The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously honoured the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, with induction into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF).
The ceremony, held on Monday, 13 October 2025, 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 the late General Lagbaja’s exemplary leadership, dedication to service, and contributions to global peace and military professionalism.
Commandant of the USAWC, Major General Trevor J. Bredenkamp, presented the posthumous honour, describing General Lagbaja as a visionary leader whose achievements and values continue to inspire military professionals worldwide.
General Lagbaja’s induction marks a historic milestone, as he becomes the first Nigerian Army officer ever enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame in the institution’s 124-year history. He was among six distinguished international alumni honoured at this year’s ceremony.
Representing Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, 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; and Mrs Deborah Aboderin of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja. Also present were the Nigerian Defence Attaché to the United States and several Nigerian Army officers currently undergoing advanced military training in the U.S.
In a statement, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, quoted the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, as expressing profound pride in the recognition. He noted that the honour immortalizes the late General Lagbaja’s legacy of excellence and reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, discipline, and the pursuit of global peace and security.
