On Tuesday, November 12, 2024, a delegation from the Defence and Army Headquarters (DHQ/AHQ), led by Major General KI Yusuf, Chief of Accounts and Budgets, visited Osun State to express condolences to the family of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024.
Upon arrival in Osun State, the delegation proceeded to the Government House, where they were warmly received by the Executive Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, and other members of the state cabinet. Accompanied by the Governor, the team paid further condolence visits to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ashiru Olatoye, the Olobu of Ilobu Kingdom, at his palace, and to the family of the late COAS.
Delivering the official condolence message, Major General KI Yusuf emphasized that the delegation’s visit was a mark of respect and honor for the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. He noted that the news of his passing sent shockwaves through the ranks of the Nigerian Army (NA) and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). He stated, “We are here to convey the heartfelt condolences of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and all members of the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Army, which he led with distinction.”
Major General Yusuf highlighted Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s legacy as a brave and committed officer who led from the front in combating terrorism and other security challenges facing Nigeria. He was deeply committed to the welfare of his troops, as demonstrated by numerous projects he initiated and completed across the country. “Under his command, the Nigerian Army witnessed significant transformation,” he added. He also assured the bereaved family of the continued support of the Armed Forces and conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a state burial at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.
In his remarks, Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Lieutenant General Lagbaja, describing him as an illustrious son of Osun State. He praised the late COAS for his exemplary life of simplicity, generosity, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to the nation. The Governor recalled his personal interactions with the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja and acknowledged his substantial support for various state projects in Osun State. He thanked the Armed Forces for their condolence visit and encouraged sustained communication with the family and the state at large.
Similarly, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ashiru Olatoye, expressed deep appreciation for the Armed Forces’ support to the Ilobu community and the family of the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja. The Royal Father’s emotional tribute underscored the strong ties between the community and the Nigerian Army.
Key activities during the condolence visit included the signing of the condolence register and the presentation of condolence letters to the Governor, the Royal Father, and the family of the late General. The delegation also , former included other distinguished members of the Armed Forces, such as Major General OG Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General BA Ilori, Director of Planning at AHQ, Major General JO Adeyemo, Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, and Major General AP Oguntola, Commandant of the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies. Additionally, retired officers Major General JB Olawumi, former Director-General of NYSC, and Major General AS Ibikunle former Corps Commander Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps were part of the delegation.
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