Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, paid tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, commending his unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s service.
Oluyede described Lagbaja’s commitment and contributions as a lasting legacy, underscoring the respect and admiration he held within the military.
During a condolence visit to Lagbaja’s widow, Mariya, at the Flagstaff House in Niger Barracks, Abuja, on Wednesday, Oluyede expressed deep sympathy on behalf of the Nigerian Army. He was accompanied by top officials, including Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, and General Officers Commanding.
In a statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Oluyede said, “It is with a huge sense of loss, albeit responsibility, that I, on behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, commiserate with Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, the children, and the entire Lagbaja clan over the passing of our dogged, gallant, and extremely dedicated leader, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (Nigerian Army Medal), the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, without doubt, gave his all to the service of our dear nation.”
Oluyede continued, “This was evident in his dedication to duty and the legacies he has left behind. We only take solace in the fact that we cannot in any way question the Almighty. We surely owe him a whole lot. Rest in peace, our leader and hero. You will surely be missed.”
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos. His sudden death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and officials who valued his leadership and service to Nigeria.
