Why Defence Journalists Honoured CDS Oluyede At DECAN Conference

The Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) has honoured the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his management of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and dedication to strengthening joint army operations.

Oluyede, represented by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, acquired the award on the DECAN Conference on National Security and Awards 2026, held on Monday, 12 October, on the Army Command Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.

The award recognised his management in coordinating the operations of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force in the direction of addressing the nation’s evolving safety challenges.

His management strategy aligns along with his army strategic philosophy of consolidating the capabilities of the AFN by way of enhanced jointness, improved operational posture, personnel welfare and sound administration.

The philosophy additionally emphasises a whole-of-government strategy to nationwide safety, recognising the significance of collaboration among the many army, different safety companies and related authorities establishments.

Under Oluyede’s management, enhanced cooperation among the many companies stays central to efforts to enhance operational effectiveness and reply to complicated threats throughout Nigeria’s safety theatres.

His emphasis on jointness seeks to advertise coordinated planning, intelligence sharing and the efficient deployment of army capabilities, quite than permitting particular person companies to function in isolation.

The CDS has additionally harassed the significance of personnel welfare {and professional} improvement in constructing a motivated and efficient combating drive.

The strategy recognises that operational success relies upon not solely on gear and fight functionality but in addition on the professionalism, morale and welfare of the personnel entrusted with defending the nation.

At the DECAN convention, Oluyede, represented by the Director of Defence Information, retired Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba urged defence journalists to collaborate with the army to deal with misinformation and AI-generated faux content material that may undermine nationwide safety.

He described the convention theme, “Beyond Kinetic Warfare: Harnessing Technology and Intelligence-Led Operations for Nigeria’s National Security,” as related to the altering character of recent warfare.

The CDS famous that modern conflicts more and more required technological superiority, well timed intelligence and efficient administration of the knowledge atmosphere, alongside standard army operations.

His message bolstered the significance of credible reporting and accountable info dissemination in supporting nationwide safety and public understanding of army operations.

The award to Oluyede highlights the significance of strategic army management, inter-service cooperation and constructive military-media engagement in advancing Nigeria’s safety aims.

DECAN is an affiliation of journalists overlaying defence and safety points in Nigeria.