General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.- Gen. Farouk Minjiyawa, has described the death of late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, as a collosal loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
The deceased COAS according to him was a visionary leader.
He made this remarks during a condolence visit on him by members of the Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security Agencies, in his office at Kofo Abayomi, Lagos.
Maj.- Gen. Minjiyawa noted that the legacy of the deceased officer would linger in the memory of Army personnel in particular and the Nigerian Armed Forces in general, through his giant strides and accomplishments .
He further stated that late Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja was a great leader with a great vision who dedicated his service to the army and the nation at large.
While appreciating the group for the visit, he said: “Lt. Gen Lagbaja was a great leader with great vision, he dedicated his service to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
“He was transformational figure who served with diligence, his effort will never be forgotten because he gave his meritorious service to the nation .
“He has served his time with diligence but his effort will never be forgotten, as we pray for the repose of his soul and the family he left behind. We will continue with the legacy he left behind”
Convener of the group, Ambassador Mary Abayomi- Fatile, who led the group struggled to back tears all through the visit.
In an emotional laden tone, she described Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as an astute professional with a keen interest in human capacity building and development.
She stated that his transformational work could be seen around Army barracks in terms of provision of infrastructure, welfare.
She said : “The late former COAS drove the vision ,gave advice and directions on what propelled the establishment of this advocacy group.
“Late Lt. Gen Lagbaja was a great leader with a great vision , he was a transformational leader who served his time with diligence, his effort will never be forgotten. ”
She explained that the essence of the advocacy group was to collaborate with the armed forces, project their good work and make Nigerians aware of the sacrifices they make to safeguard the country.
To pass the message you the pupilace she said several town hall meetings have been held in different parts of the country, where the citizenry were made to understand that the fight against insurgency and other enemies of the state was not for the Military and other security agencies alone , but for everybody.
Fatile added,” Members of the advocacy group entail professionals in the media industry, film actors, ex-national footballers and the Nigeria National Supporters Club”
