The Nigerian Army on Thursday confirmed the resumption of Major General Waidi Shaibu to duty as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, following a colourful handing and taking over ceremony at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The resumption witnessed a seamless transition of leadership, marking a new phase in its operational history.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, whoconfirmed the development through a statement issued on Thursday, said the event was between the new Chief of Army Staff and the incoming Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.
Major General Waidi Shaibu, in his remarks, commended Lieutenant General Oluyede for his exceptional leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support to the Nigerian Army, just as he also praised the outgoing Chief’s achievements, especially in equipment procurement, infrastructural development, and the “Soldier First” initiative, which prioritized troop welfare and operational readiness.
The new Army Chief , who vowed to sustain and build on the legacies of his predecessor while enhancing synergy among security agencies and government institutions to strengthen national security, also assured that he would review the current security situation and respond swiftly to emerging threats, also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding him worthy of the appointment.
He later led senior officers in observing a minute’s silence in honour of fallen heroes who paid the supreme price for peace and national unity.
The outgoing Chief of Army Staff and incoming Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenanant Oluyede, in his valedictory speech, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, just as he also commended the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their loyalty and dedication, urging them to extend the same commitment to his successor.
The ceremony featured the signing of handing and taking over notes, the decoration of the new Chief with the Army Headquarters insignia, an inspection of the quarter guard, and group photographs with principal staff officers and field commanders.
