Following their Senate confirmation, President Bola Tinubu has formally decorated the newly appointed service chiefs in a ceremony held at the Council Chambers of the State House on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
The decoration ceremony began promptly at 1:28 PM with:
- General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), receiving his insignia.
- He was followed by Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), at 1:34 PM.
- Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), was decorated at 1:44 PM,
- Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), at 1:51 PM,
- And Air Marshal Kevin Aneke, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), concluding the decoration
The President was personally assisted during the ceremony by the Service Chiefs’ spouses, who helped pin the new ranks onto their husbands’ uniforms, emphasizing the family support required for the demanding roles.
The event was attended by a host of distinguished government officials and security leaders, underscoring the gravity of the military leadership transition. Distinguished guests at the event included:
- Vice President Kashim Shettima
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio
- Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abass
- Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin
- Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume
- Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila
- Head of Service of the Federation Didi Walson-Jackson
- National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu
- Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru
- Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris
- Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
