[Updated] Lagbaja, Begins Final Journey Home with Emotional Service in Abuja

The earthly remains of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, which arrived Abuja, about midday Thursday, began its final journey home with a highly emotional service of songs at the Mogadishu Barracks in the nation’s capital.

In a service attended by the top echelon of the Nigerian military and many eminent Nigerians, speaker after speaker took turns to eulogise the great attributes of the departed COAS.

the service was held ahead of interment  with full military honours at the National Cemetery on Friday.

The late COAS, which arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 12.16p.m. Thursday, was received by the top brass of the military high command, and will be buried tomorrow, Friday, with full military honours.

In recognition of the meritorious service that the late COAS rendered to the country, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, Tuesday, ordered a state burial for him.

The president’s directive was announced by Major General Kamal Yusuf when he led a powerful delegation of the military on a condolence visit to the traditional ruler of Ilobu,  Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, the Olobu of Ilobu, at his palace in Osun State, on Tuesday.

During the visit to Ilobu, Maj. Gen. Yusuf, a classmate of the late General Taoreed Lagbaja at the Nigerian Defence Academy,had reminisced about their early days, recalling how they travelled by train from Osogbo to Kaduna to begin their military journey.

Yusuf described Lagbaja as a dedicated officer who led from the front, noting that the late General’s commitment to duty earned him steady promotions throughout his career, culminating in his appointment as Chief of Army Staff.

General Lagbaja who died on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at  the age of 56,  hailed from Ilobu.