President Bola Tinubu has described late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, as a “Soldier’s Soldier” and a “General of Generals,” noting that Lagbaja’s appointment as Chief of Army Staff was one of the best decisions he ever made.
Speaking at Lagbaja’s final interment at the National Cemetery in Abuja, Tinubu praised the late general’s formidable intellect, depth of knowledge, and prudent actions, which served Nigeria well.
President Tinubu led the nation in paying final respects to the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) who was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, top government officials, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps attended the solemn ceremony.
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 laid wreaths in honour of the general.
Lagbaja’s widow, Mariya, also participated in the ceremony.
In his remarks, the President praised Lagbaja for distinguishing himself as a thoroughbred professional soldier throughout his military career, adding that his legacy of service will be cherished forever.
The President announced the posthumous conferment of the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, which his widow, Mariya, received.
“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.
“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well. More than that, he was also a man of prudent action who cared more for his nation and for those who served under him than he ever did for himself.
“Yet, the hand of God works in its own sovereign way. The plans of God we cannot fully discern. At a time when his service to the nation could mean so much, God took him home to serve in His celestial army.
“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.
The President extended his condolences to the family of the late General, emphasising that words can never convey the nation’s gratitude for the selfless service of the departed.
“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,” he said.
The President urged members of the Armed Forces to honour Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s memory by rededicating themselves to the principles of patriotism 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 said.
The President described the late COAS as one of his best appointees, noting that although his tenure was brief, it marked a transformative period in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism insurgency and banditry.
“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.
“He displayed uncommon valour in the discharge of his duty, earning t…
Tinubu remembered Lagbaja as a trusted advisor and a man who cared deeply for his nation and those who served under him. “This general dedicated himself to the preservation of the house we call Nigeria,” Tinubu said. “Because of him, and men and women like him, this house shall stand firm and well protected.”
Lagbaja’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff was marked by transformative leadership, unwavering dedication to national security, and remarkable achievements in the fight against terrorism. Tinubu acknowledged Lagbaja’s passion for the welfare of soldiers and their families, citing his championing of outstanding group life assurance benefits.
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As a symbol of appreciation, Tinubu posthumously awarded Lagbaja the national honor of Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR). The President urged gallant officers not to let Lagbaja’s death defeat them but to press on with the unfinished business of securing and protecting Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army honored Lagbaja with 19 heavy artillery gun salutes during the ceremony, and Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General OO Oluyede, delivered a heartfelt funeral oration. Oluyede revealed that even on his sickbed, Lagbaja nominated him to act as Chief of Army Staff, demonstrating his selfless commitment to the nation.
Lagbaja’s legacy will live on, inspiring generations to come. As Tinubu eloquently put it, “No honor is higher than defending the motherland, which is what you are doing, and which is what he did until he died. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was an embodiment of the honor that the nation could deserve.”
