The Ilobu Community, town of the late Chief of Army General Toreed Lagbaja has suspended its annual Celebration of Ilobu Community Day.
General Taoreed Lagbaja, was born in Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government in Osun State, Southwest Nigeria and the suspension of the occasion was to serve as a mark of respect to the deceased.
The National President of the Ilobu-Asake Development Union (IDU), Olufemi Salako said the late COAS was billed to lead fundraising of N200m for developmental projects in the community with other illustrious sons of Ilobu, like former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Lasun Yusuf.
Salako, expressed shock over the death of General Lagbaja.
Development of our community
He said that his demise was devastating to the community adding “he died when his service and leadership are much needed for the development of our community, Osun State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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The Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has also mourned the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, describing it as “a huge misfortune.”
In a statement, Governor Adeleke condoled with President Bola Tinubu, the Lagbaja family of the Ilobu community, and the people of Osun State on the untimely death of the Army Chief.
The governor, described Lagbaja as a hardworking officer, a dedicated soldier, and a model of the traditional army officer, said the deceased had an ambitious vision for modernising and integrating the Nigerian Army.
According to Governor Adeleke, “A huge misfortune has befallen the people of Osun State, the Nigerian Army, and the great Lagbaja family of Ilobu. We have lost a rare breed, a gentleman, and a true patriot to the cold hand of death.
Our late brother held a significant vision of operational reforms for the Nigerian Army. He initiated root-and-branch reforms for the military. In his short tenure, he enforced professionalism and fiercely confronted terrorists and bandits.’’
Recalling his last encounter with the deceased, Adeleke said the meeting reflected Lagbaja’s hope and aspirations for a better Nigeria, with the military as a stabiliser and unifier of the federation.
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“In the late General Lagbaja, we had a great military leader with the poise, confidence, and firmness to realise the vision of a new Nigerian Army.
Unfortunately, the end came suddenly, and we surrender to the will of the Almighty Creator. I commiserate with the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu, and the great Lagbaja family. We mourn together on this sad occasion.”
On behalf of the people and Government of Osun State, we extend our condolences to Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and the two children,” the governor stated.
In a related development, a media group under the auspices of Prayer and Support Group for the Armed Forces and Security Agencies, led by Mary Fatile, in its condolence message described Late General Taoreed Lagbaja as a remarkable leader who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army in particular and the Military in general.
In her words, Mrs Fatile stated that “every hearts go out to the family, friends, and the entire Nigerian Army during this difficult time” . The group prayed for the repose of his soul and that his legacy continue to inspire and motivate the Nigerian Army.
Growing Up Years
Late Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, a Lieutenant General spent his childhood in Osogbo where he started primary school education and attended St Charles Grammar School for his secondary education. He proceeded to the Local Authority Teachers College.
In 1987, he was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a 39th Regular Course member.
Abiodun Lagbaja was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 19 September 1992 into the Nigerian Infantry Corps between 1992 and 1995 as he was the platoon commander of the 93 Battalion. From 1995 to 2001, he was platoon commander of 72 Special Forces Battalion.
Army Chiefs died in Office
It will be recalled that two Nigerian Army Chiefs had died in active service. General Joseph Akahan, a 30-year-old Army Chief, appointed shortly before the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. After visiting the frontline in Nsukka, he returned to his hometown in Gboko for a brief rest.
As he headed back to Makurdi, the helicopter carrying him and three other passengers including his wife died in a crash.
General Attahiru Ibrahim, a former Chief of Army staff also died on the evening of May 21, 2021, while he was travelling on a Nigerian Air Force Beechcraft King Air 350 for an official visit to Kaduna to attend the Passing out Parade of 80RRI in Depot Nigerian Army on 22 May 2021.
During the journey the plane crashed, killing Attahiru and all 10 other people on board.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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