Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Mohamed Jamal, has conferred a national honour on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Oluyede, for his contributions to defence cooperation and regional security, a statement from Abuja said on Thursday.
The exchange of national awards among African heads of state and senior officials is a diplomatic practice recognising contributions to peace, security, economic cooperation and bilateral relations.
Sierra Leone and Nigeria maintain longstanding ties through regional organisations including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and joint security initiatives.
The Chief of Defence Staff is the highest-ranking military officer in Nigeria, responsible for strategic leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces and coordination of national defence policy.
President Mohamed Jamal presented the “Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic of Sierra Leone” to Oluyede during an official ceremony held in Freetown, the Sierra Leone capital.
The presidency of Sierra Leone said the award recognises his “outstanding leadership and contributions to regional peace and security.”
In his remarks at the ceremony, President Jamal highlighted the role of Nigeria’s armed forces in regional security and bilateral military cooperation between Abuja and Freetown.
He said that Oluyede’s leadership “strengthened defence partnerships and enhanced mutual efforts in peace support operations.”
Oluyede received the national honour in the presence of senior military officials from both countries and dignitaries attending the investiture. The Sierra Leone presidency said the accolade is one of the highest honours awarded to foreign nationals for distinguished service.
Nigeria’s presidential spokesman confirmed the honour and congratulated Oluyede on behalf of the Federal Government, noting that it reflects the strong defence relationship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
The conferment of a national award on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff underscores ongoing military cooperation and mutual recognition between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
Recognition of military leadership in the context of regional security reflects shared priorities among West African countries in peace support, defence collaboration and capacity building.
The honour may further strengthen defence and diplomatic ties between both countries, supporting collective engagement in security initiatives within the sub-region.
