The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously inducted the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, into its esteemed International Hall of Fame (IHOF).
The induction ceremony took place on Monday, October 13, during the opening of the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
In a statement released from Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, the honour was described as a recognition of Lagbaja’s outstanding leadership, professionalism, and significant contributions to global peace and security.
Major General Trevor Bredenkamp, Commandant of the USAWC, highlighted that the late General’s induction marks a historic achievement for Nigeria, as he is the first Nigerian Army officer to be so honoured in the institution’s 124-year history. Major General Adeleke Ayannuga accepted the award on behalf of the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, alongside Mrs. Maria Lagbaja, widow of the late General.
Also present at the event were Major General Gbemiga Adesina, Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre; Major General G.T.O. Ajetunmobi, Director General of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre; and Mrs. Deborah Aboderin from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
Lieutenant General Oluyede, in his remarks, described the induction as a “fitting tribute to one of Nigeria’s finest military leaders,” emphasizing that Lagbaja’s legacy “continues to inspire service, discipline, and dedication to duty within the Nigerian Army and beyond.”
