The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, received the honorary title of Lieutenant General in the Nigerian Army during a historic investiture ceremony conducted at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of its Armed Forces, presided at the investiture on Monday, July 31, 2023.
The ceremony served as an important platform for recognizing General Lagbaja’s outstanding leadership and dedication to the Nigerian Army. His appointment as COAS by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, and his promotion to Lieutenant General are both examples of his commitment to and outstanding service to the country.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the director of army public relations, stressed in a statement that the National Assembly had approved the appointment of the current Service Chiefs, securing their positions as key players in the country’s security and preserving its territorial integrity.
General Lagbaja expressed his sincere gratitude to President Tinubu during a banquet organized in his honor at the Army Headquarters Conference Room. The Lieutenant General had just been awarded the prestigious rank. He sincerely swore to President Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution that he and every member of the Nigerian Army would be loyal to both.
General Lagbaja thanked the officers and troops of the Nigerian Army in his speech for their constant assistance and cooperation as he oversees the operation. He thanked them for their commitment and devotion, realizing that their combined efforts have a big impact on the Nigerian Army’s triumphs.
General Lagbaja dedicated his elevation to Lieutenant General as an honor for the whole Nigerian Army rather than just for himself. He thanked everyone on staff for their unwavering support and cooperation, which he felt was essential in carrying out his duties as COAS. He advocated continued understanding and cooperation among the staff in order to advance the Nigerian Army.
The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, expressed sincere congratulations to General Lagbaja on his well-earned promotion on behalf of the officers and troops of the Nigerian Army. He characterized General Lagbaja’s promotion to Lieutenant General as a sign of honor and appreciation for his commitment, toil, and selfless service to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
General Lagbaja was assured by Major General Ibrahim of the unwavering devotion and support of every member of staff in carrying out his mission command. The occasion provided the Nigerian Army with cause for pride and joy as it watched the honoring of its esteemed leader, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, and it reinforced the steadfast dedication of all personnel to the security and defense of the country.
