The Kogi East Elders Council (KEEC) has warmly congratulated one of its distinguished sons, Waidi Shaibu, on his appointment as the 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Nigeria. Shaibu—of Igala ethnic stock from the Kogi East Senatorial District (which also includes Bassange and Bassakomu communities)—was appointed by President Bola Tinubu and formally assumed office following a handover ceremony at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In a letter signed by the council’s Chairman, Professor Godwin Ogbadu, and Secretary-General, Dr. Rekiya Momoh‑Abaji, KEEC noted that they “got the amazing news of your recent appointment with great delight.” They congratulated him on a “well-deserved appointment as the Nigerian Chief of Army Staff,” adding that his “hard work and dedication to service” have been inspirational to the people of Kogi East, Kogi State more broadly, and Nigeria as a whole. The letter went on to express confidence that his “proven track record” ensures he will excel in his new role and that, amid rising national insecurity, “your choice for this position is indeed a round peg in a round hole.”
The elders also pledged moral support and readiness to assist, saying: “It is our prayer that Almighty God will guard and guide you in the service of Nigeria. Please be assured that we stand in readiness to avail you our presence and moral support whenever we are required. Accept the assurances of our best regards.”
Background on Lt-General Shaibu underscores why his appointment has been widely welcomed. Born on 18 December 1971 in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, he entered the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1989 as part of the 41 Regular Course and was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in 1994.
His academic qualifications are substantial: a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the NDA, a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management & Public Administration, and multiple master’s degrees (in Public Administration, Strategic Studies, and Security & Strategic Studies) including from institutions in Nigeria and abroad.
Operationally, he has held commanding roles in challenging theatres—most notably as General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Commander Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI in Maiduguri, and other important staff and training appointments.
President Tinubu’s military shake-up announced on 24 October 2025 placed Shaibu as COAS, while the then COAS, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, was elevated to Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). Shaibu’s appointment is seen as signalling a new phase for the Nigerian Army—one emphasising professionalism, modernisation, intelligence-led operations and closer inter-agency cooperation.
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State also welcomed the appointment, describing it as a demonstration of the president’s commitment to “fairness, equity, and recognition of merit in national service” and praising Shaibu as a “fine officer and true patriot.”
Igala Youths Council, on behalf of the Igala youth globally, congratulated Shaibu, praised his operational achievements in previous roles, and pledged loyalty and prayers.
Raymond Edoh (economist/youth advocate) called the appointment “well-deserved,” described the selection as reflecting President Tinubu’s commitment to merit, and expressed confidence that the new COAS will uphold professionalism, democratic values, and security.
A media aide to Leke Abejide (House of Reps member from Kogi) also praised the appointment as timely and well-deserved, noting Shaibu’s experience in counterinsurgency and leadership will be pivotal in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
