2 weeks Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Osun indigenes in Ghana mourn late General, seek immortalisation The body of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, was transported from Lagos to Abuja yesterday in preparation for his burial today. The Guardian learnt that military officials accompanied the Nigerian flag-draped casket containing the remains of the army chief to the military aircraft that flew it to Abuja. Lagbaja’s death was announced last week by President Bola Tinubu, who confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff passed away after a prolonged illness.
According to a statement signed by Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu, a service of songs for the late army chief was slated for yesterday between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.
m. at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. The funeral service is scheduled today from 10:00 a.
m. to 12:45 p.m.
at the National Christian Centre in the Central Business District, Abuja, followed by his interment at the National Military Cemetery between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.
m. Born on February 28, 1968, Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months following his appointment by President Tinubu in June 2023. He played crucial roles in various internal security operations, including Operation Zaki in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and other regions.
Meanwhile, Osun State indigenes in Ghana have expressed deep condolences over the sudden death of Lagbaja. In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the group, Khalliq Amao, they called on the Osun State government to honour the late general by naming a road after him. “We commend the governor and people of our state for expressing their grief when the news broke.
We appreciate the love shown by our governor but believe we can do more by immortalising his name,” the statement read. The President of Osun indigenes in Ghana, Ayokanmi Ogunremi, lamented the loss of what he described as a great hero and true patriot. He highlighted the general’s distinguished military career, adding that Osun had produced notable figures in the Nigerian Army.
“Some of these great men are still alive, and we pray that God continues to protect them. Their contributions remain vital for the development of our state. General Lagbaja was an exemplary officer,” Ogunremi noted.
The group also commended President Bola Tinubu and the presidency for ordering that the national flag be flown at half-mast across the country and abroad in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff..
