“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.