The funeral service for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has officially commenced at the National Christian Centre in Abuja. The solemn event marks the beginning of the final rites for the distinguished military leader, who passed away last week at the age of 56. The service was attended by a wide range of dignitaries, including President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as well as senior military officials both from Nigeria and abroad.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja, who was appointed Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023, died unexpectedly on Tuesday after battling an undisclosed illness. His passing has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian military and political circles, with many expressing shock and sorrow over the loss of a highly respected officer.
At the service, attendees included close friends, family members, government officials, and representatives from the diplomatic corps, all gathered to pay their respects to the late General. The presence of these dignitaries highlighted the significance of Lagbaja’s role in the Nigerian Army and his impact on the country’s security landscape.
The Nigerian Air Force plane carrying Lagbaja’s body arrived in Abuja on Thursday afternoon, at exactly 12:15 pm, landing at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The arrival of the remains was a moment of reflection, marking the transition from the military leader’s service to the nation to his final resting place. A brief ceremony was held at the airport, after which his body was transported to the National Christian Centre for the funeral service.
The late General Lagbaja’s death has been widely mourned by both the military and civilians, with many praising his leadership and dedication to the Nigerian Armed Forces. “General Lagbaja was a man of integrity and honor,” a senior military official remarked during the ceremony. “His leadership guided the Army through challenging times, and his legacy will live on in the strength and discipline of the Nigerian military.”
During the funeral service, speakers highlighted the late General’s exceptional contributions to the country’s defense sector, especially his tenure as Chief of Army Staff, where he played a pivotal role in strategizing and overseeing military operations. The military community, in particular, is feeling the loss deeply, as Lagbaja was seen as a key figure in advancing military reforms and strengthening national security.
