National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Tears flowed freely and tributes poured in on Friday as the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Abuja, marking the end of a distinguished military career that spanned decades.
The burial, which followed two days of funeral rites, brought to a close an emotional week that began with ceremonies in Lagos earlier in the week. At exactly 4:41 PM, Lagbaja’s casket, draped in Nigeria’s green and white flag, was lowered into the ground after a service that lasted over two hours.
The casket, carried in a white funeral wagon, had arrived at the cemetery earlier at 3:00 PM, following a funeral service at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.
In attendance were several dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Acting Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, and other top military and government officials.
In his eulogy, President Tinubu hailed Lagbaja’s service to the nation, describing his appointment as one of his finest decisions since taking office.
As a mark of respect, Tinubu conferred a posthumous national honour on the late COAS, granting him the Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR) award. He encouraged the military to stay strong, assuring them that Lagbaja’s legacy would continue to inspire them.
“We are forever grateful for his service,” Tinubu said.
“His contribution will forever be etched in the history of this nation. I urge all military personnel to carry on with pride, knowing that General Lagbaja gave everything for the security of Nigeria.”
In his tribute, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Musa, reassured military officers that the late COAS’s passing would not weaken the military’s resolve to tackle the country’s security challenges.
“We must use this moment to renew our commitment to the ideals that General Lagbaja stood for,” Musa said. “His legacy will guide us as we continue to defend the nation from all threats, both internal and external.”
Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, after a brief illness, had served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff for just over a year. He was appointed by President Tinubu in June 2023.
A service of songs was held the previous day at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground in Abuja, and his body was flown to Abuja from Lagos on Thursday, November 7, 2024, via a Nigerian Air Force plane.
Born on February 28, 1968, General Lagbaja’s dedication and sacrifice for the country’s security left a profound mark on the Nigerian military, and his death is a significant loss to both the Armed Forces and the nation as a whole.
