Picnews
The Nigerian Army, alongside military and paramilitary personnel, family members and civil society organisations, has honoured the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, at a second memorial service held in Lagos.
The event, which took place at the Maria Lagbaja Event Centre, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, featured tributes, prayers for the departed military chief and other fallen heroes, as well as the distribution of palliatives to widows of soldiers who lost their lives in service to the nation.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, attended the ceremony, where participants reflected on Lagbaja’s contributions to the Nigerian Army and his commitment to addressing the country’s security challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the GOC, the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ahmed Getso, described the late Army Chief as a distinguished soldier, exceptional leader and patriot whose life was characterised by courage, dedication and selfless service.
He noted that Lagbaja’s contributions to the military and the nation remained an important part of the Nigerian Army’s history, adding that his career demonstrated professionalism, competence and unwavering commitment to duty.
Babalola recalled that Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39th Regular Course in 1987 and received his commission into the Infantry Corps in 1992.
He said the late general’s progression through various command, staff and instructional appointments reflected his professional excellence and operational experience before his eventual appointment as Chief of Army Staff.
According to him, Lagbaja, during his tenure as COAS, prioritised strengthening the Army’s operational capabilities, improving troop welfare, promoting professionalism and sustaining efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
In his welcome address, the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, said the memorial was not merely an occasion to remember a departed senior officer but an opportunity to celebrate a life defined by dedication, patriotism, sacrifice and exemplary leadership.
Owolabi recalled Lagbaja’s involvement in several internal security operations, including Operations Zaki, Lafiya Dole, Udoka and Forest Sanity, describing his military career as a demonstration of determination to confront security challenges and restore peace in troubled communities.
He also urged serving military personnel to uphold the values of discipline, professionalism, loyalty, operational readiness and selfless service associated with the late Army Chief.
The brigade commander further emphasised the need to continually support families of fallen military personnel, noting that their sacrifices and losses should never be forgotten.
He extended his condolences to Lagbaja’s wife, children, relatives and others who shared in his life and military career.
Also speaking, the convener of Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA), Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, described the late general as a father figure who consistently placed national interest above personal considerations.
She said Lagbaja was passionate about the military and committed to seeing insecurity become a thing of the past in Nigeria.
Fatile noted that the decision to honour him was inspired by his love for the Armed Forces and his dedication to serving the country.
She prayed that the values and ideals he represented would continue to inspire military personnel and strengthen the pursuit of a peaceful and united Nigeria.
The memorial also drew attention to the welfare of families of fallen soldiers, with palliatives distributed to widows as a practical expression of support for those who continue to bear the burden of their loved ones’ sacrifices.
Special prayers were offered for the repose of Lagbaja’s soul and other military personnel who died in service to the nation.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from the Armed Forces, paramilitary agencies, military spouses, civil society organisations, members of PSNAFSA, widows of fallen heroes and other well-wishers.
Beyond the tributes, the gathering reinforced the importance of remembering fallen military personnel, supporting their families and sustaining the values of dedication, professionalism and service to the nation.
