By Bavoriat Clara
The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously honoured the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, with his induction into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF) — one of the institution’s highest international recognitions.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the honour was conferred during the opening ceremony of the ongoing Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention, held on Monday, 13 October 2025, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington, D.C., United States of America.
During the solemn yet dignified ceremony, the Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous award in recognition of the late General Lagbaja’s exemplary leadership, visionary service, and invaluable contributions to global peace, military professionalism, and international security.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s induction marks a historic milestone, as he becomes 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 event was Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the honour alongside Mrs Maria Abiodun Lagbaja, widow of the late COAS.
Other dignitaries in attendance 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; Mrs Deborah Aboderin of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy Abuja; as well as the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States.
Also present were Nigerian Army officers undergoing advanced professional military education at the National Defense University, the United States Army War College, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, along with other senior officers participating in the AUSA 2025 Annual Convention.
Reacting to the honour, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed profound pride in the recognition, describing it as a fitting tribute to one of the Nigerian Army’s most distinguished and visionary leaders.
He noted that the induction not only immortalizes the late General Lagbaja’s exemplary service but also reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the pursuit of global peace and security.
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