The Nigerian Army, alongside military and paramilitary officers, family members and civil society organisations, gathered in Lagos to honour the memory of the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, at his second memorial service.
The event, held at the Maria Lagbaja Event Centre, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, featured tributes, prayers for Lagbaja and other fallen heroes, and the distribution of palliatives to widows of soldiers who died in service.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Adebayo Babalola, was in attendance, as participants reflected on Lagbaja’s contributions to the military and the sacrifices of personnel still confronting security threats across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the GOC, the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Getso, described Lagbaja as a distinguished soldier, exceptional leader and patriot whose life was defined by courage, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
He said Lagbaja’s contributions to the Army and the country remain indelibly etched in the nation’s institutional history, noting that his career was a remarkable demonstration of dedication, professional excellence and commitment to duty.
Babalola recalled that Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39th Regular Course in 1987 and was commissioned into the Infantry Corps in 1992. His rise through command, staff and instructional appointments, he said, reflected competence, operational experience and exemplary leadership, culminating in his appointment as COAS.
As COAS, he added, Lagbaja worked to strengthen operational capabilities, enhance professionalism, improve troop welfare and sustain the fight against insecurity nationwide.
In his welcome address, the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Ayokunle Owolabi, said the memorial was not just about remembering a departed senior officer, but celebrating a life of dedication, sacrifice, patriotism and exemplary leadership.
He said the occasion was an opportunity to reflect on the enduring values Lagbaja represented and the lessons his career still offers the Army and the country.
Owolabi recalled Lagbaja’s participation in internal security operations, including Operations Zaki, Lafiya Dole, Udoka and Forest Sanity, which he said reflected his determination to confront security challenges and restore peace in troubled areas.
He noted that Lagbaja’s appointment as the 22nd COAS in June 2023 was a significant milestone, as he provided leadership and strategic direction at a critical period in Nigeria’s security environment.
He urged serving personnel to sustain the discipline, professionalism, operational readiness, loyalty and selfless service for which the late Army Chief is remembered.
Owolabi also drew attention to the families of fallen personnel, stressing that their sacrifices must not be overlooked.
“Behind every fallen hero is a family who sacrificed and lost. They deserve the Army’s continued prayers, compassion and support,” he said.
He extended heartfelt thoughts to Lagbaja’s wife, children, relatives and all who shared in his life and career.
For the convener of Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA), Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, Lagbaja was a father figure who placed national interest above personal considerations.
She described him as passionate about the military and committed to seeing insecurity become a thing of the past in Nigeria, adding that he was honoured because he loved the military and served his fatherland with sincerity and passion.
“General Lagbaja’s tenure was defined by courage, patriotism, and a resolute commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria. We chose to honour him because he loved the military with all his heart and served his fatherland with sincerity and passion,” she said.
Fatile prayed that the ideals Lagbaja lived for would continue to inspire the Armed Forces and rekindle hope for a secure and united Nigeria.
“As we remember his good works, may the seeds of sacrifice he planted bring forth lasting peace. Let insecurity become a thing of the past in our dear country,” she added.
The memorial also highlighted the plight of widows of fallen soldiers, with the palliatives serving as practical support for families who continue to bear the consequences of military sacrifice.
Special prayers were offered for the repose of Lagbaja’s soul and those of other fallen heroes.
Dignitaries from the Armed Forces, military spouses, paramilitary agencies, civil society organisations, PSNAFSA members, widows of fallen heroes and other well-wishers attended the event.
Beyond the tributes, the remembrance reinforced a key lesson from Lagbaja’s leadership: that the strength of an army is measured not only by its operational capacity, but by the quality, motivation and welfare of the men and women in uniform.
