The Nigerian Army and the Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA) have renewed calls for lasting peace and an end to insecurity in Nigeria, urging military personnel and citizens to sustain the values of patriotism, sacrifice and commitment to national security exemplified by the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
The call was made during the second memorial service in honour of the late Army Chief, held at the Maria Lagbaja Event Centre, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event brought together military and paramilitary officers, family members, friends, military spouses, civil society organisations and other well-wishers to celebrate Lagbaja’s life and service to the country.
Beyond tributes and prayers for the repose of his soul, the memorial provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s security challenges, the sacrifices of military personnel and the need to sustain support for families of soldiers who died in the service of the nation.
The event, attended by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, also featured the distribution of palliatives to widows of fallen military personnel.
Speaking on behalf of the GOC, the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ahmed Getso, described Lagbaja as a distinguished soldier, exceptional leader and patriot whose life was defined by courage, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
He said although the late general was no longer alive, his contributions to the military and the country remained indelibly etched in the nation’s institutional history.
According to him, Lagbaja’s military career demonstrated dedication, professional excellence and an unwavering commitment to duty.
Babalola, in his remarks delivered through Getso, recalled that Lagbaja gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39th Regular Course in 1987 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps in 1992.
He noted that the late general’s progression through various command, staff and instructional appointments reflected his professional competence, operational experience and exemplary leadership, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Army Staff.
As COAS, Lagbaja demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening the Army’s operational capabilities, enhancing professionalism, improving troop welfare and sustaining efforts to tackle insecurity across the country, he said.
Babalola added that the late Army Chief’s dedication to the military and national security should continue to inspire serving personnel, particularly as Nigeria grapples with persistent security challenges.
In his welcome address, the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, said the memorial was more than an occasion to remember a departed senior officer, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate a life marked by dedication, sacrifice, patriotism and exemplary military leadership.
He said the gathering also provided an opportunity for the Army and the nation to reflect on the enduring values Lagbaja represented and the lessons his military career offered.
Recalling the late general’s involvement in several internal security operations across the country, Owolabi listed Operations Zaki, Lafiya Dole, Udoka and Forest Sanity among the operations in which he participated.
According to him, the assignments demonstrated Lagbaja’s commitment to confronting security threats and contributing to the restoration of peace and stability in troubled parts of the country.
He said Lagbaja’s appointment as the 22nd Chief of Army Staff in June 2023 marked another significant milestone in his military career, as he provided leadership and strategic direction to the Nigerian Army at a critical period in the country’s security environment.
Owolabi urged serving military personnel to uphold the values of discipline, professionalism, operational readiness, loyalty and selfless service, stressing that these remained essential to the Army’s responsibility of protecting the country.
He also called for sustained attention to the families of fallen soldiers, noting that the sacrifices made by military personnel often came with enormous consequences for their loved ones.
“Behind every fallen hero is a family who sacrificed and lost. They deserve the Army’s continued prayers, compassion and support,” he said.
The Brigade Commander also extended his condolences to Lagbaja’s wife, children, relatives and others who shared in his life and military career.
The convener of PSNAFSA, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, described the late Army Chief as a symbol of selfless service, patriotism and commitment to Nigeria’s security and unity.
Describing him as a father figure, Fatile said Lagbaja consistently placed the nation’s interests above personal considerations and was passionate about ending insecurity in the country.
She said PSNAFSA’s decision to honour the former Army Chief was informed by his love for the military and the sincerity with which he served the country.
“General Lagbaja’s tenure was defined by courage, patriotism, and a resolute commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria. We chose to honour him because he loved the military with all his heart and served his fatherland with sincerity and passion,” she said.
Fatile prayed that the ideals for which the late Army Chief lived and served would continue to inspire members of the Armed Forces and rekindle hope for a secure and united Nigeria.
“As we remember his good works, may the seeds of sacrifice he planted bring forth lasting peace. Let insecurity become a thing of the past in our dear country,” she added.
The memorial also featured special prayers for the repose of Lagbaja’s soul and other fallen military personnel, while palliatives were distributed to widows of soldiers who died in active service.
The gesture underscored the importance of extending appreciation for military sacrifices beyond serving personnel to the families who continue to bear the consequences of losing their loved ones.
The gathering attracted dignitaries from the Armed Forces, military spouses, paramilitary agencies, civil society organisations, members of PSNAFSA, widows of fallen heroes and other well-wishers.
The speakers urged the military and Nigerians to sustain the late general’s commitment to national service, stressing that achieving lasting peace would require not only courage and dedication from security personnel but also continuous support for their welfare and the families of those who paid the supreme price.
