By Harriet Tornguvan
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has conferred the country’s prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, in recognition of his role in peacekeeping operations during the Sierra Leone civil war.
The honour was presented at a colourful parade marking the 17th Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the award acknowledges CDS’s contributions to securing peace and stability in Sierra Leone while serving under the ECOMOG mission. It also recognises the sacrifices of Nigerian officers and soldiers who participated in restoring order in the country.
During the citation, General Oluyede was noted to have served with ECOMOG in Sierra Leone and held several operational roles. Between 1992 and 1994, he was deployed as a platoon commander at the residence of the then Head of State, where he demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to safeguarding government institutions and supporting national stability.
The statement said that several other distinguished international military figures were also honoured at the ceremony. They included former Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd), Kenya’s Lt.-Gen. Daniel Opande (retd), Guinea’s Lt.-Gen. Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Maj.-Gen. Paul Rogers of the United States and Brig.-Gen. Edward Butler (retd) of the United Kingdom.
At the event, tributes were paid to the courage and sacrifice of the Nigerian Armed Forces, whose troops serving under ECOMOG were praised for their frontline role in regional peace enforcement during Sierra Leone’s civil war.
The statement acknowledged that, the Nigerian contingent was particularly commended for its bravery, resilience and protection of civilians throughout the conflict.
