The President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio, has decorated Nigeria’s 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 Republic of Sierra Leone.
A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the award was given to General Oluyede in recognition of his efforts to secure and ensure peace in Sierra Leone during the years he served in the country under the umbrella of the Economic Community of West Africa Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).
He said the recognition was also in appreciation of the sacrifices of all the Nigerian officers and soldiers who contributed to the peace and stability of Sierra Leone.
The statement added that the Nigeria’s CDS was recognised as having served in ECOMOG in Sierra Leone in addition to other operational accomplishments.
According to the statement, the CDS was deployed as a Platoon Commander at the residence of the then Sierra Leone’s Head of State between 1992 and 1994 where his exemplary service, leadership and unwavering commitment to the peace and stability of government was exemplified.
Aside from Nigerian CDS, other distinguished personalities from Nigeria, Guinea, United Kingdom, United States and Kenya, among others, were equally awarded medals during the ceremony.
They 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 USA and
Brig. Gen. Edward Butler (rtd) of the UK.
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.
The Nigerian contingent was commended for distinguishing itself in bravery, resilience and protection of civilians.
