BY PHILIP NWOSU
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has described the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, as an irreplaceable leader whose legacy will continue to inspire the Nigerian military. This comes as the nation mourns the sudden passing of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who died on November 5 in Lagos after a brief illness.
During a courtesy visit from the Prayer and Support of the Nigerian Armed Forces group at the 81 Division Headquarters in Lagos, Maj. Gen. Mijinyawa highlighted the profound impact of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s service, noting that the former Chief of Army Staff was widely respected for his visionary leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s security.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was a great leader with a powerful vision for the Nigerian Army,” Maj. Gen. Mijinyawa stated. “He dedicated his life to the service of this nation, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of the men and women he led. We are grateful for his tremendous contributions and pray for the repose of his soul and for his family, who bear the great loss of his absence.”
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s dedication to improving the Nigerian Armed Forces was apparent through the infrastructure projects and welfare programs he introduced, which have had a lasting impact on soldiers’ morale. Known as a transformational figure, he was particularly revered for his efforts in tackling insurgency in northern Nigeria, a commitment that won him admiration across the military and beyond.
Ambassador Mary Fatile, the convener of the Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, also paid tribute to Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s legacy. She described him as a compassionate and disciplined leader who took a keen interest in the well-being of his soldiers.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was an astute professional who prioritized human capacity building and development,” Fatile said. “In his short tenure as Chief of Army Staff, his initiatives around the barracks, including improved infrastructure, welfare, and the morale of his men, demonstrated his dedication to the Nigerian military and its personnel. Despite his brief tenure, his legacy in welfare, operational efficiency, and equipping the Nigerian Army will be remembered for years to come.”
The group also emphasized the Nigerian Army’s role as a crucial force in Africa’s fight against insurgency and committed to supporting the military through prayers and recognition of its sacrifices. Fatile noted that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja had personally encouraged their group’s advocacy efforts, underscoring his holistic approach to military leadership.
As Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s body is flown to Abuja today in preparation for his burial on Friday, the nation remains in mourning, paying respect to a leader who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian Armed Forces. In her remarks, Ambassador Fatile extended her condolences to Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s family, praying for God’s strength and grace to help them bear the “irreparable loss.”
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s passing is felt deeply across Nigeria, with tributes pouring in from military personnel, political leaders, and citizens, all commemorating his steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s security and progress. His legacy of compassion, resilience, and transformative leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of military personnel.