The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has conferred one of the country’s highest national honours on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, in recognition of his contributions to peace and stability in the West African nation.
General Oluyede was decorated with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel during a colourful parade marking the 17th Armed Forces Day celebration of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. The award acknowledges his role in promoting peace during his service in Sierra Leone under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).
According to the citation read at the ceremony, the Nigerian defence chief served in ECOMOG operations in Sierra Leone and was deployed as a Platoon Commander at the residence of the country’s then Head of State between 1992 and 1994. His leadership, professionalism and commitment were described as instrumental in sustaining government stability and supporting peace efforts during a critical period in Sierra Leone’s history.
The honour was also presented in appreciation of the sacrifices made by Nigerian officers and soldiers who played pivotal roles in restoring peace during Sierra Leone’s civil war, with the Nigerian Armed Forces receiving special commendation for bravery, resilience and the protection of civilians throughout the conflict.
Other distinguished personalities from Nigeria, Guinea, the United Kingdom, the United States and Kenya were equally recognised during the ceremony. Among the awardees were former Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff Martin Luther Agwai, retired Lieutenant General Daniel Opande of Kenya, Lieutenant General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea, Major General Paul Rogers of the United States, and Brigadier General Edward Butler (Rtd) of the United Kingdom.
Speakers at the event paid solemn tribute to the courage and solidarity demonstrated by the Nigerian Armed Forces under ECOMOG, noting that their intervention remained central to regional peace enforcement efforts during Sierra Leone’s civil war.
