President Bola Tinubu has posthumously awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) to the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in recognition of his exceptional service to Nigeria.
The President made the announcement on Friday at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, during the burial ceremony of the late General, who passed away last Tuesday after a brief illness.
In a solemn moment, President Tinubu paused his speech to call upon Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, the widow of the late COAS, to receive the national honor on behalf of her husband.
The President was joined by high-ranking government officials, security chiefs, military leaders, family members, and friends to pay their respects to General Lagbaja. The burial followed a funeral service at the National Christian Centre, which was attended by First Lady Remi Tinubu.
In addition to President Tinubu, notable dignitaries present included Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and several state governors, led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State. The military delegation was headed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. Traditional rulers and members of the Diplomatic Corps also attended.
In their speeches, both President Tinubu and General Musa referred to General Lagbaja as a “Soldier’s Soldier,” highlighting his dedication to duty and exemplary leadership. President Tinubu further noted that appointing Lagbaja as COAS was one of his most commendable decisions.
 to the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja,){kind=link}