• Tinubu confers national honour on deceased, says late COAS was best appointment he ever made

 

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye and Molly Kilete, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has conferred a posthumous national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja.

Tinubu announced this during his address at the funeral of the late Army Chief at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, on Friday.

As part of the tribute, President Tinubu invited Lagbaja’s widow, Maria, to receive the posthumous honour on behalf of her late husband. He expressed deep gratitude for her sacrifices and those of their family, recognising that they shared Lagbaja with an entire nation

“Our nation has indeed lost a rare gem who truly distinguished himself as a thoroughbred professional soldier throughout his military career, his legacy of service will be cherished forever.

“As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I’ve granted the late Chief of Army Staff the posthumous National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR),” he said.

Tinubu said appointing Lagbaja as his Army Chief was his best appointment decision made in his Presidency.

“As President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. I worked closely with him. He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments. Lt General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier,” the president said.

Tinubu urged the military personnel at the ceremony not to let grief overshadow their duty. “Lift your heads in pride,” he encouraged them, reminding them that Lagbaja would have wanted them to continue their mission with determination. He reiterated his pledge that the government would always support them as they defend and protect Nigeria.

At the event, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, said Gen Lagbaja, embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.

He said that the late Gen. Lagbaja was not only a courageous soldier, but also an inspiring leader who lived from the front, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.

He added that Lagbaja’s commitment was unwavering, saying he would be deeply missed by a grateful nation and the entire armed forces of Nigeria.

According to the minister, his distinguished career has made the highest standards of military honor, professionalism, and bravery.

“A true patriot who embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria without reservation for over 30 years.”