Get Guardian on GoogleThe widows of fallen Nigerian soldiers have received palliatives at a memorial service held in honour of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, amid renewed calls for lasting peace and an end to insecurity in the country.
The gesture, which formed part of activities marking the second memorial of the late Army Chief, underscored the need to remember not only military personnel who died in the line of duty but also the families left behind to bear the burden of their sacrifices.
The Nigerian Army and the Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies (PSNAFSA) made the call at the remembrance held at the Maria Lagbaja Event Centre, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos.
The gathering brought together military and paramilitary officers, family members, friends and civil society organisations to celebrate Lagbaja’s life and service while reflecting on the sacrifices of security personnel and the need for greater support for their families.
Speaking on behalf of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, the Commander, 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ahmed Getso, described the late general as a distinguished soldier, exceptional leader and patriot whose life was defined by courage, selfless service and commitment to the nation.
He said Lagbaja’s contributions to the Nigerian Army and the country remained indelible, adding that his military career demonstrated dedication, professional excellence and an unwavering commitment to duty.
Babalola recalled that Lagbaja was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39th Regular Course in 1987 and commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps in 1992.
His progression through various command, staff and instructional appointments, he said, reflected his professional competence, operational experience and leadership qualities, culminating in his appointment as the 22nd Chief of Army Staff in June 2023.
As Army Chief, Lagbaja was committed to strengthening operational capabilities, improving troop welfare, enhancing professionalism and sustaining the fight against insecurity, Babalola said.
He added that the late general’s dedication remained an inspiration to serving personnel as the country continued to confront security challenges.
In his welcome address, the Commander, 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, said the memorial was an opportunity to reflect on Lagbaja’s life of sacrifice, patriotism and exemplary military leadership.
Owolabi recalled the late general’s involvement in several internal security operations, including Operations Zaki, Lafiya Dole, Udoka and Forest Sanity, describing his military engagements as evidence of his commitment to restoring peace and stability in troubled parts of the country.
He urged serving 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 nation.
The Brigade Commander also called for sustained attention to the welfare of families of fallen soldiers, noting that the loss of military personnel often left their loved ones with enormous emotional and material challenges.
“Behind every fallen hero is a family who sacrificed and lost. They deserve the Army’s continued prayers, compassion and support,” he said.
Also speaking, the convener of PSNAFSA, Mary Abayomi-Fatile, described Lagbaja as a father figure who placed national interest above personal considerations and was deeply committed to the security and unity of Nigeria.
She said the organisation chose to honour him because of his passion 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 expressed hope that the ideals for which the late Army Chief lived would continue to inspire members of the Armed Forces and strengthen the quest 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 featured special prayers for Lagbaja and other fallen heroes, as well as the distribution of palliatives to widows of deceased military personnel.
The event was attended by military and paramilitary officers, military spouses, members of PSNAFSA, civil society organisations, relatives of the late general and other well-wishers.
