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‘I Believe Lagbaja Has Received His Crown In Heaven’ – Says Remi Tinubu At Late COAS’s Funeral
Nigeria First Lady Oluremi Tinubu expressed her belief on Friday that the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has ‘received a crown of righteousness’ from the Lord.
Tinubu made this remark at the memorial service held today to honour the former COAS, who sadly passed away at the age of 56 on November 5.
Naija News reports that the body of the late Army Chief was laid to rest today at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, following the arrival of a military motorcade accompanied by an army pipe band and horsemen.
Mrs Tinubu was among several high-ranking government officials, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, along with other service chiefs and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, also attended the service.
In her address at the event, the First Lady said the deceased had fought a good fight and that he is up there to receive a crown which she believed the Lord had prepared for him.
She stated that Nigeria would continue to honour Lagbaja for his exemplary character.
Tinubu said: “He had fought the good fight, he had finished his place. He kept the faith. Henceforth laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give him at that table.
“And I believe he has received his crown. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Mrs Maria, children, family, friends, colleagues and associates.
“May Almighty God comfort and grant him and all the comfort and grant of the family members. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
In his sermon titled “The Life of Victory”, Lt.-Col. TE Ogbonyomi, Director of Chaplaincy Services (Army), said the message sought to remind all that victory was also desirable by God for all men who served Him.
Ogbonyomi remarked that the deceased army chief played a pivotal role in transforming the military into a highly motivated entity dedicated to the nation’s defense in a collaborative setting.
He noted that the late Lagbaja was responsible for initiating and executing numerous strategies aimed at securing success for the Nigerian army’s combat forces.
According to Ogbonyomi, Lagbaja’s life was lived in a manner that aligned with scriptural teachings, ensuring he would be remembered.
Prayers were offered for the eternal peace of the late Chief of Army Staff, his family, and the Nigerian army.