US Army War College inducts Lagbaja, late Nigerian Army Chief into International Hall of Fame

The United States Army War College (USAWC) has posthumously honoured the late Taoreed Lagbaja, Nigeria’s 23rd Chief of Army Staff, by inducting him into its prestigious International Hall of Fame (IHOF).

The ceremony, held on Monday, October 13, 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 Lagbaja’s exemplary military leadership and global contributions to peace and security.

Trevor Bredenkamp, USAWC Commandant, presented the award in a ceremony, describing the late General as a “visionary leader whose service embodied professionalism, courage, and dedication to humanity.”

The recognition, he noted, underscores Lagbaja’s distinguished military career and his remarkable impact as an alumnus of the U.S. Army War College.

The posthumous induction marks a historic milestone as Lagbaja is the first Nigerian Army officer ever to be enshrined in the USAWC International Hall of Fame since the institution’s founding 124 years ago.

According to a statement by Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, he was one of six distinguished global military leaders honoured at this year’s event.

Representing Olufemi Oluyede, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, at the ceremony was Adeleke Ayannuga, who received the award on behalf of the Nigerian Army, alongside Maria Lagbaja, the widow of the late General.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, G.O. Adesina; Director General, Defence Headquarters Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, G.T.O. Ajetunmobi; Deborah Aboderin of the Office of Security Cooperation, U.S. Embassy, Abuja; and Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to the United States.

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Also present were Nigerian Army officers undergoing advanced professional military education at the U.S. 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 participating in the AUSA 2025 Annual Convention.

Reacting to the honour, Oluyede, described the induction as a proud and defining moment for the Nigerian Army.

He said it immortalizes Lagbaja’s contributions to military excellence, leadership, and peacekeeping.

“This recognition reinforces our shared commitment to the ideals of professionalism, discipline, and global peace,” Oluyede stated, adding that the Nigerian Army will continue to uphold the legacy of service and honour exemplified by the late Lagbaja.