The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously conferred one of its highest international honours on the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, with his induction into the prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF).
The distinguished recognition, which took place on Monday, 13 October 2025, was conferred 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.
In a solemn but yet colourful ceremony, the Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour in acknowledgment of the late General Lagbaja’s sterling leadership, visionary service and exceptional contributions to the advancement of military professionalism and 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 the 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.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the ceremony was Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the honour alongside Mrs Maria Abiodun Lagbaja on behalf of the late COAS.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General G.O. Adesina; 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.
Also present were the Nigerian Defense 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.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi 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 immortalizes 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.
APPOLONIA ANELE
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
14 October 2025
1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
-
Afrophobia: Should Nigeria ask South African companies to leave?
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Monday Lines 2 Afrophobia: Should Nigeria ask South African companies to leave? By Lasisi Olagunju (Published in the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, 6 July, 2026). Jacob Zuma was President of South Africa when he declared on October 21, 2013 that South Africa should not “think like Africans in Africa, generally.” The remark,…
-
Why I did not take Brazil’s penalty against Norway – Vinicius
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Brazil’s hopes of ending their long wait for World Cup glory came to a painful end after a 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to eliminate the five-time champions. The aftermath of the defeat was dominated by questions over why Vinicius Júnior did not…
-
Blatter questions ‘political power’ after Trump’s FIFA phone call
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Disgraced former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Monday he questioned the football governing body’s decision to suspend US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card ban. Sources told AFP US President Donald Trump had called FIFA’s current chief Gianni Infantino to ask FIFA to review Balogun’s automatic one-game suspension. The 25-year-old is now…
