The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred a posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
He announced the honour during his address at the funeral of the late Army Chief at the Military Cemetery, Abuja, on Friday.
READ ALSO: President Tinubu Arrives At National Cemetery For Late COAS Funeral
The Nigerian Leader described the appointment of the late Lt. General Lagbaja as his Army Chief, as the best appointment decision made in his Presidency.
The national award was recieved by the late General’s wife, Maria Lagbaja.
“His legacy of service will be cherished forever as an eternal symbol of our appreciation.
“I’ve granted late Chief of Army Staff the posthumous national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic of Niger CFR.”
The President who was the Special guest of honour arrived at the National Military Cemetry at 3:05pm in company of the back pipers
He charged the men and officers of the Nigeria army not to be defeated by former COAS Lagbaja’s death but to fight on.
“And I renew my pledge to you today that the Country will always support you and your families as you protect our nation.
“To his immediate family, wife and children President Tinubu appreciated the family and said the sacrifice will not be forgotten ,added that hisnoufe work will continue to Inspire the men and officers of the army.”
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff in his remarks, General Christopher Musa, re-echoed the security agencies resolve to further defeat all enemies of the State.
The Chief of Defence Staff added that Lt.General Lagbaja’s transition left a void in the Nigerian Army while he exemplified finest ideals of military service.
“But beyond his professional achievement, Olagbaja was a man of profound faith, kindness and humility. He was a devoted family man, a mentor to many and a friend to all who crossed his paths. His ability to inspire those around him was on parallel, and his laughter, and wisdom will be dearly missed as we lay him to rest in this sacred ground among heroes who gave their lives for this nation.
“Let us resolve to honour his memory, not just in words but in action. Let us try to uphold the values he stood for, selflessness, diligence and unity.”
He assured Lagbaja’s family, “We extend our deepest condolences. We assure you he is gone, but we are here. We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade.”
The Minister of Defence, described the late Army Chief as a true patriot, he said his legacy to defend and secure Nigeria will endure as inspiration for generations to come.
Present at the event were; Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima. the leadership of the National Assembly led by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Abdulrazak Abdulraham, Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang , Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, Members of the Executive Council, Chief Justice of the Federation, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
Others are Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Director General Directorate of State Security Service, Adeola Oluwatosin, Former NSA, Babagana Munguno, Members of Diplomatic Corps, Royal Fathers amongst others.
It would be recalled that the Presidency had announced the demise of the late Army Chief who passed away on Tuesday night November 5, 2024 after a period of illness.
“President Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.”
Born on February 28, 1968, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was appointed the Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Throughout his service, Lieutenant General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
Comments are closed.