Lagbaja: Ayoola Urges Armed Forces To Pay More Attention To Soldiers’ Health

Lagbaja, appointed on June 23, 2023, died on Tuesday, November 5 at the age of 56, following a period of serious illness.

The late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, speaks during an interview  on December 31, 2023.

In the wake of the demise of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, Major General Henry Ayoola (rtd) has called for more attention to the health of members of the Armed Forces.

Lt. Gen Lagbaja, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on June 23, 2023, died on Tuesday, November 5 at the age of 56, following a period of serious illness.

Ayoola, who received the news of his death as “a rude shock,” said on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief that soldiers who sacrifice for the country need proper care.

“We as the Armed Forces have a sacrifice to make for the nation. But then there is a need for the leadership of the Army and the Armed Forces at large to pay more attention to the health of the officers and the men, both those in and out of service to avoid a tragedy,” he said on Thursday.

He added that the “Military isn’t just a profession, but it’s a whole life,” stating that being in the profession comes with risk and danger and that those who join the Army “are aware that death could come at any time, regardless of the rank they attain”.

Remembering Lagbaja as an officer who stood out and showed exceptional leadership, Ayoola expressed his condolences to the late COAS’ immediate family and Armed Forces, and the commander-in-chief, Tinubu.

Following the COAS’ demise, President Tinubu ordered that Nigerian flags be flown at half-mast across the country for seven days to mourn the passing of the late Army Chief.

Since Lagbaja’s demise, condolence messages have been pouring in from across the nation with many describing the late army chief as a thorough-bred professional who gave all for the country.

Police authorities in Nigeria have also asked officers to wear a black band for seven days in honour of the late COAS.

“He was a great leader who deserves to be honoured by all means,” the police said.