The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the postponement of its Friday’s major event to honour the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja who is to be buried in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
“The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, conveyed deep condolences to the family of the late Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, as well as to his colleagues and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces,” a release on Thursday said.
“Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was a leader of immense dedication and sacrifice. His contributions to Nigeria’s security and inter-agency cooperation are immeasurable,” said CGC Adeniyi.
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 take to safeguard the country.
Members of the advocacy group included professionals in the media industry, film actors, ex-national footballers and the Nigeria National Supporters Club.
Abayomi-Fatile asked God to grant Lagbaja’s family members the strength to bear the loss of the late COAS.
SaharaReporters reported that Lagbaja died on November 5 after battling with an illness for several weeks which took him off public appearance.
The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Farouk Minjiyawa, described the death of Lagbaja as “a collosal loss to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.”
The deceased COAS, according to him, was a visionary leader.
The GOC made the remark during a condolence visit by members of the Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other Security Agencies, in his office in Lagos State.
Minjiyawa noted that the legacy of the deceased top officer would linger in the memory of army personnel.
The convener of the group, Ambassador Mary Abayomi-Fatile, described Lt. Gen. Lagbaja as an astute professional with a keen interest in human capacity building and development.
“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 said.
