The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously conferred one of its highest international honours on the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, by inducting him into the prestigious International Hall of Fame.
A statement yesterday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col Appolonia Anele, said the late General Lagbaja was conferred with the distinguished honour on Monday, October 13, during the opening ceremony of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C.
The recognition, according to the statement, underscores the late General Lagbaja’s outstanding achievements as an alumnus of the institution who rose meritoriously to the zenith of his military career as Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff.
“In a solemn but yet colourful ceremony, the Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour in acknowledgment of the late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service and exceptional contributions to the advancement of military professionalism and international peace and security,” the statement said.
It stated that Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, received the award alongside Mrs. Maria Abiodun Lagbaja, on behalf of the late COAS.
“Lieutenant General Oluyede expressed profound pride in this singular honour bestowed upon one of the Nigerian Army’s most illustrious and visionary leaders.
“He affirmed that the recognition not only immortalises the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s distinguished service but also reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the universal ideals of professionalism, discipline, and dedication to global peace and security,” the statement added.
