By Bavoriat Clara
The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has decorated Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel.The honour was conferred during a colourful parade marking the 17th Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the award was presented to General Oluyede in recognition of his contributions to peace and security in Sierra Leone during his service in the country under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG). The honour also acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigerian officers and soldiers who played key roles in restoring peace and stability in Sierra Leone.
While reading the citation, the organisers noted that the Chief of Defence Staff served with ECOMOG in Sierra Leone and recorded notable operational achievements. He was deployed as a platoon commander at the residence of the then Sierra Leone Head of State between 1992 and 1994, where he demonstrated exemplary leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the stability of the government.
Other distinguished personalities from Nigeria, Guinea, the United Kingdom, the United States and Kenya were also decorated during the ceremony. Among them were former Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd); Lieutenant General Daniel Opande (rtd); Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura; Major General Paul Rogers; and Brigadier General Edward Butler (rtd).
At the event, tributes were paid to the courage, sacrifice and solidarity of the Nigerian Armed Forces, whose steadfast commitment under ECOMOG was described as pivotal to regional peace enforcement during Sierra Leone’s civil war. The Nigerian contingent was particularly commended for its bravery, resilience and protection of civilians.
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