NGF Chairman, Gov Adeleke, Dee Osun Monitors Mourn Taoreed Lagbaja’s Passing

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Wednesday mourned the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja while sending the Forum’s condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Army.

Chairman of the NGF, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, in a statement he made available to Team@orientactualmags.com noted that ‘even in death’ the late Lt. Gen. Lagbaja ‘stands honoured for his bravery and dedication to a greater, united Nigeria’.

‘We send our profound condolences to Mr. President, the Nigerian military establishment, and the family on the sad loss of this great patriot.

Our hearts are especially with the family and the Nigerian Army at this difficult moment. We are comforted by the unforgettable memories of his unblemished services to our country. Even in death, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja stands honoured for his bravery and dedication to a greater, united Nigeria.

We ask Almighty God to forgive his shortcomings, admit him to al-jannah Firdaus, and give his family the strength to get through this tough phase of life’ the statement said.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has also expressed grief over the news of the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoheed Lagbaja, calling this ‘a huge misfortune’

Governor Adeleke in a statement he issued in Osogbo and made available to Team@orientactualmags.com  also called late General Lagbaja, ‘a great military leader’ adding that he had ‘the poise, the confidence and the firmness to realize the vision of a new Nigerian Army’.

‘A huge misfortune has befallen the people of Osun State, the Nigerian army and the great Lagbaja family of Ilobu.  We lost a rare breed, a gentleman and a true patriot to the cold hand of death.

Our late brother has a big vision of operational reforms for the Nigerian Army. He launched out and commenced the implementation of root and branch reform of the Nigerian Army. Within his short stint in office, he enforced professionalism and battled terrorists and bandits with terrifying fierceness.

Our late brother was a very hardworking officer, a true workaholic, a fierce soldier, a replica of the traditional army officer with an ambitious plan for modernization and integration of the Nigerian Army.

In my last encounter with him, he exuded hope and aspirations of a better Nigeria with the military as a stabilizer and unifier of the federation. In late General Lagbaja, we had a great military leader with the poise, the confidence and the firmness to realize the vision of a new Nigerian Army.

Unfortunately, the end came suddenly. We have surrendered to the will of the Almighty creator. I commiserate with the Commander – in- Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu and the great Lagbaja family.

We mourn together on this sad occasion. On behalf of the people and Government of Osun state, we extend commiseration to Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and the two children’ Governor Adeleke submitted.

Prince Jide Akinyooye; ACA, who is the Coordinator of Dee Osun Monitors, has also offered the group’s condolences lamenting that Osun State Government and her people have lost one of their greatest and illustrious sons.

‘It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, a distinguished and exemplary leader who served as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria. His passing on November 5, 2024, leaves a void in the hearts of Nigerians and the military community. It is sad news and  it is unfortunate that Osun State Government and her people have lost one of their greatest and illustrious sons at a peculiar time of need!

Taoreed Lagbaja’s remarkable career spanned over three decades, marked by exceptional bravery, strategic leadership, and unwavering dedication to the Nigerian Army. He was appointed as Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, a testament to his outstanding credentials and vision for the nation’s security.

As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual, we remember his numerous achievements, including his role in various peacekeeping missions and internal security operations. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of military personnel and Nigerians alike.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, particularly his wife, Mariya Abiodun-Lagbaja, and their children, during this difficult time. May they find solace in the knowledge that his sacrifice and service will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. We will forever cherish your contribution to Nigeria’s security and development’ Prince Jide Akinyooye submitted in a statement he issued in Osogbo and made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Wednesday-Team@orientactualmags.com   Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you.