President Bola Tinubu on Friday led the nation in honoring the memory of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, during a solemn burial ceremony held at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja. The President, accompanied by top military officials, government dignitaries, and members of the public, paid heartfelt tributes to Lagbaja, recognizing his dedicated service to the nation and his significant contributions to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The ceremony was a poignant reminder of Lagbaja’s legacy and the significant impact he had on the country’s security. As the nation mourns his passing, Tinubu’s presence highlighted the importance of unity and respect for those who have served the country with honor. Vice President Kashim Shettima, top government officials, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps attended the solemn ceremony. The late General’s widow, Mariya, was also present, participating in the ceremony alongside other prominent figures.
[/p]President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar, and Service chiefs all laid wreaths in honor of the general, paying their respects to the fallen soldier and his family. This final tribute was a demonstration of the high regard in which Lagbaja was held by his peers and the Nigerian government.
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In his remarks, President Tinubu praised Lagbaja for distinguishing himself as a thoroughbred professional soldier throughout his military career. The President emphasized that Lagbaja’s legacy of service would be cherished forever, noting that his contributions to Nigeria’s national security and military operations would not be forgotten. The President expressed that the late COAS was a trusted advisor and a dedicated leader, someone whose influence and intellect benefited the nation immensely. Tinubu acknowledged that, while the nation felt a deep sense of loss, Lagbaja’s life and work would continue to inspire future generations of Nigerian soldiers and citizens alike.
[/p]The President also announced the posthumous conferment of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) award on the late Chief of Army Staff, a prestigious honor that his widow, Mariya, received during the ceremony. This gesture was a testament to the high regard in which the late General was held by the Nigerian state and the military community. Tinubu reflected on Lagbaja’s contributions to Nigeria, stating, “Today is a solemn day for the nation and for me as Commander-in-Chief, for on this day, at this place, we lay to rest a soldier’s soldier. A General and Officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.”
[/p]The President also touched upon the personal loss he experienced through the death of his trusted military officer, stating that Lagbaja’s absence would create a void, but that his courageous spirit would continue to inspire the Nigerian people. “His departure could cause us great dismay. However, Lieutenant General Lagbaja would not want sorrow to overtake us. It has been said that 'the brave never die. Their courage serves a thousand living men.' So be it then; may the courage by which Lieutenant General Lagbaja served and now shine forth live in each of us,” he said.
[/p]In his final tribute, Tinubu extended his condolences to Lagbaja’s family, acknowledging their sacrifices and thanking them for sharing their beloved husband, father, and brother with the nation. The President stated, “You shared your beloved husband, father, and brother with an entire nation, allowing him to serve with honour. His sacrifices will never be forgotten. His life’s work will continue to inspire all who serve in our armed forces.” The ceremony emphasized that the legacy of Lieutenant General Lagbaja would live on, and that his selflessness and dedication to the country would remain an enduring source of inspiration for the Nigerian Armed Forces and beyond.
[/p]The President also urged members of the Armed Forces to honor Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s memory by rededicating themselves to the principles of patriotism, integrity, and love for Nigeria. “While we are saddened by his passing, we still celebrate his life. For his courage, sacrifice, and leadership, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja will forever reside in the pantheon of military greats,” he added.
[/p]The President described the late COAS as one of his best appointees, highlighting the short but transformative period during which he served in the military. Tinubu acknowledged that despite his tenure being brief, Lagbaja played an instrumental role in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry, making a significant impact on the security landscape of the country. “Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideals of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capacity and readiness of our armed forces to keep us safe. From his hands-on participation in many internal security operations, Lieutenant General Lagbaja had a clear understanding of the role of the military in securing and defending our country, its people, and their hard-won democratic institutions,” the President remarked.
[/p]He further praised Lagbaja for his exceptional leadership, particularly his concern for the welfare of his soldiers and their families. “He displayed uncommon valour in the discharge of his duty, earning the admiration of the rank and file, for he cared about their welfare and their families. I remember the passion with which he championed the payment of outstanding Group Life Assurance benefits to families of deceased personnel,” Tinubu stated. “Owing to his passion for his soldiers, we gave some needed financial relief to distressed families, clearing a backlog that had been growing since 2011.”
[/p]Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja passed away on November 5, 2024, just months after his appointment as Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023. His sudden death marks the loss of one of Nigeria’s most dedicated military leaders, whose contributions will continue to resonate within the country’s security apparatus long after his passing.
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