Abuja: Nigeria’s Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olatubosun Oluyede, has described his late predecessor, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as a selfless, passionate, and dedicated officer who gave his all to the country. Oluyede expressed these sentiments on Wednesday while speaking about the demise of the late army chief at the State House, Abuja, highlighting the profound loss felt by the entire Nigerian Army.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the Acting COAS emphasized the importance of celebrating Lt. Gen. Lagbaja for his remarkable service to the nation. He expressed deep regret over the loss, acknowledging the efforts made under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership to ensure the late general’s well-being. Lt. Gen. Oluyede conveyed the sorrowful mood encompassing the Nigerian Army following the passing of their leader, noting Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to honor the late general’s contributions to the country.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede als
o expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady for their support towards both the Nigerian Army and the family of the late general. In a gesture of condolence, he visited Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and other family members of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. The Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed that the condolence visit took place on Wednesday, 6 November 2024, at the Flag Staff House, Niger Barracks Abuja, accompanied by senior officers of the Nigerian Army.
During the tribute, General Oluyede extolled the late COAS’s gallantry, dedication, and enduring legacies throughout his service. In a heartfelt message penned in the condolence register, the Acting COAS conveyed the collective grief of the Nigerian Army, commending Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s unwavering dedication to the service of the nation and the indelible mark he left behind. He expressed solace in the acceptance of divine will, acknowledging the tremendous debt owed to the late general for his
service.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff by President Tinubu on 19 June 2023, officially assuming command as the 23rd COAS on 23 June 2023. Prior to this role, he served as the Chief of Operations (Army), overseeing all operational activities of the Nigerian Army. As COAS, he worked tirelessly to address terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges across Nigeria. General Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday, 5th November 2024, following a brief illness.