President Bola Tinubu has conferred a posthumous national honour on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
Tinubu announced the conferment of the Commander of the Federal Republic honour on Lagbaja during the burial ceremony of the late Army Chief on Friday in Abuja.
The president said the honour was in recognition of Lagbaja’s service to the nation.
He stated, “Throughout his military career, his legacy of service will be cherished forever. As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have granted the late Chief of Army Staff the posthumous National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I invite his wife, Maria, to collect the posthumous Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The president described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees, saying, “Lagbaja was a true soldier, a general, and an officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.
“He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our Armed Forces to save and keep us.”
He also said Lagbaja was a trusted advisor, a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and the men who served under him, adding that the late COAS had a clear understanding of the military’s role in securing and defending the country, its people, and their hard-won constitutional democracy.
“He displayed uncommon valour in the charge of his duty and the administration of the rank and file, for he cared about their welfare and that of their families.
“Lieutenant General Lagbaja, our nation has indeed lost a leader who truly distinguished himself as a thoroughbred professional soldier.
“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well.
“More than that, he was also a man of prudent action who cared more for his nation and for those who served under him than he ever did for himself. Yet, the hands of God work in their sovereign way. The plans of God we cannot fully discern,” Tinubu said.
The president noted that although Lagbaja’s departure was a great loss, the late Army Chief would not want sorrow to overtake the nation.
He said, “To you, dear gallant officers, please do not let death defeat us. Hold your heads high in memory of your Army Chief. At this moment, he would have urged you to honour him by pressing on gallantly with your unfinished business.
“As the Commander-in-Chief, I renew my pledge to you today that the country will always support you and your families as you defend and protect our nation.”
Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after a period of illness.
