Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja, whose demise was announced by the presidency on Wednesday, relished excellence in his career as he served the Nigerian State meritoriously and conscientiously without blemish, head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown, AUMFC, Eshanekpe Israel a.k.a Akpodoro, has said.
In his condolence message on Wednesday to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian military institution, the Lagbajas, friends and colleagues of the late Arny Chief, the Mayor said General Lagbaja did a meritorious service to his fatherland and that the alchemy that creates heroes of mortal men deemed it good to call him to glory.
Following his death, Mayor Akpodoro said Nigerians should not despair saying the nation has lost a notable pillar of national service to death.
The Mayor recalled his encounter with the late Chief of Army Staff after the infamous #endbadgovernace protest where he noted that the late Lagbaja was a nationalist with a thirst for a peaceful and united Nigeria.
He noted that he exuded a weird placid mien with accurate sense of professional aptitude, diligence, deep understanding and loyalty and solidarity to the Nigerian state.
“General Taoreed Lagbaja was an embodiment of professional aptitude, national solidarity, loyalty and understanding of the task of statesmanship.
According to him, General Lagbaja represented all the positives in the annals of the Nigerian Army with spartern self discipline.
He said: “Throughout my discussion with him, he seamlessly engaged in the best Interpersonal human relationship. Nigeria has lost a major pillar of professional aptitude and excellence.
“May God grant him eternal rest and also give the family and the nation fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. I also condole with the Nigeria army as I call on his successor not to be deterred.
“Death is the inevitable end of every mortal and that is why as humans we must put in our best in all we do,” the Urhobo-born Mayor stated.
Recall that, the federal government had announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, 56, in the early hours of Wednesday November 6, 2024, through the Special Adviser to the President on Information Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He said the late Chief of Army Staff passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership,” the statement reads in part.
