The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously honoured the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS), with induction into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF)—one of the highest recognitions reserved for its distinguished international alumni.
In s statement signed by Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Director Army Public Relations
Washington D.C., and made available to newsmen stated that: “The induction ceremony took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, during the opening session of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C., USA.”.
In a solemn yet colourful event, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, Commandant of the USAWC, presented the posthumous honour in recognition of General Lagbaja’s visionary leadership, exemplary service, and outstanding contributions to military professionalism, peace, and global security.
The late General Lagbaja’s induction marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first Nigerian Army officer ever enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame since the institution’s founding 124 years ago. The recognition celebrates his enduring legacy and remarkable rise through the ranks to the apex of the Nigerian Army, where he served with distinction as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.
Representing the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the ceremony was Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army, alongside Mrs Maria Abiodun Lagbaja, widow of the late COAS.
Notable dignitaries present included 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; and Mrs Deborah Aboderin from the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja.
Also in attendance were the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States, Nigerian officers undergoing advanced military education at the National Defense University, USAWC, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, as well as other senior officers participating in the AUSA 2025 Annual Convention.
Expressing profound pride in the recognition, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, described the honour as a testament to General Lagbaja’s selfless service, professionalism, and dedication to duty. He noted that the induction not only immortalizes the late COAS’s contributions to the Nigerian Army but also underscores the Army’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and international peacekeeping.
“This honour bestowed on one of our finest officers reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s standing in the global military community and inspires future generations of officers to uphold the values of service, integrity, and sacrifice,” General Oluyede stated.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja’s name now stands proudly among the ranks of distinguished global military leaders whose legacies continue to shape the future of international military cooperation and leadership.
