CDS, COAS, Former service chiefs pays tribute to Labaja

From Babangida Abdullahi, Gusau 

The Nigerian Army service chiefs witnessed Sunday service in honor of late Lt. General Labaja.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, alongside former Service Chiefs and senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, this Sunday, paid glowing tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, OFR, at a solemn interdenominational memorial service held in his honour at the All Saints’ Military Church (Protestant), Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.

The event which marked one year since the passing of the late General Lagbaja.

A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele said, the passing of Lt. Gen. Labaja was filled with deep reflection and heartfelt remembrance for a soldier whose life epitomized courage, humility and service to the nation.

In his tribute message, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja as a fearless commander, compassionate leader and consummate patriot whose unwavering devotion to duty and love for his troops remain indelible in the annals of the Nigerian Army.

“General Lagbaja’s leadership was defined by integrity, empathy and uncommon commitment to the welfare of personnel and the unity of the nation. General Oluyede said.

The Chief of Defence staff General Oluyede also extended the condolences of the Armed Forces to the Lagbaja family, praying for God’s continued strength and comfort.

He further reaffirmed that the legacy of the late Army Chief would continue to guide and inspire the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces toward greater professionalism and national service.

Delivering the sermon, the Acting Director, Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lieutenant Colonel Bitrus Nyam, extolled the virtues of the late COAS, urging officers and soldiers to emulate his life of faith, dedication and patriotism.

He described General Lagbaja as a faithful soldier of Christ, a loving father and a leader who served both God and country with humility and honour.

In attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Generals LEO Irabor (Rtd) and Christopher Musa (Rtd), the representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Commander Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Maxwell Dangana, the wife of the late COAS, Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, President Defence and Police Officers Wives Association and presidents of sister organisations and members of the Lagbaja family. Also present were members of 39 Regular Course senior officers serving and retired, principal staff officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, spouses of officers and soldiers as well as officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army.

The Acting Director Army Public Relations Appolonia Anele said, late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was fondly remembered as a visionary leader, a disciplined officer, and a patriot whose selfless service and enduring legacy continue to inspire generations of soldiers across the Nigerian Armed Forces.