The funeral service for the late Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja on Friday, following his passing at the age of 56 on November 5.
The ceremony commenced at 11:17 am, with his remains arriving in a military motorcade, accompanied by the military ‘pipe band’ and horsemen.
Notable figures in attendance included the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other top government officials and military leaders. Officers and personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces were also present to pay their respects.
In her remarks, the First Lady praised the late General Lagbaja as an exemplary man who had fought valiantly and served with integrity. She expressed her heartfelt condolences to his wife, Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, their children, and extended family. Her prayers focused on God granting them comfort and peace.
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The sermon, titled “The Life of Victory,” was delivered by Lt.-Col. TE Ogbonyomi, Director of Chaplaincy Services (Army), who highlighted Lagbaja’s dedication to transforming the Nigerian Army into a motivated and highly effective force. Ogbonyomi emphasized that the late COAS lived according to the scriptures, ensuring his legacy of service and victory for the nation’s defense.
Following the service, prayers were offered for the repose of Lagbaja’s soul, as well as for the well-being of his family and the Nigerian army. The body of the late COAS was later scheduled to be interred at the National Military Cemetery at 2:00 pm, with President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries expected to attend the final interment and wreath-laying ceremony.
Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, dedicated 36 years to the Nigerian Army, having begun his military journey at the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry Corps in 1992, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Army Staff in June 2023. Known for his leadership in key security operations, Lagbaja commanded numerous missions, including Operation Lafiya Dole in Borno State, Operation ZAKI in Benue, and Operation Forest Sanity in Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and two children.
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