Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously honoured the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, with his induction into the institution’s prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF).
The recognition ceremony took place on Monday, 13 October 2025, during the opening session of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C., United States of America.
In a solemn but distinguished event, the Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour in acknowledgement of the late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service, and exceptional contributions to the advancement of military professionalism and global peace. The recognition also celebrates his outstanding achievement as an alumnus of the institution who rose meritoriously to become Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff.
The late Lieutenant General Lagbaja was among six distinguished inductees at this year’s event. His induction marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first-ever Nigerian Army officer to be enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame in the institution’s 124-year history — a testament to his enduring legacy of excellence and service to humanity.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the ceremony was Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the honour on behalf of the late COAS, alongside Mrs. Maria Abiodun Lagbaja.
Among the dignitaries present were the Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General G.O. Adesina; the Director General, Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Major General G.T.O. Ajetunmobi; Mrs. Deborah Aboderin of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja; as well as the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States and other senior Nigerian Army officers attending the AUSA 2025 Annual Convention.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed profound pride in this honour, describing it as a recognition that immortalises the late General Lagbaja’s distinguished service. He added that the accolade reinforces the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and its continued contribution to international peace and security.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reports | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments