Tributes rain as Lagbaja dies 16 months after appointment, Tinubu orders flags at half-mast – Blueprint Newspapers Restricted
Prominent Nigerians, together with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his predecessor, Muhammadu Bujhari, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, Wednesday eulogised the gallantry of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who handed on Tuesday in Lagos after a interval of sickness.
Aged 56, the deceased navy chief was appointed some 16 months in the past, exactly 19, June 2023.
The presidency, in a terse assertion, introduced the dying of the military chief.
The assertion, signed by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated Lagbaja, who had been indisposed for a couple of month, “passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” he stated.
There had been speculations a few weeks again that the military chief had handed on, however this was dismissed by the Defence Headquarters which stated Lagbaja was on depart.
And simply because the mud over the confusion was but to calm down, President Tinubu introduced Major General Olufemi Oluyede as appearing chief of military workers, who was later promoted Lieutenant-General, the identical rank Lagbaja had.
This fuelled hypothesis that the coast was already clear that Oluyede can be stepping in as Lagbaja’s successor in substantive capability.
…Flags flown at half-mast
In line with custom, President Tinubu has ordered that nationwide flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the late navy chief.
Disclosing this in a press release, Director of Information and Public Relations on the Office of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (OSGF), Segun Imohiosen, stated President Tinubu has “directed that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed army chief.”
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Born on 28 February 1968 in Ilobu, Osun state, General Lagbaja was appointed COAS on 19, June 2023, by President Tinubu to succeed Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya.
Lagbaja spent his youth in Osogbo the place he attended the favored St Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College.
His distinguished navy profession started when he was admitted into the celebrated Nigerian Defence Academy within the 12 months 1987 as a member of the thirty ninth Regular Course.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant on 19 September 1992 into the Nigerian Infantry Corps. Between 1992 and 1995, Lagbaja was platoon commander of the 93 Battalion. From 1995 to 2001, he was platoon commander of 72 Special Forces Battalion.
In 2001, Lagbaja obtained a Bachelor’s diploma in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy, and in addition studied Strategic Studies on the US Army War College on the Master’s stage.
He was an teacher on the Nigerian Defence Academy from 2001 to 2004, and in addition at a time, a Grade 2 Staff Officer in command of peacekeeping on the Army Headquarters Department of Army Training and Operations, and far later as a Directing Staff on the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji from 2006 to 2009.
In 2009, he grew to become Deputy Chief of Staff G1 on the Headquarters of 81 Division and subsequently, he grew to become Commanding Officer at 72 Special Forces Battalion Makurdi from 2012 to 2013 and 2014 to 2015.
In 2016, he was named the Chief of Staff at Headquarters 8 Task Force Division, Monguno, and later served as Director of Operations on the Army Headquarters, Department of Army Training and Operations, from January to December 2018.
He was a Commander of Headquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Lagos state and Headquarters 2 Brigade, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
Before his new appointment as COAS , Lagbaja was General Officer Commanding Headquarters 82 Division from March 2021 to August 2022 and Headquarters 1 Division from August 2022 to June 2023.
He had earlier in 2008, attended the Military Observers Course on Peacekeeping Wing on the Nigerian Army School of Infantry Jaji (February – May 2008) and ECOWAS Standby Force Battalion Command Post Course – Peacekeeping Centre, Bamako, Mali – (June – August 2010).
Married to Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, their relationship was blessed with two youngsters.
…Buhari extols virtues
In a response, former President Buhari expressed unhappiness over the dying of Lagbaja, describing him as a patriot and an impressive officer who served the nation with utmost diligence.
In a press release signed by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, the previous president stated he was deeply shocked by the information of his dying, including that the nation had misplaced one in every of its best troopers.
“When I was the Commander-in-Chief, Lagbaja, as one of the commanders of army, caught my attention as one of the bravest officers who served the nation with utmost devotion.
“In the various frontlines of internal security operations, including Operation Zaki in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in South-east Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States, General Lagbaja left no one in doubt about his military capabilities.
“He left his indelible footprints as a professional soldier and inspiring commander wherever he served.
“I pray to the Almighty to repose of his soul and reward his courageous services to the Nigerian Army and the nation,” he stated.
