Nigeria’s President , Bola Tinubu has conferred a posthumous National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja..
He announced the award in his speech at the burial of Lagbaja at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja
He said, *”As an eternal symbol of our appreciation, I have..granted late Chief of Army Staff, the posthumous National Honour of Commander of the Order of Federal Republic, CFR.
“I invite his wife, Maria, to collect the posthumous Honour of Commander of the Order of Federal Republic.
“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable intellect and breadth of knowledge served this nation well,” he said.
The president said Lagbaja was a trusted advisor, a man of prudent action who cared about the nation and men who served under him.
He described Lagbaja as “a true soldier, a general and officer who symbolized the best of his profession and whose commitment to the nation he loved was singular and undiluted.
He said Lagbaja had a clear understanding about the role of the military in securing and defending our country, its people, and their hard-won constitutional democracy.
“He was more than I could have hoped for. He was one of my best appointments.
“Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja embodied the finest ideas of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding faith in the capability and readiness of our Armed Forces to save and keep us.
“He displayed uncommon valor in the charge of his duty and in the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their families.
“Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, our nation has indeed lost a regent who truly distinguished himself as a thoroughbred professional soldier.
“Though his departure could cause great dismay, late Lagbaja would not want sorrow to overtake us.
Dignitaries at the burial were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Others are the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, ministers, governors, serving and former service chiefs, and members of the Diplomatic Corps among others.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama