By Tunde Oso

Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, whose death was announced by the Presidency on Wednesday, served the Nigerian state meritoriously and conscientiously without blemish, Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown, AUMFC, Eshanekpe Israel, a.k.a Akpodoro, said in a condolence message to the family of the deceased, Army top brass and the Federal Government.

In his message to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, the Mayor recalled his encounter with the late Chief of Army Staff after the #endbadgovernace protest, where he noted that the late Lagbaja displayed the thirst for a peaceful and united Nigeria, adding that he exuded a rare placid mien of a great sense of professional diligence, deep understanding and loyalty to the Nigerian state.

“General Taoreed Lagbaja was an embodiment of professional aptitude, national solidarity, loyalty and showed great understanding of the task of statesmanship.

“He represented all the positives in the annals of the Nigerian Army with spartan self-discipline. During my discussion with him, he exhibited the best inter-personal relationship. Nigeria has lost a major pillar of professional excellence. May God grant him eternal rest and also give the family and the nation fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. I also condole with the Nigeria army as I call on his successor not to be deterred. Death is the inevitable end of every mortal and that is why as humans we must put in our best in all we do,” the ex-militant leader stated.

Recall that, the FG had announced the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, 56, in the early hours of Wednesday, November 6, 2024, through the Special Adviser to the President on Information Strategy, Bayo Onanuga saying the late Chief of Army Staff passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a brief illness.