President Bola Tinubu has pronounced that the sacrifices made by the late chief of army staff (CAOS) Taoreed Lagbaja ‘will never be forgotten’.
Lagbaja passed on after battling an undisclosed ailment. He was aged 56 years.
Tinubu made his remark on Friday during the burial of the late COAS held at the National Cemetery, Abuja.
The president conferred the national honour of commander of the federal republic (CFR) on the late army chief.
Tinubu described the late soldier 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.
“It has been said that ‘the brave never die. Their courage serves a thousand living men.’ So be it then; may the courage by which Lieutenant General Lagbaja served and now shine forth live in each of us.”
The president also expressed his condolences to the family of the late army chief, saying that words alone cannot convey the nation’s gratitude for the selfless service of the deceased.
“You shared your beloved husband, father, and brother with an entire nation, allowing him to serve with honour,” he said.
“His sacrifices will never be forgotten. His life’s work will continue to inspire all who serve in our armed forces.”