By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has described the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as a courageous soldier, a man of faith and a champion of troops’ welfare.
Oluyede stated this on Sunday at a One Year Remembrance Church Service held in honour of the late army chief in Abuja.
He said the late Lagbaja lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation, both as a professional soldier and a devout Christian whose faith guided his conduct in service and in life.
He noted that Lagbaja’s courage in battle, empathy for others, and generosity reflected his deep faith and strong sense of justice.
“Before this time last year, we were all mourning this great man. But today, we are here to celebrate him, a soldier’s soldier, a true soldier of Christ and a friend to many.
“His life teaches us to ask ourselves what we will be remembered for — for greed or for goodness, for selfishness or for service,” he said.
Oluyede said he was confident that the late army chief was resting peacefully in heaven, adding that his legacy of dedication and compassion would continue to inspire those he left behind.
He prayed for the continued protection and comfort of Lagbaja’s family and assured them of his personal support.
“I pray that God will never forsake his family. As for me, I will stand by them for as long as I live,” he said.
The CDS commended the Chief of Army Staff for honouring the memory of his predecessor and the clergy for their inspiring message, while thanking all who attended the memorial.
In his sermon titled, “A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ”, the Acting Director, Chaplaincy Services (Protestant), Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Bitrus Nyam, said the late Lagbaja was gallant operationally.
Reading from the book of 2 Timothy 2:1-4, Nyam said the late COAS represented Christ and was also a good father who nurtured his children and wanted to see them become better than him.
He said that the late Lagbaja fulfilled four exemplary demands as contained in the scripture, which according to him included being strong in the grace of Christ Jesus.
“Late lagbaja was not a distracted soldier but an exemplary one who remained focused till the end,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Church service was attended by two former CDS, retired Gen. Lucky Irabor and Gen. Christopher Musa with their wives.
Oluyede’s wife and President, Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), was also in attendance.
The widow of the late Lagbaja, Mrs Mariya was accompanied by Mrs Safiyah Shaibu, wife of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and President, Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), among other serving and retired officers.
NAN recalls that the Nigerian Army also held a Jumat prayer session for the late COAS on Friday at the same Mogadishu Cantonment, where the current COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, paid glowing tribute to the late Lagbaja. (NAN)
