The Nigerian Army, family members, and civil society groups on Wednesday held a solemn remembrance ceremony in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, one year after his passing.
The event, held at the TA Lagbaja Cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos, drew senior military officers, traditional rulers, widows of fallen soldiers, and members of the public who gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of a man widely remembered for his dedication, humility, and transformative leadership.
The remembrance featured prayers, glowing tributes, and the distribution of palliatives to widows of fallen hero, a symbolic act reflecting General Lagbaja’s lifelong commitment to the welfare of soldiers and their families.
In his address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa, described the late Army Chief as “a leader, mentor, and patriot who served Nigeria with uncommon courage and dedication.”
“Exactly a year ago, the Nigerian Army lost one of its finest leaders, a man who embodied discipline, humility, and vision,” Mijinyawa said.
“Within a short period as Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja introduced reforms that strengthened professionalism, enhanced welfare, and improved operational efficiency across the force,” he added.
The GOC explained that the gesture of sharing food items and relief materials to widows of fallen soldiers was designed to uphold General Lagbaja’s values of compassion and service.
“This initiative reflects his enduring legacy. The Nigerian Army will continue to stand by the families of our fallen heroes, just as General Lagbaja would have done,” he assured.
The GOC also commended the Oba of Lagos, represented by the Ojoh of Lagos, Chief Tajudeen Abisogun, and the NGO Prayers and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNASA) for their roles in organizing the remembrance.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Mary Abayomi Fatile, Convener of PSNASA, hailed the late COAS as a “father figure and embodiment of selfless service.”
“General Lagbaja’s tenure was marked by courage, patriotism, and a relentless commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria,” she said.
“We honour him today because he loved the military deeply and served his fatherland with sincerity and passion.”
Fatile prayed that the ideals the late Army Chief lived and died for would continue to inspire the Armed Forces and rekindle hope for a more secure and united Nigeria.
“As we remember his good works, may the seeds of sacrifice he planted yield lasting peace in our country,” she added.
Also speaking, Mr. Babatunde Kasunmu, chairman of the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, Class of 1984, the late General’s former school set, described Lagbaja as a “quiet, humble, and disciplined” personality who achieved greatness through service.
“He was the quietest among us, the least we expected to join the military. But when he did, he excelled and left behind a legacy we’ll never forget,” Kasunmu recalled.
The remembrance included special prayers led by Colonel N.I. Saleh for the repose of the soul of General Lagbaja and other fallen heroes.
Palliatives were later distributed to widows of soldiers who paid the ultimate price in defence of Nigeria’s peace and unity.
The event drew dignitaries from the military, traditional institutions, and civil society, who came together to celebrate the enduring legacy of a soldier remembered for his honour, humility, and service to the nation.