By Mariam Sanni
Nigerian Army yesterday witnessed a seamless transition of leadership as Major-General Waidi Shaibu formally assumed duty as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, COAS, following a colourful handing and taking over ceremony between the new COAS and his predecessor, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
In a statement, the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant-Colonel Appolonia Anele stated that the the new COAS commended the incoming Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Lieutenant-General Oluyede for his outstanding leadership, mentorship and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.
He lauded the outgone COAS achievements, particularly in the areas of equipment procurement, infrastructural development and the “Soldier First” concept, which prioritised troops and welfare and operational readiness.
Major-General Shaibu pledged to consolidate and build on the remarkable legacies of his predecessor, while enhancing synergy among security agencies and government institutions to strengthen national security.
He assured that he would carefully review the current security situation and respond swiftly to evolving threats, emphasizing his commitment to improve operational efficiency and troops morale.
“I salute the courage, passion, resilience and discipline of our troops on the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” the new army chief stated.
While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for finding him worthy of the position, the COAS led senior officers in observing one minute silence for the repose of the souls of departed comrades.
In his valedictory address, the outgone COAS and incoming CDS, Lieutenant-General Oluyede, expressed profound appreciation to the president for his visionary leadership and for the privilege to serve as COAS and now as CDS.
He praised the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, diligence and sacrifice in the discharge of their duties, urging them to extend the same loyalty and commitment to the new COAS.
“The mission remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” he affirmed.
Earlier in his remarks, the immediate past Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major-General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, extolled the exemplary leadership of the outgone chief, describing him as a selfless and visionary leader whose contributions to the Nigerian Army will be remembered by posterity.
The ceremony featured the signing of the handing and taking over notes, decoration of the new chief with the Army Headquarters insignia, inspection of the quarter guard and group photographs with principal staff officers and field commanders.
