‘His love for Nigeria was undiluted’ — Tinubu eulogises Taoreed Lagbaja

President Bola Tinubu says the sacrifices made by the late chief of army staff (CAOS) Taoreed Lagbaja will not be forgotten.

Lagbaja died after battling an undisclosed ailment. He was 56 years of age.

The president spoke on Friday during the burial of the late COAS held at the National Cemetery, Abuja.

Tinubu conferred the national honour of commander of the federal republic (CFR) on the late army chief.

He described Lagbaja as a trusted and courageous advisor, adding that his love for Nigeria was undiluted.

“Today is a solemn day for the nation and for me as commander-in-chief, for on this day at this place, we lay to rest a soldier’s soldier,” the president said.

“A general and officer who symbolised the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.

“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well.

“More than that, he was also a man of prudent action, who cared more for his nation and for those who served under him than he ever did for himself.

“Yet, the hand of God works in its own sovereign way. The plans of God we cannot fully discern. At a time when his service to the nation could mean so much, God took him home to serve in His celestial army.

“His departure could cause us great dismay. However, Lieutenant General Lagbaja would not want sorrow to overtake us.

“It has been said that ‘the brave never die. Their courage serves a thousand living men.’ So be it then; may the courage by which Lieutenant General Lagbaja served and now shine forth live in each of us.”

Tinubu expressed his condolences to the family of the late general, adding that words alone cannot convey the nation’s gratitude for the selfless service of the deceased.

“You shared your beloved husband, father, and brother with an entire nation, allowing him to serve with honour,” he said.

“His sacrifices will never be forgotten. His life’s work will continue to inspire all who serve in our armed forces.”

He urged members of the armed forces to honour Lagbaja’s memory by rededicating themselves to the principles of patriotism and love for Nigeria.

“While we are saddened by his passing, we still celebrate his life. For his courage, sacrifice and leadership, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja will forever reside in the pantheon of military greats,” Tinubu said.

“Lieutenant General Lagbaja embodied the finest ideals of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capacity and readiness of our armed forces to keep us safe.

“From his hands-on participation in many internal security operations, Lieutenant General Lagbaja had a clear understanding of the role of the military in securing and defending our country, its people and their hard-won democratic institutions.

“I remember the passion with which he championed payment of outstanding group life assurance benefits to families of deceased personnel.

“Owing to his passion for his soldiers, we gave some needed financial relief to distressed families, clearing a backlog that had been growing since 2011.”