The information hit like a thunderbolt on Tuesday evening. Lt. Normal Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Military Employees (COAS), handed away at 56.
My ideas instantly went to the irony of all of it. Right here was a Normal who had survived quite a few battlefield operations, from the treacherous terrains of Borno State to the advanced safety challenges within the North West, solely to bow to sickness. Life certainly has a merciless sense of humour.
What strikes me most about this improvement is the timing. Simply when the army was recording important successes towards bandits and terrorists throughout the nation, we lose the person on the helm of affairs. The current give up of a number of insurgents within the North East and the profitable operations within the North West have been partly credited to his strategic management.
The morning of his dying, we witnessed a swift ornament ceremony for the appearing Chief of Military Employees, Main Normal Olufewmi Oluyede, now promoted to Lieutenant Normal. Whereas this fast transition speaks to the army’s effectivity in filling management vacuum, it additionally raises questions on institutional reminiscence and continuity of ongoing army operations.
I discover it notably fascinating that each Lagbaja and his successor, Oluyede, have been from the identical 39 Common Course. Some may name it a coincidence, I name it future. Each males had comparable profession trajectories, having served in varied operations throughout the nation. However will this similarity translate to continuity in army technique? Solely time will inform.
The outpouring of condolences has been large, from the presidency to the defence ministry. Nevertheless, past the formal statements and official visits, we have to ask ourselves some onerous questions. How can we make sure the welfare of our army leaders? When was the final time we had a complete evaluate of our army healthcare system?
President Bola Tinubu ordered flags at half-mast for seven days and postponed the Federal Government Council (FEC) assembly.
Come to think about it, at 56, Lagbaja was comparatively younger for a Chief of Military Employees. His appointment simply final 12 months by President Tinubu was seen as a breath of contemporary air.
The First Girl’s go to to Lagbaja’s household was notably touching. However past the emotional scenes and phrases of consolation to his spouse and kids, we have to take into account the welfare of households of our fallen heroes. Not simply the Generals, however the numerous troopers, who die each day defending our nation.
Some analysts have began speculating in regards to the affect of this transition on our ongoing army operations. Will there be a change in technique? Will the momentum be maintained? These are legitimate considerations, however I believe they miss the purpose completely. The Nigerian Military is an establishment that has survived quite a few management adjustments. It’s larger than any particular person, regardless of how competent or influential.
Nevertheless, we are able to’t ignore the symbolic timing of Lagbaja’s passing. With President Tinubu’s current warning about Africa turning into the brand new frontline of world terrorism, we want our army management to be extra united and targeted than ever.
The ornament of the brand new appearing Chief of Military Employees by President Tinubu speaks volumes in regards to the authorities’s dedication to sustaining stability within the army hierarchy. However past the ceremonies and formal statements, the brand new management should hit the bottom operating.
Let’s be clear about one thing – the challenges that confronted Lagbaja haven’t disappeared along with his passing. If something, they’ve turn out to be extra pressing. From the lingering insurgency within the North East to banditry within the North West and secessionist agitations within the South East, the brand new military chief has his work lower out for him.
I’m notably impressed by Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s dedication to persevering with his predecessor’s imaginative and prescient. Nevertheless, he should additionally convey his personal perspective to the desk. The safety challenges we face right this moment require each continuity and innovation.
The postponement of the FEC assembly in honour of Lagbaja is a pleasant gesture, however what we want extra are concrete insurance policies to help our army management and defend their welfare. It’s not sufficient to mourn; we should be taught and enhance.
As we bid farewell to Lt-Gen. Lagbaja, we should keep in mind that one of the simplest ways to honour his reminiscence is to strengthen the establishment he served and died main. The Nigerian Military wants greater than only a change of guard; it wants sustained help, higher welfare packages, and fashionable tools to face up to date safety challenges.
or now, because the flags fly at half-mast and condolences pour in, we should look past the ceremonies to the substantive problems with army management, welfare, and institutional strengthening. That might be the perfect tribute to a Normal who gave his life in service to his nation.
Might his soul relaxation in excellent peace.
