President Bio Decorates CDS Oluyede With Sierra Leonean National Award

The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has decorated the Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel at a colourful parade during the 17th Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Thursday by Director Defence Information, DDI, Major General Samaila Uba

According to the statement, the award was given to Oluyede in recognition of his efforts to secure and ensure peace in Sierra Leone during the years the Nigerian CDS served in the country under the umbrella of the Economic Community of West Africa Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) as well as in appreciation of the sacrifices of all the Nigerian officers and soldiers who contributed to the peace and stability of Sierra Leone.

It stated that the CDS was recognised as having served in ECOMOG in Sierra Leone in addition to other operational accomplishments.

According to it, the CDS was deployed as a Platoon Commander at the residence of the then Sierra Leone Head of State between 1992 and 1994, where his exemplary service, leadership and unwavering commitment to the peace and stability of the government was exemplified.

The statement further added that aside from the Nigerian CDS, other distinguished personalities from Nigeria, Guinea, the United Kingdom, the United States and Kenya, among others, were equally awarded medals during the ceremony.

“This included former Nigerian CDS Gen Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Lt Gen Daniel Opande of Kenya (rtd), Lt Gen Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea, Maj Gen Paul Rogers of the USA and Brig Gen Edward Butler (Rtd) of the UK,” the statement read.

It further added that at the event, among praise for several selected countries, solemn tribute was paid to the courage, sacrifice and solidarity of Nigerian Armed Forces whose steadfast commitment under ECOMOG stood at the forefront of regional peace enforcement during Sierra Leone’s Civil War, while the Nigerian contingent was commended for distinguishing itself in bravery, resilience and protection of civilians.