The late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has been posthumously inducted into the United States Army War College (USAWC) International Hall of Fame (IHOF), making him the first Nigerian Army officer to receive the prestigious honour in the college’s 124-year history.
The induction took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington, D.C.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the award was presented by the Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, in recognition of the late Lagbaja’s exceptional leadership, visionary service, and dedication to international peace and security.
Major General Adeleke Ayannuga received the honour on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside Mrs. Maria Abiodun Lagbaja, the widow of the late Army Chief.
The statement noted that the recognition underscores General Lagbaja’s remarkable military career and his contributions to the advancement of professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
“This posthumous honour immortalizes one of the Nigerian Army’s most illustrious and visionary leaders,” said General Oluyede. “It serves as a reminder of his lifelong commitment to excellence, discipline, and the ideals of global peace and security.”
Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were the Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General G.O. Adesina; the Director General, Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Major General G.T.O. Ajetunmobi; and Mrs. Deborah Aboderin from the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja.
Also in attendance were Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to the United States, Nigerian Army officers undergoing higher military education at the National Defense University, the United States Army War College, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, as well as senior officers participating in the ongoing AUSA 2025 Annual Convention.
The USAWC International Hall of Fame honours alumni who have risen to the highest ranks of command in their home countries’ armed forces, recognizing their leadership and influence in global military affairs.
Late Lieutenant General Lagbaja, who served as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, is remembered for his reform-driven leadership, focus on professionalism, and efforts to strengthen civil-military relations during his tenure.
His induction into the Hall of Fame, the Army said, stands as a lasting tribute to his legacy of honour, service, and dedication to humanity.
 International Hall of Fame (IHOF), making him the first Nigerian Army officer to receive the prestigious honour in the college’s 124-year history.){kind=link}