U.S. Army War College Inducts Late Lagbaja into International Hall of Fame
The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously honoured the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, by inducting him into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF) — one of the institution’s highest international recognitions.
The induction ceremony, which took place on Monday, October 13, during the opening of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Convention at the Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington D.C., celebrated General Lagbaja’s legacy of visionary leadership and contributions to global military professionalism.
The Commandant of the U.S. Army War College, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour, describing the late Nigerian Army Chief as a leader whose dedication to peace and professional excellence left a profound mark on international military cooperation.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, General Lagbaja’s induction represents a historic milestone as he becomes the first Nigerian Army officer to be enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame in the institution’s 124-year history. The honour, she noted, “underscores his enduring legacy of excellence and service to humanity.”
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Representing the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the ceremony was Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the award alongside Mrs. Maria Abiodun Lagbaja, the widow of the late general.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General G.O. Adesina; the Director General, Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Major General G.T.O. Ajetunmobi; and Mrs. Deborah Aboderin of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja.
Also in attendance were the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States, Nigerian Army officers attending higher military education at 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 Nigerian Army officers participating in the AUSA 2025 Annual Convention.
In his reaction, Lieutenant General Oluyede expressed deep pride over the honour accorded to his late predecessor, describing it as “a well-deserved recognition that immortalizes one of the Nigerian Army’s most illustrious and visionary leaders.” He added that the induction reaffirms the Army’s commitment to the ideals of professionalism, discipline, and dedication to global peace and security.
The International Hall of Fame at the U.S. Army War College celebrates distinguished alumni who have risen to the highest positions of military leadership in their respective countries while upholding values of service, integrity, and international cooperation.
By PRNigeria
