Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared three days of mourning for the late Chief of Army Staff of the federation, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The state government has also directed that flags be flown at half-mast during this period.
This was stated in a release by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who disclosed that condolence registers have been opened at the government house and the Governor’s office for the people of Osun to offer their messages.
According to the information commissioner, the death of the late COAS is devastating—a colossal loss to humanity and the nation—and he will not be forgotten.
He said, “The government is deeply saddened by the irreparable loss of one of the glories of Osun state and extends particular condolences to the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, the Olobu of Ilobu, and everyone affected.
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“The mourning period will begin today, Thursday, November 7, and end on Saturday, November 9.
“The condolence register is available for people to share their memories of the late COAS, who passed away at the age of 56.
“Once again, we pray that God grants the soul of the late Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, eternal rest in Aljanna Firdaus. Ameen.”
In a separate statement, former Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Babajide Omoworare CON, described Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja as a courageous fighter, even against the power of death.
“His gallantry on the battlefield, command of the troops, and service to Nigeria are a testament to his courage and dedication as Nigeria’s number one soldier,” Omoworare said.
Omoworare extended his condolences to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the immediate family of the departed general, the Ilobu community, the Nigerian Army, and the people of Osun State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“My heart and prayers are with the family of the departed, the traditional institution, the good people of Ilobu, the Nigerian Army, the people and government of Osun State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the Ife-born senator said.
Omoworare further prayed, “It is my prayer that God will rest the soul of General Lagbaja, grant the family, friends, colleagues, and all affected the fortitude to bear this trying time, and provide the nation with a capable replacement to continue his gallant duties.
“He will be solely missed by all.”
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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