- The decoration ceremony took place at the Tinubu’s office at the presidential villa in Abuja, on Thursday.
- Yusuf was appointed as ADC in April 2023, before Tinubu’s inauguration as president on May 29, 2023.
President Bola Tinubu has decorated his aide-de-camp, Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf, with the rank of Colonel.
Tinubu on Thursday praised Yusuf as a trustworthy officer who earned his rank elevation, saying that his promotion was well deserved.
Lt. Col. Yusuf’s promotion to Colonel was approved by the Nigerian Army Promulgation AHQ MS/G1/300/252/2 on December 19, 2024, with seniority effective September 22, 2023.
“You all know Nurudeen Alowonle Yusuf. He carries a lot of responsibilities. I am joyous that the military authorities have promoted my ADC.
“He is worthy of the promotion, and I am very happy for him. Nurudeen is a diligent and reliable officer with the right temperament. I believe he will achieve greatness in his profession.
“We are with you. We love and really care about you. We will continue to do so. Character defines man, and it has defined you. With your promotion, you are highly respected. From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you. We thank God for you.
“May God bless our armed forces and keep them safe,” the President said in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu also commended the ADC’s wife for maintaining a stable home front while Yusuf served the nation.
Col. Yusuf expressed gratitude to the President for trusting him as Aide-de-Camp since May 2023, pledging loyalty to him and the country.
“I stand here today filled with immense gratitude and humility as I reflect on this remarkable occasion of my decoration with the rank of Colonel in the Nigerian Army.
“This moment is a personal milestone and a testament to the enduring values of the unwavering support of those around me.
“First and foremost, I thank the Almighty Allah for His grace, guidance, and blessings upon my career and life. Without Him, this day would not have been possible.
“To His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply honoured by the privilege to be granted promotion to this enviable rank.
“I wish to use this unique opportunity to restate that your leadership and trust have been a source of inspiration, and serving as your Aide-de-Camp has been a profound privilege and the highest honour of my career.
“Thank you for your confidence in me and for being here to share in this special moment,” he said.
Notable attendees included AbdulRazaq AbdulRahmon, governor of Kwara; Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser; Kayode Egbetokun, inspector general of police; Christopher Musa, Chief of defense staff; and Bello Matawalle, minister for state defense.
Others present were Kudirat Yusuf, the ADC’s mother; Ganiyat Yusuf, his wife, and Abiodun Yusuf, his daughter.