From 39th Regular Course to Chief of Army Staff: Remembering Lagbaja

The Nigerian Army has called for greater support for security agencies and an end to insecurity in the country during the second memorial service in honour of the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

The appeal was made on Saturday at the Maria Lagbaja Event Centre, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos, in partnership with the Public Support for Nigerian Armed Forces and Security Agencies (PSNAFSA), ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE TRIBUTES

Speaking on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ahmed Getso, described Lagbaja as a distinguished soldier and patriot whose career was marked by courage, professional excellence and commitment to national service.

The Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, said the memorial was an opportunity for serving personnel to reflect on the late general’s military career and uphold the values he represented.

“Behind every fallen hero is a family who sacrificed and lost. They deserve the Army’s continued prayers, compassion and support,” he said .

THE CALL FOR SUPPORT

The convener of PSNAFSA, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, described Lagbaja as a father figure who placed the country’s interests above personal considerations.

“General Lagbaja’s tenure was defined by courage, patriotism, and a resolute commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria. We chose to honour him because he loved the military with all his heart and served his fatherland with sincerity and passion,” she said.

She expressed hope that the late Army Chief’s values would continue to inspire serving personnel and contribute to efforts to secure the country.

“As we remember his good works, may the seeds of sacrifice he planted bring forth lasting peace. Let insecurity become a thing of the past in our dear country,” she added .

THE PALLIATIVES

As part of the activities at the event, palliatives were distributed to widows of fallen soldiers in recognition of the sacrifices made by their husbands and the challenges faced by families left behind .

ADVERTISEMENT

WHY IT MATTERS

Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff from June 2023 until his death in November 2024.

His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen the Army’s operational capacity and address security threats across the country.

The memorial was more than a ceremony. It was a reminder of the human cost of Nigeria’s security crisis and the families left behind when soldiers fall.

The Army has called for support. The widows have received palliatives. And the fight against insecurity continues. ValidViewNetwork reports.