The late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest on Friday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.
The solemn ceremony, attended by senior government officials, military leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps, was marked by heartfelt tributes and the conferral of a posthumous national honour by President Bola Tinubu.
In his address at the burial, President Tinubu awarded General Lagbaja the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, recognising his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s security.
“Throughout his military career, General Lagbaja exhibited exceptional dedication and leadership, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered,” Tinubu said.
“As a lasting symbol of our gratitude, I have bestowed upon him this posthumous honour. I now invite his wife, Maria, to accept the award on his behalf,” he added.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, also paid tribute, describing General Lagbaja’s passing as a call to action for the military.
“We will not leave you alone. We understand your loss is immeasurable, but take comfort in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade,” Musa said.
“To my fellow officers and men, let this moment inspire us to recommit ourselves to the ideals for which General Lagbaja stood. Let us ensure his sacrifice and service continue to guide us as we defend this great nation. His passing strengthens our resolve to defeat all enemies of the state, whether within or beyond our borders.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, were among the dignitaries present.
Service chiefs and other senior military officers paid their respects by laying wreaths in honour of the late General Lagbaja.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja passed away on 5 November at the age of 56.
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