In a moving tribute to leadership, courage and international military excellence, the United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously inducted the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF).
The honour, which is one of the USAWC’s most esteemed international recognitions, was conferred during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre, Washington D.C.
According to a statement released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the moment not only honoured his legacy but also symbolizes Nigeria’s growing footprint in global defence leadership. The event, held on Monday, October 13th, 2025, brought together global military leaders and dignitaries to celebrate excellence in command and service.
Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour in recognition of General Lagbaja’s visionary leadership, exceptional professionalism and enduring contributions to peace and global security. The distinction celebrates his status as a distinguished alumnus of the USAWC who rose to the peak of his military career as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff.
Late General Lagbaja’s induction marks a historic milestone. He is now the first Nigerian Army officer ever to be enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame in the institution’s illustrious 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 Mrs. Mariya Abiodun Lagbaja, widow of the late COAS.
The event was graced by top military dignitaries, including Major General G.O. Adesina, Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre; Major General G.T.O. Ajetunmobi, Director General of the Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre and Mrs. Deborah Aboderin of the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Security Cooperation in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States, Nigerian Army officers pursuing advanced military education at U.S. institutions including the National Defense University, the U.S. Army War College and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College as well as other senior officers attending the AUSA 2025 Convention.
In his message delivered at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, described the recognition as a proud and defining moment for the Nigerian Army. He said that the induction of the late Chief of Army Staff into the International Hall of Fame is not only a testament to his remarkable service but also an affirmation of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to global standards of professionalism, integrity and peace building.
The late General Lagbaja’s posthumous honour stands as a lasting tribute to his vision, dedication and selfless contribution to humanity. A legacy that continues to inspire officers of the Nigerian Army and military professionals worldwide.