A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State and former lawmaker representing Osogbo Federal Constituency, Hon. Olubukola Oyewo, Tuesday, congratulated Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement by his media team in Osogbo, Oyewo said the sacrifices of the new defence chief towards peace and progress of the nation, especially his acknowledged gallantry at assignments, were outstanding.
He thanked President Tinubu for appointing an illustrious son of Osogbo Federal Constituency into the exalted position of Chief of Army Staff, saying it was an elevated responsibility given to a deserving officer.
According to him, Lagbaja, who hails from Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, has the requisite experience for his new job, having served as Commanding Officer of 72 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi(2012-2015);Acting Director of Operations, Army Headquarters, Dept of Army Training and Operations (2018); Commander, Headquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Lagos State (2018-2019); Commander, Headquarters 2 Brigade,Uyo, Akwa Ibom State(2019-2020); General Officer Commanding, Headquarters 82 Division(2021-2022) and; General Officer Commanding, Headquarters 1 Division (2022-June 2023).
Oyewo urged Major-General Lagbaja, who is a fellow alumnus of Saint Charles Grammar School, Osogbo to ensure that under his watch, Nigeria records improvement in its military operations and engagements.
He lauded the new CDS for the successes recorded at the many army formations where he served across the country, which has contributed to strengthening the Nigeria Army’s capacity for its constitutional role.
“On behalf of my family, friends and political associates, I congratulate a fine military officer and gentleman, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, on his appointment as Chief of Army Staff. Your tenure shall be an impactful, memorable and remarkable one,” Hon. Olubukola Oyewo stated.