Feelings ran excessive because the Chief of Military Employees, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to relaxation on the Nationwide Army Cemetery in Abuja, on Friday.
The ceremony introduced collectively household, colleagues, and dignitaries to bid a closing farewell to the late military chief.
The grief-stricken relations and colleagues struggled to include their tears.
Even the nostril masks worn by his widow, Mariya, couldn’t conceal the regular stream of tears that dropped from her eyes.
The procession started at exactly 3:00 p.m. when Lagbaja’s stays arrived on the cemetery.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief of Defence Employees, Gen. Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Inspector Basic of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, every took turns laying wreaths on the grave.
Talking on the occasion, the Chief of Defence Employees, Musa, assured Nigerians that Lagbaja’s demise would encourage the navy to defeat the nation’s enemies wherever they might be.
Musa acknowledged that the navy took solace in the truth that the late military chief lived a purposeful life, urging the troops to honour his reminiscence by committing themselves to the beliefs he stood for.
Musa stated, “We is not going to go away you alone. We all know your loss is immeasurable, however please take solace in understanding that he lived a lifetime of objective and left behind a legacy that can by no means fade. To my fellow officers and males, allow us to use this second to recommit ourselves to the concepts for which Basic Labaja stood for.
“Allow us to be sure that his sacrifice and repair proceed to information our steps as we defend this nice nation. We’re going to use his passing away to resolve additional to defeat all enemies of the state, wherever they’re, whether or not inside or outdoors. As we decrease him as we speak into the embrace of the earth, allow us to elevate our voices in prayer and gratitude for a life effectively lived. “
Reflecting on Lagbaja’s tenure, Musa famous that he took daring and decisive actions in opposition to terrorists, bandits, and different threats.
He stated, “His tenure was marked by decisive actions in opposition to insurgency, banditry, and different threats to our nation’s peace. His efforts considerably enhanced the operational readiness and the morale of the Nigerian Military. However past his skilled achievement, Basic Labaja was a person of profound religion, kindness, and humility.
“His dedication to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and making certain the safety of our residents was unwavering. From his early days as a younger officer to his ascension to the esteemed workplace of the Chief of Military Employees, Basic Lagbaja constantly demonstrated a uncommon mix of mind, bravery, and humanity. He understood the complexities of recent warfare and the necessity for innovation in our methods.
“But, he by no means overpassed the human aspect, the women and men who serve below the flag and the residents whose freedom they defend.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, stated Lagbaja embodied the core values of soldiering and served Nigeria with out reservation for over 30 years.
Badaru stated the late military chief was not solely brave but additionally an inspiring chief who lived from the entrance, exemplifying his tedious dedication to the service of the nation.
On the occasion, Tinubu conferred a posthumous nationwide honour, Commander of the Federal Republic, on Lagbaja.
Tinubu stated the conferment was to understand Lagbaja’s service to the nation.
The President described Lagbaja as one in all his greatest appointees.
He stated, “Lagabaja was a real soldier, a basic and officer who symbolised the perfect of his career and whose dedication to the nation he cherished was singular and undiluted.
“He was greater than I may have hoped for. He was one in all my greatest appointments. Lieutenant Basic Lagbaja embodied the best concepts of a patriot and a soldier. He had an abiding religion within the functionality and readiness of our armed forces to avoid wasting and preserve us”.
Tinubu described Lagbaja as a trusted advisor, including that he was a person of prudent motion who cared concerning the nation and the boys who served below him.
“He displayed unusual valor within the cost of his obligation and the administration of the rank and file for he cared about their welfare and that of their households.
“For me, he was a trusted advisor whose formidable mind and breadth of data served this nation effectively,” he added.
