In remembrance of the late Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Nigerian Army held a Service of Songs to honour his memory. The gathering included heartfelt tributes and prayers for his soul and the family he left behind, serving as a poignant reminder of life’s transience.
The service of songs in honour of the 23rd Chief of Army Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was held at the army headquarters garrison, Mogadishu cantonment, in Abuja Nigeria’s capital.
While paying tribute on behalf of his course mates the Commander Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), Major General Kevin Aligbe, said the best way to honour his memory is to continue what he believed into his death.
“Even though they say soldiers don’t die, his memories may fade away, the only way I and my course mates and the other members of the armed forces, officers and soldiers that he left behind, can honor his memory truly, is continue what he believed in. He believed in the indivisibility of Nigeria, he believed in service, and he gave everything. At the risk of sounding immodest, I don’t know if we gave him enough. Dear coursemates, dear friend, dear boss, sleep until we meet again.
In an emotional tribute delivered by Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association NAOWA Representative Bilkisu Ibrahim quoted a poem and some of the lines read, “With every piece of breath, you shield our motherland
Leading brave men with a steadfast hand
But now empty, blade of honor now laid down.
Warrior’s pulse now stilled in time
On the altar of freedom, you laid your life.
Your footsteps echo in our mind
Though gone, your spirit remains
Your valor shines like stars above
Fierce heart, forever silenced
Battle-hardened soul, now at rest
We mourn your loss
Yet celebrate the life you live
The victory’s great
Death’s dark bay cannot conceal your heart.
The service of songs saw both serving and retired personnel from armed forces and other security agencies and Nigerians from all works of life turn out to honour General Lagbaja as he marched to the world beyond after dutifully serving his nation even until the time of death.
Dominica Nwabufo
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