The former president prolonged his condolences to the deceased’s household, the Nigerian Army, President Tinubu, and the federal government and the whole individuals of the nation.
…He was brave, says CDS Musa
Similarly, the CDS, General Musa, described the late COAS as brave, devoted and constant to Nigeria.
According to a press release by Director Defence Information Brig.-Gen Tukur Gusau, General Musa stated Lagbaja’s unflinching dedication to the safety and well-being of the nation had been unparalleled.
“Therefore, his passing is a tremendous loss, not only to his family, the Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) but also to the entire nation and humanity,” he stated.
According to him, “Lagbaja’s legacy of exceptional service and loyalty leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian Army, the AFN and the national defence security landscape.”
Musa stated Lagbaja demonstrated exemplary management, spearheading the institution of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and enjoying instrumental roles in a number of safety operations throughout the nation.
His contributions to operations reminiscent of FOREST SANITY in Kaduna and the Niger States, LAFIYA DOLE, ZAMAN LAFIYA and HADIN KAI in Borno, ZAKI in Benue, and UDOKA within the Southeast, amongst others, replicate his relentless dedication to making sure a safer and safer Nigeria.
General Musa prayed Almighty God to grant energy and luxury to his spouse, Mrs. Maria Lagbaja and his household, throughout this era of immense grief.
He emphasised that the AFN and the nation will deeply really feel the void left by his invaluable service, particularly in these vital occasions of addressing nationwide safety challenges.
Recalling Lagbaja’s 16-month tenure as COAS, General Musa acknowledged his sterling efficiency, braveness and steadfast dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“His enduring dedication and achievements will forever be remembered in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large,” he stated.
…He was a effective officer -Akpabio
In his personal response, Senate President Akpabio eulogised the late service chief as a effective officer who gave his all for the territorial safety and unity of the nation.
Akpabio stated he obtained the information of the dying of the late navy chief with shock, few days after he had spoken with the president and was upbeat about his return to workplace.
A press release by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio as saying, “I received the news of the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, with shock. His death, coming at a time the country needed his wealth of experience in tackling and bringing to an end insecurity in some parts of the country, is a huge loss to the country and the security community.
“He was a fine, committed and dedicated officer, who served the country with all his might, even at the risk of paying the supreme price.
“On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I commiserate with the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCON, the military community, the larger Lagbaja family on this great loss.
“I pray that Almighty Allah, grant his wife, children, colleagues and those who knew him, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss and also grant the soul of the departed gallant officer Aljanah firdaus.”
…NGF mourns
Also in a condolence message, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) stated: “We send our profound condolences to Mr. President, the Nigerian military establishment, and the family on the sad loss of this great patriot.”
In a press release by the NGF chairman and governor of Kwara state, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the governors stated: “Our hearts are especially with the family and the Nigerian Army at this difficult moment. We are comforted by the unforgettable memories of his unblemished services to our country. Even in death, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja stands honoured for his bravery and dedication to a greater, united Nigeria.
“We ask Almighty God to forgive his shortcomings, admit him to al-jannah Firdaus, and give his family the strength to get through this tough phase of life.”
…Northen govs too
Similarly, in a heartfelt tribute, the Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) described the later military chief as a revered navy chief.
In a press release by the NSGF chairman and governor of Gombe state, the northern governors condoled with the household, President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Governor Yahaya described Lagbaja as a patriot whose navy service was marked by unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s sovereignty, particularly amid ongoing safety challenges posed by insurgency, banditry, and different prison threats.
“General Lagbaja’s life and career were defined by a steadfast commitment to the Nigerian Armed Forces and a remarkable dedication to safeguarding the nation,” the assertion added.
“The late COAS, known for his discipline, bravery, and integrity, was a pillar in fortifying Nigeria’s defense framework, noted Governor Yahaya, adding that Lagbaja’s leadership embodied the values of honor and courage central to military service.
“On behalf of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Yahaya offered his sympathies to the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, as well as to the family, colleagues, and friends of the late army chief,” he stated.
The NSGF additionally commiserated with Lagbaja’s widow, Mariya Lagbaja, a local of Tula in Kaltungo native authorities space of Gombe state, and the individuals of Osun state, the place the deceased hailed from, urging them to search out solace in his legacy of service.
He prayed for the repose of his soul.
