Aleke Aleke in Abuja
The United States Army War College (USAWC) has immortalised Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS), late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, by conferring upon him one of its highest international honours.
A statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, stated that General Lagbaja was posthumously inducted into the United States Army War College’s prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF) during the opening ceremony of the ongoing Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C., United States of America.
Colonel Anele said: “In a solemn yet colourful ceremony, the Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour in recognition of the late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service, and exceptional contributions to the advancement of military professionalism, international peace, and security. The recognition underscores his 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.
“The late Lieutenant General Lagbaja was one of six eminent inductees honoured at this year’s event. His induction represents a historic milestone, as he became the first-ever Nigerian Army officer to be enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame in the institution’s illustrious 124-year history — a testament to his enduring legacy of excellence and service to humanity.”
Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede at the ceremon received the honour alongside Mrs Maria Abiodun Lagbaja on behalf of the late COAS.
“Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General G.O. Adesina; the Director General of the Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Major General G.T.O. Ajetunmobi; and Mrs Deborah Aboderin of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja.
“Also present were the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States; Army officers undergoing higher professional military education at the National Defense University, Washington D.C., the United States Army War College, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College; alongside other senior Nigerian Army officers participating in the AUSA 2025 Annual Convention,” she revealed.
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.
