The Nigerian Army Headquarters has announced the funeral arrangements for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu announced the passing of Lagbaja, who died at the age of 56 following a brief illness.
In a statement issued by the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the burial activities will begin on Thursday, 14 November, with a service of songs at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Grounds at 5:00 PM.
On Friday, 15 November, a funeral service will take place at the National Christian Center, Abuja, at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, at 2:00 PM.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has received a high-powered military delegation as part of preparations for the burial.
Governor Adeleke described the planned state burial as a fitting tribute to the late army chief, whom he called ‘a bright star of Osun and Nigeria that dimmed too early.’
He noted that Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s service to the nation would forever be remembered.
While receiving General Kamal Ishola Yusuf and seven other serving generals in his office, Governor Adeleke commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant a state burial for the deceased.
He also praised the army’s commitment to completing the four community projects initiated by the late Army Chief.
“I thank Mr President for approving the state burial for our late brother. We also appreciate the message from the army representative that ongoing community projects initiated by General Lagbaja at Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun would be completed. We will follow up on this”, the governor pledged.
At the palace of the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, Governor Adeleke urged community leaders to sustain peace as a tribute to the late Lagbaja.
“Whenever we spoke, the late General always emphasised the importance of peace among his people. Even in death, his message remains that the people of Ilobu and Ifon should live in harmony and unity,” Governor Adeleke stated.
He added, “Let us honour our late brother’s memory by maintaining peace. We cannot afford any further bloodshed. It is time to view one another as one people and work together for the development of our local government and state.”
Earlier, General Yusuf, who led the military delegation, presented a condolence letter from the military leadership to the Governor and briefed him on the burial arrangements for the late General.
He described General Lagbaja as a frontline leader who achieved significant milestones during his brief tenure as Chief of Army Staff.
Governor Adeleke, accompanied by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Chief of Staff Kazeem Akinleye, and members of the State Executive Council, later led the military delegation to the Lagbaja family residence. There, prayers were offered for the repose of the late General’s soul.
