The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously inducted Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Late Lieutenant-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, into its prestigious International Hall of Fame.
The honour — one of the institution’s highest recognitions — was conferred during the opening ceremony of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington DC.
Major-General Trevor Bredenkamp, Commandant of the USAWC, presented the award in recognition of General Lagbaja’s “sterling leadership, visionary service, and exceptional contributions to military professionalism and global peace.”
The induction marks a historic milestone, as General Lagbaja became the first Nigerian Army officer to be enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame in the institution’s 124-year history.
Representing Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, at the ceremony was Major-General Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the honour alongside Maria Abiodun Lagbaja, the late General’s wife.
“This honour not only immortalises the late Lieutenant-General Lagbaja’s distinguished service but also reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and global peace,” Lieutenant-General Oluyede said.
He expressed pride in the recognition, describing it as a reflection of General Lagbaja’s enduring legacy and the Nigerian Army’s growing international stature.
