The late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest on Friday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.
The solemn ceremony attended by top government officials, military leaders, and members of the diplomatic corps was marked by tributes and a posthumous national honour awarded by President Bola Tinubu.
In his address at the burial, Tinubu conferred on Lagbaja the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, a mark of appreciation for his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s security.
“Throughout his military career, General Lagbaja demonstrated unparalleled dedication and leadership, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished,” Tinubu stated.
“As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have granted him this posthumous honour. I invite his wife, Maria, to collect the award on his behalf,” he added.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, also paid tribute to the late COAS, describing his passing as a call to action for the military.
Musa said, “We will not leave you alone. We know your loss is immeasurable, but please take solace in knowing that he lived a life of purpose and left behind a legacy that will never fade.
“To my fellow officers and men, let us use this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideas for which General Labaja stood for.
“Let us ensure that his sacrifice and service continue to guide our steps as we defend this great nation. We are going to use his passing away to resolve further to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they are, whether within or outside.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, were among dignitaries who attended the ceremony.
The service chiefs, along with other senior military officers, also paid their respects by laying wreaths in honour of the late COAS.
PUNCH Online reports that Lagbaja died on November 5 at the age of 56.
See photos below:
Credit: Olukayode Jaiyeola, X| DOlusegun