NIGERIAN ARMY HONOURS LEGACY OF LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT 2ND MEMORIAL ANNIVERSARY, CELEBRATES FAMILIES OF FALLEN HEROES

NIGERIAN ARMY HONOURS LEGACY OF LATE LT GEN TA LAGBAJA AT 2ND MEMORIAL ANNIVERSARY, CELEBRATES FAMILIES OF FALLEN HEROES

The Nigerian Army has commemorated the 2nd year memorial of late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, with a special event organised by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General AA Babalola, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The event was hosted by the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Olufemi Owolabi, at the Maria Lagbaja Event Centre, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Maryland, Lagos, today thursday, 5 November 2026.

The solemn but colourful occasion brought together distinguished military and civilian dignitaries, senior officers, representatives of military formations and associations, as well as 630 wives of fallen heroes from various units and formations under 81 Division to honour the enduring legacy of the late former Chief of Army Staff.

A major highlight of the occasion was the participation of 630 wives of fallen heroes drawn from various units and formations under 81 Division. Their presence underscores the commitment of the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to his Soldiers First Culture philosophy and the continued recognition of the sacrifices of personnel who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation. The gathering also provided an opportunity to celebrate their courage, resilience and invaluable contributions to the military community.

In furtherance of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of families of fallen heroes, the 9 Brigade Medical Centre conducted a free medical outreach during the event. The outreach provided medical consultations and healthcare services, including the dispensing of prescribed medications to beneficiaries. The initiative was a practical demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s concern for the health and wellbeing of the families of its fallen personnel, while ensuring that they continue to receive care, attention and support.

The commemoration served as a reminder of the contributions of late Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja to the growth and development of the Nigerian Army, particularly his commitment to operational effectiveness, troop welfare, discipline and institutional development. His leadership and dedication to duty continue to inspire serving personnel and remain an important part of the Nigerian Army’s institutional history.

The event also reflected the commitment of the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to sustaining the welfare-centred leadership philosophy of the Nigerian Army and ensuring that the sacrifices of serving personnel and fallen heroes are not forgotten. This commitment aligns with the COAS’ Soldiers First Concept, which places the welfare, dignity and operational effectiveness of personnel at the forefront of military leadership.

The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major General AA Babalola, represented by Brigadier General AI Getso, reiterated the importance of preserving the legacies of distinguished military leaders while ensuring that the families of fallen heroes continue to receive the recognition, care and support they deserve. The hosting of the event by 9 Brigade at TA Lagbaja Cantonment further demonstrated the Brigade’s commitment to military traditions, institutional remembrance and the welfare of the Nigerian Army family.

The 2nd year memorial was marked by moments of reflection, honour and renewed commitment to the ideals of selfless service, patriotism and sacrifice which late Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja exemplified throughout his distinguished military career.

The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in honouring its fallen heroes and preserving the legacies of its departed leaders while continuing to support the families they left behind.

AKINOLA AJIBOLA
Major
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
Headquarters 9 Brigade