• Tinubu Honours Late Army Chief Lagbaja with Posthumous CFR
• Leads Tributes to Late Army Chief Lagbaja
• Urges Armed Forces to Uphold Lagbaja’s Legacy in Fight Against Insurgency
The late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, was laid to rest on Friday at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, amid a solemn atmosphere filled with tributes, tears, and deep national reflection.
The burial, conducted with full military honours, saw the attendance of key government officials, military personnel, and dignitaries from across Nigeria.
Among them were Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, and senior officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The late general’s family members, led by his widow, Mrs. Mariah Lagbaja, stood resolute as the nation honoured the remarkable life and legacy of a man described as one of its finest patriots.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu posthumously conferred the prestigious national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late General Lagbaja, presenting the medal to his widow in recognition of his bravery, loyalty, and exemplary service to the nation.
In his emotional tribute, Tinubu said, “As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have granted the late Chief of Army Staff the posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, CFR.”
He called on the Armed Forces to draw inspiration from Lagbaja’s courage and dedication, urging them to continue the fight against insurgency and banditry in his memory.
“To the gallant officers of our Armed Forces, do not let death defeat us. In memory of your army chief, lift your heads in pride. Honour him by pressing on gallantly with the unfinished business,” Tinubu charged.
President Tinubu described the late general as an exceptional leader, a trusted advisor, and a soldier’s soldier whose unwavering dedication to Nigeria set him apart.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja symbolized the best of his profession. For me, he was more than I could have hoped for—one of my best appointments. His departure is a profound loss, not just for the military but for the entire nation,” Tinubu noted.
Tinubu emphasized that Lagbaja’s life was a testament to selfless service and patriotism. “He had an abiding faith in the capability of our Armed Forces to protect this nation. His courage, intellect, and leadership will inspire generations to come,” Tinubu added.
The president also reflected on Lagbaja’s dedication to the welfare of soldiers, highlighting his pivotal role in clearing the backlog of Group Life Assurance benefits owed to families of deceased personnel.
“I remember his passion for ensuring that these families received financial relief. His efforts brought much-needed comfort to those who had suffered losses,” Tinubu said.
A Soldier’s Career of Excellence
Lagbaja’s military career, which began at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987, was marked by numerous achievements. Rising to the apex of his profession as the Chief of Army Staff, he held several key positions, including General Officer Commanding of the 82 Division and the 1 Division.
President Tinubu recounted Lagbaja’s instrumental role in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency and banditry, noting that his tenure marked a transformative period in the military’s operations.
“His leadership was visionary and transformative, demonstrating what it means to serve with honour and purpose,” he said.
Quoting a tribute from a senior officer, Tinubu said, “In the annals of Nigerian military history, few leaders have left as indelible a mark as Lt. Gen. Lagbaja. His leadership during Nigeria’s challenging fight against terrorism was nothing short of exceptional.”
A Family and Nation in Mourning
Addressing the grieving family, Tinubu expressed the nation’s gratitude for their sacrifices, stating, “To his beloved wife, Mariah, his children, and family members, words cannot fully convey our appreciation. You shared your husband and father with the entire nation, allowing him to serve with distinction. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The president urged the family and the nation to draw strength from Lagbaja’s legacy. “Though his departure could cause dismay, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja would not want sorrow to overtake us. His courage lives on in us all, and his story will inspire generations to come,” Tinubu said.
A Legacy That Lives On
As the nation bid farewell to one of its most decorated soldiers, Tinubu reminded Nigerians of the greater purpose behind Lagbaja’s service. “This general dedicated himself to the preservation of the house we call Nigeria. Because of him and others like him, this house shall stand firm and well protected,” he said.
Lagbaja’s colleagues in the Armed Forces also paid glowing tributes, describing him as a rare gem and a thoroughbred professional. One tribute captured his impact: “His tenure, though brief, marked the end of an era characterized by exceptional military leadership and unwavering dedication to national security.”
