As President Tinubu Confers Posthumous National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic on Late COAS
The Federal Government has conferred the national honour of “Commander of the Federal Republic” (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, in recognition of his exceptional service, distinguished military career, leadership and commitment to national security.
The posthumous award was presented by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR during a funeral ceremony for the late COAS held on Friday, 15 November 2024, at the National Cemetery, Abuja.
Presenting the award to the spouse of the deceased senior officer, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, President Tinubu described the late COAS as a trusted advisor and a man of prudent action who cared more for the country and those who served under him.
His Excellency also noted that General Lagbaja’s appointment as COAS was one of his best decisions, adding that he had an abiding faith in the capability of the armed forces.
Consoling the Armed Forces and the family of the deceased senior officer, the president extolled the uncommon valour of late General Lagbaja, the troops’ welfare and that of their families. The C-in-C affirmed that Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s courage, sacrifice, and leadership general will forever reside in the pantheon of military greats.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar extolled the sterling performance, courage, steadfast commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and exceptional leadership of the late COAS, adding that it will forever be etched in the annals of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation at large.
Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, in his remarks, averred that the armed forces will use Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s death as a motivator to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside.
General Musa noted that the late COAS was a leader who “walked the talk” and led with integrity and purpose, earning the respect and admiration of his peers, subordinates, and even adversaries.
The CDS thereafter described the late COAS as a man of profound faith, kindness, a devoted family man, a mentor to many, and a friend to all who crossed his path.
Reading the funeral oration, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late COAS, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping the Nigerian Army.
In attendance at the event were a host of dignitaries, including the Vice President His Excellency Kashim Shettima, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Honorable Tajudeen abbas, Ministers of Defence, and other ministers, CDS, Acting COAS and other service chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence and Army Staff, governors, royal fathers, senior officers both serving and retired, amongst other distinguished dignitaries.
Highlights of the solemn ceremony were the wreath laying by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other dignitaries, the firing of the volley , the 19 Guns salute and the presentation of the national flag to the next of kin.
In the days following his passing, a steady stream of dignitaries visited the Flag Staff House Abujato condole the spouse of the late COAS, Mrs Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja and other members of the family. Notable amongst these were the the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministers, other cabinet members, the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, members of the National Assembly, governors, wives of governors, and various women’s groups, amongst others.
Other activities organized in commemoration of the solemn event were a Service of Songs, held on Thursday, 14 November 2024, at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Abuja, and the Church service held on Friday 15 November 2024 at the National Christian Center, Abuja.
A seasoned infantry officer, the late General Lagbaja, was commissioned in 1992 as a member of the 39 Regular Combatant Course of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He distinguished himself as a Special Forces Commander and a military leader per excellence who held several appointments in the course of his exemplary military career.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, CFR, leaves behind a legacy of integrity, valor, and unwavering patriotism. His memory will forever serve as a beacon of inspiration for the Nigerian Army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and the entire nation at large.
