Sultan of Sokoto sends condolences to President, Armed Forces, family over passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has reacted to the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, according to a statement from Media Team of the Sultan dated Thursday November 7, 2024.
The statement titled, “SULTAN OF SOKOTO DEEPLY TOUCHED BY PASSING OF LT. GEN. TAOREED LAGBAJA, NIGERIA’S CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF”, said His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria.
He has, therefore, extended his heartfelt condolences to the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Nigerian Army and family of the deceased over the irreparable loss, it said.
This globalized online newspaper recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a presidency’s statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, had announced the passing of General Lagbaja on Wednesday saying he died on Tuesday November 5, 2024 in Lagos.
“In this difficult time of losing a very important military figure in world’s most populous black country, the Sultan, though saddened by General Lagbaja’s demise, took his consolation in the fact that he lived a life full of commitment to building a robust national Army as a fine officer of indisputable integrity, good character and, above all, lived and let others live.”
According to Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar, a retired Army Brigadier General, “I have always had profound respect and admiration for the leadership and dedication of Lagbaja from his past notably as General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Enugu through his days as GOC 1 Division Kaduna and as the Chief of Army a Staff building a formidable military architecture for our nation’s security.”
The Co-President of World Religions for Peace New York added that General Lagbaja’s unwavering commitment to duty was an inspiration to countless individuals, and touched on how his loss is felt and will continue to be felt throughout the entire country and the armed forces community, in particular.
To the nation, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the family, especially, the Sultan was direct, saying, “Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, your loved ones, and the entire family.
“General Lagbaja’s sweet memory is one that cannot be wished away in a hurry especially considering his humanity and kindness despite being a staunch professional yet kind fine officer.”
With sense of deepest sympathy he prayed, “May Almighty Allah grant you all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he was quoted in the statement from Media Team.
