In a historic recognition of excellence, the United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously inducted the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, into its International Hall of Fame (IHOF).
The prestigious honour was presented on Monday, October 13, 2025, during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington D.C.
The Commandant of the USAWC, Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, described the late Lagbaja as “a visionary and courageous leader whose legacy continues to inspire military excellence and global peace.”
The induction marks a historic first for Nigeria, as Lagbaja becomes the first Nigerian Army officer in the War College’s 124-year history to be so honoured.
Maj. Gen. Adeleke Ayannuga received the award on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, alongside the late general’s widow, Mrs. Maria Abiodun Lagbaja.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, in his remarks, said the honour “reinforces the Nigerian Army’s standing among the world’s professional militaries” and pays tribute to Lagbaja’s enduring legacy.
Late General Lagbaja Inducted into US Army War College Hall of Fame
