NEWS
Tinubu Seeks Senate’s Approval Of Oluyede As COAS
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially requested the Senate to confirm Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The request, read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday, seeks to elevate Oluyede from his current role as acting COAS.
Oluyede assumed the acting position on October 30 following the illness of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5.
In his letter to the Senate, Tinubu emphasized Oluyede’s qualifications for the role, citing his leadership abilities and extensive military experience.
“Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s extensive military experience, professional integrity, and significant contributions to national security make him well-suited to lead the Nigerian Army during these critical times,” the president stated.
RELATED NEWS: JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Major General Oluyede As Acting Chief of Army Staff
The letter also referenced Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act as the legal basis for the request.
Senate Committee to Review Nomination
The Senate referred the president’s request to its Committee on Army for screening. The committee is expected to present its report to the Senate as soon as possible for further action.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga previously announced the submission of Tinubu’s nomination letter last week.
He reiterated the president’s confidence in Oluyede’s ability to lead, saying, “President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. General Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.”
A Distinguished Military Career
Before his acting appointment, Oluyede was the Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna State.
His military career began in 1987, and he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992. In September 2020, he was promoted to the rank of Major General.
Over the years, Oluyede has held several command and staff roles, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He also served in various operations, such as the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Recognized for Excellence
Oluyede’s contributions to the military have earned him numerous honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
He is also a member of the National Institute and has received awards such as the Field Command Medal and the Field Training Medal.
NEWS
Tinubu Applauds Revival Of Port Harcourt Refinery, Orders Prompt Reactivation Of Warri, Kaduna Refineries
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) on the successful revitalisation of the Port Harcourt refinery.
Biztellers reports that the refinery commenced petroleum product loading on November 26, 2024, according to statements from the NNPC Ltd.
Tinubu’s joy was conveyed in a statehouse statement by the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, made available on his socials on Tuesday.
He wrote, “The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for its confidence in financing this critical project.
ALSO READ: JUST IN: Port Harcourt Refinery Begins Crude Oil Processing
“Furthermore, President Tinubu commends the leadership of NNPC Limited’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, whose unwavering dedication and commitment were instrumental in overcoming challenges to achieve this milestone.
“With the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, President Tinubu urges NNPC Limited to expedite the scheduled reactivation of both the second Port Harcourt refinery and the Warri and Kaduna refineries.
“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries and make our country a major energy hub, with the gas sector also enjoying unprecedented attention by the administration.
“The President underscores his administration’s determination to repair the nation’s refineries, aiming to eradicate the disheartening perception of Nigeria as a major crude oil producer that lacks the ability to refine its own resources for domestic consumption.
“Highlighting the values of patience, integrity, and accountability in the rebuilding of the nation’s infrastructure, President Tinubu calls upon individuals, institutions, and citizens entrusted with responsibilities to maintain focus and uphold trust in their service to the nation.
“In alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda focused on shared economic prosperity for all, the President reaffirms his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity for Nigeria.”
International News
Egypt’s Red Sea Tragedy: Rescue Teams Recover Four Bodies
Rescuers have recovered four bodies and rescued four survivors a day after a diving boat capsized off Egypt’s eastern coast, leaving eight people still missing.
The “Sea Story” vessel, which was carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew members, was struck by a large wave early Monday morning near Marsa Alam in southeastern Egypt, causing it to sink within minutes.
Among the survivors were two Belgians, one Swiss national, and one Egyptian, Red Sea governor Amr Hanafi confirmed.
The total number of survivors from the tragedy now stands at 32, while authorities continue to search for the missing passengers. The identities of the four deceased have not yet been disclosed.
Related News: JUST IN: 17 Feared Missing After Tourist Boat Sank In Egypt’s Red Sea
Rescue operations are still ongoing, with a military helicopter, a frigate, and multiple divers supporting the efforts.
The boat had set out on a multi-day diving trip on Sunday and was scheduled to dock in Hurghada on Friday, 200 kilometers to the north.
When the wave struck, it left some passengers, including Europeans, Americans, and Chinese tourists, trapped in their cabins.
Military personnel, along with a passing tourist boat, rescued 28 people from the water on Monday.
Six tourists and three Egyptians were taken to a local hospital for minor injuries but were discharged later that day. The injured included nationals from Germany, Britain, Spain, and Switzerland.
The boat was carrying tourists from various countries, including Belgium, the United States, China, Finland, Poland, Spain, and others.
The missing individuals include two Polish and two Finnish nationals, according to their respective governments.
Initial investigations confirmed that the boat was fully licensed and had passed all safety checks prior to the trip, with no technical faults identified.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the capsizing, but early reports indicate that the large wave may have been a major contributing factor.
While the Red Sea remains a popular destination for tourists, this tragic accident has drawn attention to safety concerns in the region.
Despite robust regulations, incidents involving dive boats are not uncommon.
Earlier this year, similar accidents occurred in the region, though no fatalities were reported.
NEWS
Viral Video Of Man Surviving Container Accident
A jaw-dropping incident at Mile 2 in Lagos saw a man survive unscathed after a 40-foot container crashed onto his car.
This astonishing escape has been trending across social media platforms, sparking widespread awe and discussions about road safety.
Join the conversation and watch the incredible footage now here