The Nigerian Army, family members, and civil society organisations on Wednesday held a one-year remembrance ceremony in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
The solemn event, hosted at the TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, featured prayers, tributes, and the distribution of palliatives to widows of fallen heroes in his memory.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa, described the late Lagbaja as a leader and mentor who served the nation with uncommon dedication.
He noted that within a short period as COAS, Lagbaja implemented reforms that enhanced professionalism, welfare, and operational efficiency in the Army.
“In remembrance of his selflessness, we are distributing palliatives to widows of our fallen soldiers — a cause dear to General Lagbaja’s heart,” General Mijinyawa said, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to supporting the families of its heroes.
The event drew dignitaries from the military, traditional institutions, and civil society, including representatives of the Oba of Lagos, Chief Tajudeen Abisogun, and members of the Prayers and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNASA).
Ambassador Mary Abayomi Fatile, convener of PSNASA, hailed Lagbaja as a patriotic and compassionate leader whose legacy of courage and integrity continues to inspire hope for a peaceful Nigeria.
“He loved the military with all his heart and served his fatherland with sincerity and passion,” she said.
Also paying tribute, Mr. Babatunde Kasunmu, chairman of the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo Class of 1984, described Lagbaja as a humble and gentle soul whose remarkable military journey surprised his classmates but left an enduring legacy.
Special prayers were offered for the repose of his soul and other fallen heroes.
Reporting by Mary Fatile