Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), warned on Wednesday that Nigeria’s security challenges will continue unless the nation improves its information management.
Oluyede, who appeared before the Senate for his screening, described his previous tenure as the Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) as “very challenging.”
READ ALSO: Senate confirms Oluyede as new CDS
Addressing the lawmakers, he acknowledged that while national security has seen significant improvements, more comprehensive work is necessary, requiring a collective effort.
“My tenure has been quite challenging, and while things have improved tremendously, we can do better,” Oluyede stated.
“It requires a whole-of-society approach. It’s important for all hands to be on deck to make Nigeria safer.”
Reflecting on the demands of military command, he stressed the dedication and experience needed to safeguard the nation.
He underscored the need to build local defense capabilities and create homegrown solutions to address evolving security threats, ranging from terrorism to cybercrime.
The CDS delivered a pointed warning about a critical area for improvement: “If we fail to manage information effectively, our challenges will persist.”
Following his presentation, the Senate expressed satisfaction with his responses and permitted him to take a bow, though he remained in the chamber afterward.
Lieutenant General Oluyede, born in 1968 and previously serving as the 24th Chief of Army Staff, is one of the new service chiefs recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
The other newly appointed service chiefs confirmed are: Chief of Army Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshall S. K. Aneke, and Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I. Abbas
READ ALSO: Oyebanji hails Tinubu for appointing Ekiti’s Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff
According to a statement from the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye, retains his position.
