede assumes his new and onerous responsibilities as Chief of Defence Staff, Okafor said, AANI wishes him divine wisdom, renewed strength, and unity of purpose to sustain and advance the gains of ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other threats to national peace and cohesion.

He assured that the Alumni Association of the National Institute stands firmly behind him and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces and will continue to partner with them in promoting national stability, security and development in line with AANI’s motto, Towards a better society.

Once again, we congratulate Lieutenant General Olufemi Olusola Oluyede, mni, NAM, on this noble and historic appointment. May his tenure be marked by strategic innovations, strengthened civil-military cooperation, and enduring peace across our beloved nation.