News
President Tinubu Mourns Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Lagbaja’s Passing at 56
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away in Lagos on Tuesday night at the age of 56 following a period of illness.
Lt. General Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, was a respected figure in Nigeria’s military. His journey in the armed forces began in 1987 when he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps, marking the start of a distinguished career that would see him rise through the ranks due to his dedication, professionalism, and strategic skill.
His impressive track record of service led President Tinubu to appoint him as Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023.
Throughout his career, Lt. General Lagbaja exemplified the values of leadership, discipline, and service to his nation.
He served in key operational roles, notably as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion, where he gained valuable experience and honed his leadership abilities.
He also played essential roles in several high-stakes internal security missions that were critical to maintaining peace and order in troubled regions.
In Benue State, he contributed to Operation ZAKI, aimed at addressing local conflicts. In Borno, he was part of Operation Lafiya Dole, a mission designed to combat the insurgency in Nigeria’s northeast.
His leadership in Operation Udoka in Southeast Nigeria and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States further underscored his commitment to preserving Nigeria’s security and unity.
In addition to his field experience, Lt. General Lagbaja was committed to continuous learning and professional development.
He was an alumnus of the highly regarded U.S. Army War College, where he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, underscoring his pursuit of military excellence and leadership.
His education there provided him with advanced insights and strategies that he brought back to benefit the Nigerian Army.
Lt. General Lagbaja leaves behind his wife, Mariya, and their two children.
His passing is a significant loss not only to his family but to the Nigerian Armed Forces, where he was admired and respected by his colleagues and those he commanded.
President Tinubu, offering his heartfelt condolences, praised Lt. General Lagbaja for his decades of dedicated service and for the sacrifices he made for Nigeria.
He extended his sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lt. General Lagbaja, urging the nation to honor the legacy of a leader who devoted his life to his country’s peace and security.
President Tinubu prays for the departed soul to find eternal peace, recognizing the lasting contributions Lt. General Lagbaja made to Nigeria’s stability and progress.
Nigerian Politician and Human Rights Activist, Omoyele Sowore shows up to defend and support the NYSC corp member that has been threatened.
It can be recalled that a viral video has made its way to the country. A young lady who is serving the country laments about the government and President.
The viral video also gained the attention of NYSC, resulting to messaging the corp member. The message ordered the removal of the video and for the lady to report the office on 17th of March, 2025.
However fellow Nigerians and activists have spoken out and called to defend the Corp member against any official threat.
It was reported that Sowore arrived to the local government of the corp member to showcase support in handling the case.
Omoyele Sowore and some activists, including lawyers, accompanied Ushie Uguamaye, a Lagos-based National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member known as Raye, to meet with her Local Government Inspector (LGI) after she was summoned over a viral video.
Raye recently gained attention after she criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a TikTok video posted under her handle #talktoraye. In the video, she expressed frustration over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation and blamed Tinubu for the country’s struggles, even calling him a “terrible leader.”
Shortly after her comments went viral, Raye claimed that NYSC officials had started threatening her. As a result, she was called to appear at the LGI’s office on Monday for questioning.
On Monday, Sowore, alongside several lawyers, including Festus Ogun, Yinka Oyesomi, and Justice Ojienoh, accompanied Raye to the office to support her. However, according to Sowore, the NYSC officials were nowhere to be found. He shared on his X handle that the LGI failed to show up despite Raye being scheduled to appear.
In a recent development, former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has voiced strong support for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye.
Raye recently gained attention after posting a TikTok video expressing her frustrations over the rising cost of living in Nigeria. In the video, she tearfully stated the increasing prices of goods and services, questioning the current administration’s efforts to address these economic challenges.
Following the video’s circulation, Raye alleged that she received threats from NYSC officials, pressuring her to remove the content and cautioning her against making political statements online.
Peter Obi took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to condemn these alleged threats, stating that such actions are antithetical to the principles of democracy. He emphasized that silencing citizens reflects a corrupt and undemocratic government.
Obi also shared his personal experiences of facing intimidation and harassment for offering constructive criticism of government policies.
Obi called on the current administration to reflect deeply on its approach to dissent, underscoring that constructive criticism is a cornerstone of democratic progress.
He urged Nigerians to stand firm and continue advocating for a nation where freedom of speech is upheld, and leadership remains accountable, especially in critical areas like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
-
Entertainment13 hours agoStandout Celebrity Outfits from the iHeartRadio Awards 2025 Red Carpet
-
Entertainment12 hours ago“I Don’t Like Girls That Talk Too Much” – Joeboy Reveals His Relationship Red Flags
-
Fashion8 hours agoJustin Bieber Rocks $790 Loewe Skate Sneakers at Disneyland
-
Entertainment12 hours agoTina Fey Criticizes Wealthy Celebrities’ Who Have Side Hustles
-
Entertainment12 hours ago“The World Considers A Woman In Her Late 30s old, Which Is Insane” – Lady Gaga
-
Sport8 hours agoPaul Scholes Questions Manchester United’s £2bn Stadium Plan
-
Sport5 hours agoKylian Mbappe Backs Zinedine Zidane to Become Next France Manager
-
Entertainment7 hours agoKanye West Sparks Drama with Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Makes Controversial Comments About Their Children