President Bola Tinubu Leads Tributes at Burial of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, grant him posthumous award of the Commander of the Federal Republic of Niger
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, describing him as a patriot, a visionary leader, and an extraordinary military strategist whose contributions to Nigeria’s Armed Forces will remain etched in history.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of the esteemed general, President Tinubu expressed his personal loss and the nation’s grief over the untimely death of one of Nigeria’s finest military officers. He granted the late COAS the Posthumous Award as the Commander of the Federal Republic.
President Tinubu hailed Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as a man who embodied the highest ideals of patriotism, courage, and dedication. “Today, we lay to rest a soldier’s soldier, a leader whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was a trusted advisor and a man of action who cared deeply for Nigeria and its people,” the President said.
Tinubu described Lagbaja as a general whose tenure as Chief of Army Staff was marked by decisive actions, strategic leadership, and an unwavering focus on strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
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From his early days at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987 to his rise to the highest ranks of the military, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja demonstrated remarkable professionalism and leadership. President Tinubu highlighted his contributions to internal security operations, welfare programs for soldiers and their families, and his advocacy for financial support for fallen soldiers’ families.
“He championed the payment of outstanding group life insurance benefits to the families of deceased personnel, clearing a backlog that had been growing since 2011. His compassion extended beyond the battlefield, touching the lives of his colleagues and their loved ones,” Tinubu remarked.
President Tinubu acknowledged the void left by Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s passing, stating, “At a time when his service to the nation was needed most, God called him to a higher purpose. His departure is a great loss, but his courage, sacrifice, and leadership will forever inspire us.”
The President urged the Armed Forces to honor Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s memory by rededicating themselves to the principles he stood for—patriotism, diligence, and unity. He also called on Nigerians to uphold the values that the late general represented, saying, “Let us ensure that his sacrifice continues to guide our steps as we defend this great nation.”
President Tinubu pledged unwavering support to the family of the late general. “Your loss is immeasurable, but take solace in knowing that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja lived a life of purpose and left a legacy that will never fade. On behalf of a grateful nation, I say thank you for his service,” he said.
As the burial ceremony drew to a close, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s Armed Forces and the nation’s unity, calling for collective strength to preserve the ideals Lt. Gen. Lagbaja lived and died for.
“Farewell, gallant soldier. May your name reside forever in the annals of military greatness. Nigeria is stronger because of you, and your legacy will guide us as we move forward,” the President concluded.
