The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa, led family members, friends, and civil society groups in a one-year remembrance ceremony for the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
The solemn event, held at the TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, featured prayers, tributes, and the distribution of palliatives to widows of fallen heroes in honour of the late Army Chief.
In his remarks, Major General Mijinyawa described the late Lagbaja as “a leader, mentor, and officer of great reputation who served Nigeria with exceptional dedication and responsibility.”
“Exactly a year ago, the Nigerian Army lost a great leader who gave his all for this nation. Late Lieutenant General Lagbaja was a mentor and an icon every officer looked up to,” he said.
The GOC noted that within one year in office, the late COAS implemented key reforms that enhanced professionalism, welfare, and operational efficiency across the Nigerian Army.
He explained that the distribution of food items and palliatives to widows of fallen soldiers was aimed at sustaining the spirit of compassion and selflessness that defined General Lagbaja’s leadership.
“This gesture reflects his commitment to the welfare of troops and their families. The Army will continue to stand by you and do everything within its power to comfort and support you,” he assured the widows.
Major General Mijinyawa also expressed appreciation to the Oba of Lagos, represented by the Ojoh of Lagos, Chief Tajudeen Abisogun, and members of the #Prayers and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies (PSNASA) for their partnership and support in organising the event.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Mary Abayomi Fatile, convener of PSNASA, described the late Lagbaja as a “father figure and embodiment of selfless service,” recalling that his tenure was marked by courage, patriotism, and an unflinching 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. May the ideals for which he lived and died continue to inspire the Armed Forces and rekindle hope for a secure and united Nigeria,” she said.
Mr. Babatunde Kasunmu, chairman of the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo Class of 1984 — the late General’s secondary school set — also paid tribute, describing Lagbaja as “a gentle and humble personality who exceeded all expectations.”
“He was the quietest among us — the least person we expected to join the military. But when he did, he excelled and left a remarkable legacy. We miss him dearly,” Kasunmu said.
The ceremony featured special prayers led by Colonel N.I. Saleh for the repose of the soul of the late COAS and other fallen heroes, followed by the distribution of palliatives to widows of soldiers who paid the supreme price for the nation’s peace.
The event drew dignitaries from the military, traditional institutions, and civil society, including representatives of the Oba of Lagos, members of PSNASA, and widows of fallen heroes, who gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of a soldier who gave his all for Nigeria.
 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Umar Mijinyawa, led family members, friends, and civil society groups in a one-year remembrance ceremony for the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.){kind=link}