By Odita Sunday
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Sunday, led other senior military officers and former service chiefs to a one-year memorial service in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (OFR).
The service, held at the All Saints Military Church (Protestant), Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, marked one year since the passing of the late Army Chief, who died on November 5, 2024.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff described the late Lagbaja as a fearless commander, compassionate leader, and consummate patriot whose legacy of professionalism and empathy continues to inspire the Nigerian Army.
“General Lagbaja was a soldier’s soldier — a man of integrity, humility and selfless service. His leadership strengthened the bond of unity within the Armed Forces and the nation at large,” Oluyede said.
He extended the condolences of the Armed Forces to the Lagbaja family and prayed for God’s strength and comfort, noting that the late General’s contribution to national security would remain indelible.
Delivering the sermon, the Acting Director, Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lieutenant Colonel Bitrus Nyam, urged officers and soldiers to emulate the late Army Chief’s life of faith, dedication and patriotism.
According to Nyam, “General Lagbaja served God and country with humility and honour. He was a faithful soldier of Christ and a leader whose example continues to speak loudly.”
Highlights of the event included special prayers, thanksgiving, and moments of reflection in honour of the late Army Chief.
Among dignitaries in attendance were former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Generals LEO Irabor (retd) and Christopher Musa (retd); the representative of the COAS, Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana; the wife of the late COAS, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja; the President of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA); and other service wives’ association leaders.
Also present were members of the 39 Regular Course (serving and retired), principal staff officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, and families of military personnel.
The late Lieutenant General Lagbaja was remembered as a visionary leader and patriot whose dedication to duty and service to humanity continue to inspire the Nigerian Armed Forces.
CDS, COAS, Ex-Service Chiefs Honour Late Lt Gen Lagbaja at One-Year Memorial
