The President of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius Maada Bio has conferred the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, during a colourful parade marking the 17th Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
The honour was bestowed on General Oluyede in recognition of his contributions to securing peace in Sierra Leone during his tenure with the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).
The award also acknowledges the sacrifices of Nigerian officers and soldiers who played key roles in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
While reading his citation during the award, the CDS was recognised as having served in ECOMOG in Sierra Leone in addition to other operational accomplishments.
He was deployed as a Platoon Commander at the residence of the then Sierra Leone 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 the Nigerian CDS other distinguished personalities from Nigeria, Guinea, United Kingdom, United States and Kenya among others were equally awarded medals during the ceremony.
This included former Nigerian CDS Gen Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Lt Gen Daniel Opande of Kenya (rtd), Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea, Major General Paul Rogers of USA and Brigadier General 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.