Solomon Odeniyi
Emotions ran high as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, on Friday.
The ceremony brought together family, colleagues, and dignitaries to bid a final farewell to the late army chief.
The grief-stricken family members and colleagues struggled to contain their tears.
Even the nose mask worn by his widow, Mariya, couldn’t conceal the steady stream of tears that dropped from her eyes.
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The procession began at precisely 3:00 p.m. when Lagbaja’s remains arrived at the cemetery.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, each took turns laying wreaths at the grave.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa, assured Nigerians that Lagbaja’s death would inspire the military to defeat the nation’s enemies wherever they may be.
Musa stated that the military took solace in the fact that the late army chief lived a purposeful life, urging the troops to honour his memory by committing themselves to the ideals he stood for.
Musa said, “We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade. To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.
“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside. As we lower him today into the embrace of the earth, let us raise our voices in prayer and gratitude for a life well lived. “
Reflecting on Lagbaja’s tenure, Musa noted that he took bold and decisive actions against terrorists, bandits, and other threats.
He said, “His tenure was marked by decisive actions against insurgency, banditry, and other threats to our nation’s peace. His efforts significantly enhanced the operational readiness and the morale of the Nigerian Army. But beyond his professional achievement, General Labaja was a man of profound faith, kindness, and humility.
“His commitment to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the security of our citizens was unwavering. From his early days as a young officer to his ascension to the esteemed office of the Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja consistently demonstrated a rare blend of intellect, bravery, and humanity. He understood the complexities of modern warfare and the need for innovation in our strategies.
“Yet, he never lost sight of the human element, the men and women who serve under the flag and the citizens whose freedom they defend.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, said Lagbaja embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.
Badaru said the late army chief was not only courageous but also an inspiring leader who lived from the front, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.
At the event, Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, on Lagbaja.
Tinubu said the conferment was to appreciate Lagbaja’s service to the nation.
The President described Lagbaja as one of his best appointees.
He said, “Lagabaja was a true soldier, a general and 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”.
Tinubu described Lagbaja as a trusted advisor, adding that he was a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and the men who served under him.
“He displayed uncommon valor 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.
“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” he added. (Punch)
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