In a solemn and heart-wrenching ceremony, the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Abuja. The occasion marked the final farewell to a distinguished military leader whose career was marked by dedication, courage, and service to the nation.
The internment, which took place at 4:41 pm on a somber Thursday afternoon, was the culmination of two days of elaborate funeral rites that began earlier in Lagos. As his casket was lowered into the ground, Nigeria bid adieu to a man who spent decades defending its sovereignty and shaping its military landscape.
The funeral procession was a blend of military precision and emotional tributes. The late General’s casket, adorned with Nigeria’s iconic green and white colors, arrived at the National Cemetery at approximately 3 pm in a pristine white funeral wagon. This was after an emotional funeral service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, where colleagues, friends, and family gathered to honor his memory.
A Journey of Honor
The journey of Lt. General Lagbaja’s remains began on a somber note as a Nigerian Air Force plane carrying his body landed at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja at 12:15 pm. Military officials and family members received the late General with solemnity, reflecting the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his illustrious career.
On the preceding day, a service of songs was held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. The event was attended by high-ranking military officers, government officials, and loved ones who came to pay their respects. Eulogies at the service highlighted his unyielding commitment to duty, his leadership qualities, and his personal warmth.
A Life of Dedication and Service
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja was widely celebrated for his strategic acumen and leadership in the Nigerian Army. Over the course of his career, he demonstrated unwavering dedication to the country, earning accolades and the admiration of his peers. Known for his integrity, discipline, and vision, his tenure as Chief of Army Staff left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s military and security architecture.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the nation, with many recalling his pivotal role in counter-insurgency efforts and his drive to modernize the army. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his condolence message, described him as “a patriot whose sacrifices for Nigeria’s unity and peace will never be forgotten.”
Tears, Tributes, and a Final Goodbye
As the sun set over Abuja, the final rites were a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring legacy of service. The burial was attended by an assembly of mourners, including military personnel, government dignitaries, and grieving family members. Each stood in silent reverence, paying homage to a life that was lived for others.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s passing is not just a loss for the military but for Nigeria as a whole. His legacy of bravery, leadership, and patriotism will continue to inspire generations. Rest in peace, General. Your service to the nation will never be forgotten.
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