Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, on Sunday led senior military officers, clergy, and family members in honouring the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, at an inter-denominational memorial service held in Abuja.
Oluyede described the late army chief, who passed away on November 4, 2024, as a courageous and selfless officer who devoted his life to the welfare of his troops and the advancement of the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at the service, the Defence Chief extolled Lagbaja’s leadership qualities and deep sense of humanity, calling him “a soldier of soldiers” and “a champion of soldiers’ welfare and well-being.”
“Describing him to you today will surely keep us here longer than necessary. So, I’m just going to describe him simply: he was a soldier of soldiers, very courageous and a champion of soldiers’ welfare and well-being,” Oluyede said.
He also highlighted how Lagbaja’s Christian faith shaped his character and leadership style, noting that his courage, empathy, and generosity stemmed from his devotion to God.
“He was a dedicated child of God in all spheres. That probably influenced his courage in battle, his empathy for others, and his generosity. He was a friend to many and someone who always stood for others,” he added.
Oluyede urged attendees to reflect on the kind of legacy they would leave behind, noting that Lagbaja’s life was a lesson in selflessness and faith.
“What will you be remembered for when you pass? For greed or for preciousness? For lack of benevolence? For being unfriendly? For General Lagbaja, I am sure he was well received by God and his angels. I pray that God will never forsake his family. Neither will I leave them. I will be with them for as long as we live,” he assured.
Delivering a sermon titled “A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ,” the Acting Director of Chaplaincy Services (Protestant), Nigerian Army, Lieutenant-Colonel Bitrus Nyam, described Lagbaja as a gallant and disciplined officer who embodied both military and spiritual virtues.
Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:1–4, Nyam said the late general was not only an outstanding commander but also a devoted father who nurtured his children with love and guided them to surpass his achievements.
“He was not a distracted soldier but an exemplary one who remained focused till the end,” Nyam said.
Lagbaja, who served as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, was widely respected within and outside the military for his humility, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to national security.
The inter-denominational service formed part of a series of events marking one year since his passing.
