Tinubu Confers Posthumous Honour, CFR On Late COAS Lagbaja
BY EDMOND ODOK – President Bola Tinubu has conferred a posthumous national honour on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The President announced the conferment of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) honour on Late Lagbaja during his interment at the National Cemetery in Mogadishu Barracks, Abuja on Friday.
President Tinubu, who extolled the virtues of the late Army General, praised his contributions to national security, adding; “As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have granted the late Chief of Army Staff, the post-humous national honour of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)”.
The late Army Chief’s wife, Mariya was thereafter invited to receive the award on behalf of the Lagbaja family amid applause from the crowd.
Maintaining that late Lagbaja’s appointment as the COAS was one of his finest so far, President Tinubu charged Military officers not to allow “death defeat us”, saying; “Lift your heads in pride in memory of your army chief.”
He also reiterated the current administration’s commitment to support members of the Armed Forces who work hard to defend the nation.
He expressed gratitude to the Lagbaja family for allowing the late COAS to serve with honour, saying that the works of the late warrior would continue to serve generations yet unborn.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minister Defence, State Governors, Senior Military officers and other security top brass led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.
Also, in attendance were traditional rulers and members of the Diplomatic Corps, among others.
The Lagbaja died last week in Lagos at age 56 from an undisclosed illness after being on sick leave for awhile.
Born on 28th February 1968, Lagbaja occupied the COAS position for one year and four months after he was appointed by President Tinubu on 19th June 2023.
According to Military records, the late General made significant contributions in enhancing numerous internal security operations across the country.
These include Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, and Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, as well as Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
