Lagbaja: The nation has lost a strategic commander, General Buratai.

By Dr. James Bwala

The recent passing of Lagbaja, the late Chief of Army Staff and a prominent figure in our nation, has left a void in the hearts of many. His contributions to the security of our society were immeasurable, and his loss is truly a blow to our nation. The late General Lagbaja was not just a soldier; he was a revolutionary thinker, a strategic commander who used his platform to advocate for social change, justice, and equality. His leadership in the Nigerian Army was not just routine for top officers within such ranks; he was a confident emulator of strategic leadership and was a tool for active leadership and promoter of morals for soldiers; thus, he was described by the former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin Republic, Lieutenant General (Amb) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, (Rtd) CFR.

According to him, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja was a true embodiment of discipline and dedication, stressing that his passing leaves a void in the Nigerian Army and the nation at large. While he mourns the late COAS, the former Chief, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, said during his time as COAS, he found him worthy of command, where he was appointed Commander 9 Brigade in Ikeja and later Commander 2 Brigade in Uyo. ‘The 2 Brigade that I also commanded. Upon his promotion to the rank of Major General, I posted him to Army Headquarters as the Director of Campaign Plan in 2020. The nation has lost a strategic commander.’ He added. 

According to him, General Lagbaja’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian Army into the formidable institution it is today. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the nation he served with great zeal and commitment.

“Late General Laggbaja was not just a mere army commander; he was a strategic and visionary leader whose loss has left a significant void in our nation’s defense forces. As his former commander, General Buratai feels compelled to highlight the immense impact that his passing has had on our military and national security.

“Lt. General Laggbaja was not just a soldier; he was a brilliant tactician who had a keen understanding of modern warfare and the ever-evolving threats facing our nation. His strategic thinking and leadership were instrumental in shaping the defense capabilities of our armed forces and ensuring that they were prepared to face any challenge that came their way.

“His loss is not just a personal tragedy for his family and colleagues but also a profound loss for our nation as a whole. We have lost a visionary leader who was dedicated to securing our borders, protecting our citizens, and upholding the values of our nation.

“In the wake of Lt. General Laggbaja’s passing, it is crucial that we reflect on the immense contribution that he made to our nation’s defense forces and honor his legacy by continuing to uphold the values that he held dear. We must ensure that his vision and leadership are not forgotten and that we strive to build on the foundations that he laid down for us.

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“I urge my fellow citizens to pay tribute to Lt. General Laggbaja by supporting our armed forces, honoring the sacrifices that they make on a daily basis, and advocating for policies that strengthen our national security. Let us not forget the profound impact that he had on our nation, and let us strive to continue his legacy of service and dedication.

“The loss of Lt. General Laggbaja is a stark reminder of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make every day to protect our nation. Let us remember his legacy, honor his service, and ensure that his vision for a strong and secure nation lives on. The nation has truly lost a strategic army commander, but his legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.

“In this difficult time, I pray that General Lagbaja’s family, friends, and colleagues find solace in the memories of his remarkable life and service. May his dedication to Nigeria inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, General Lagbaja’s beloved wife, Mrs. Mariyah Abiodun Lagbaja, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and the entire Nigerian Army. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest,” General Buratai stated. 

Lagbaja: The nation has lost a strategic commander, General Buratai.

Hajiya Ya’ana Gambo Mustapha Umar El-kanemi was laid to rest in Maiduguri

By: Our Reporter

The Acting Governor of Borno State,H.E Hon Umar Usman Kadafur led the entire Borno State Cabinet members to the funeral prayers of wife to late Shehu of Borno H.R.H Mustapha Umar El-kanemi who died yesterday after a protracted illness.

The funeral prayers took place at Mairari Shehu’s palace,Maiduguri.

The funeral was performed by the Imam Idaini of Borno Imam Shettima Mamman Shettima Sale.

The acting Governor was accompanied by the APC State Chairman Hon.Bello Ayuba,Secretary to state government Hon.Bukar Tijjani,Acting Head of Service,Hon.Commissioners,deputy chief of staff,Special Advisers,Senior Special Assistant,Special Assistants,permanent secretaries.

Others are Senator Bakaka Bashir Garbai,Alhaji Abubakar Umara Zulum,District heads,traditional title holders,Politicians among Others.

The acting Governor and his entourage prayed for the reposed soul of the deceased for almighty Allah to grant her jannah,amin.

Hajiya Ya’ana Gambo Mustapha Umar El-kanemi was laid to rest in Maiduguri

Mala Kachallah: 17 years ago And Fresh On My Mind

By: Inuwa Bwala

Having worked very closely with other bosses besides Mala Kachallah, people often wonder and ask me about what makes Mala Kachallah so unique that I find it difficult to forget him for close to two decades.
I often find it difficult to explain, but I know that there exists an unbroken cord, which not even death could break.
And as the date marking the seventeenth anniversary of his death approached, I knew duty beacons on me to again test my annual fidelity.
But I did not know what new thing I needed to say, seventeen years after the death of Mala Kachallah, different from what I have written before.

The more I tried to forget the events of Wednesday 18th April, 2007, the fresher everything seem to be, reminding me and indeed, many of his disciples of the sad reality of having to live in perpetual nostalgia of the times we shared with Mala Kachallah.
Every anniversary of that day gives me, in particular, cause to reminiscence.

For me, every time I think some events will make me overcome the nostalgia, every year brings with it fresh tears for Mala Kachallah.
While fewer people today remember him, every passing year, comes with fresh questions about leadership and the challenges of today.
from people who still remember him.

I am not surprised that so many people, who hitherto adore him, seldom remember him today, given the existential challenges everyone seems to be facing. But I am afraid that our quest for survival may swallow with it the history of our heroes who are not physically with us today.
Just as the grasses of time seem to overgrow our senses of remembrance, so is the cemetery getting congested, with so many tombs threatening to swallow the exact spot Mala was buried.

For the third year now, I have not been to the Gwange cemetery for the usual homage, but that has not beclouded my sense of fidelity for the man, whose real value, many people did not appreciate untill he was gone.
I woke up this morning not knowing what to write, but I dug up an older piece I wrote and tried to cannibalise some thoughts, even as a fulfilment of my onligation.

Every time I recall my days with the sage, the thought of a few people come to my mind. Some are still around, while others have joined the world beyond.
Every time I think of Mala Kachallah, some people readily come to mind: People like Ali Abubakar Jatau, Dr Shettima Mustapha, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi, Mala Alamai, Baba Dunoma, Maina Mohamned Tar. Fati Kakeena, Bashir Dungus. Iliya Stephen, Halima Rabassa, Mohammed Monguno, Kolo Warne, Alibe Konduga, Abba Habib, Modu Ngobama, Kabiru Sai Mala, and many more.
Very often, I try to juxtapose events of Mala Kachallah’s regency, against the Birno of today. I conclude that, even if he were physically around today, it is quite possible that he may not be in the right physical frame to do much, but his presence alone could have served as a reference point in political leadership.
Christened as the Captain Of Peace, one is bound to wonder hiw he would have felt, seeing the peace he bequeathed to Borno, fast giving way.
He may not be able to hold court but he could have been the oracle around whom good students of leadership could converge.

Mala Kachallah may not be strong enough to make powerful public speeches, or visit others, but his elderly counsels, his calm and candour, could have been a take away for everyone that visit.
As for me, I still relish the rich tutelage and his fatherly guide. Some of the things he used to tell me have tended to shape and reshape my outlook in life and forever I remain indebted to him even in death.

Mala Kachallah: 17 years ago And Fresh On My Mind