By Solomon Odeniyi
The widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Mariya, has pledged her eternal love to her late husband.
Mariya also reminisced on the connection she shared with her husband of nearly 17 years, describing their relationship as one built on friendship, love, and unwavering support.
In an emotional tribute to her late husband, included in the burial programme pamphlet, Mariya Lagbaja reflected on their time together.
Lagbaja passed away on November 5 and was buried on Friday, November 15.
Though she acknowledged that their time was cut short, she expressed gratitude for the moments they shared, which she said she would always treasure.
“Meeting you over 17 years ago left an indelible mark on my life. Our friendship stood the test of time and meant the world to me. We shared a bond that was meant to last a lifetime. Though this was cut short, I treasure every moment with you, my shining light,” she wrote.
Mariya recounted their journey, which began on December 29, 2007, the day they vowed to spend their lives together.
She described her late husband as a man who loved, cared for, and devoted himself to her, calling him her strength and source of joy.
She also pledged to love Lagbaja forever, vowing to hold on to their cherished memories and the enduring bond they shared.
She said, “On the 29th of December, 2007, we chose each other for a lifelong journey. But death has taken away the man who loved, cared for, and cherished me with all he had. You carried me when no one was watching, you wiped my tears when I could not hold them back, and your shoulder was my strength to face the world.
“You brought so much beauty and joy to my life. In a world of ordinary moments, you created extraordinary happiness for me. As I look back on how great, amiable, kind, compassionate, generous, and adorable you were to me, I make bold to say that my love for you is forever.
“I will hold our memories, time, moments spent together so dear to my heart and cherish them throughout my lifetime because your love and support were my rock and guiding force always. If only you could hear me now. I love you infinitely.”
Mariya described Lagbaja as the spiritual leader of their home, adding that he inspired her and their children to love and serve God wholeheartedly.
She said, “As the spiritual leader of our home, you taught us to love Jesus and serve him in spirit and truth. At all times, you always sing and dance so joyfully in the presence of God, regardless of your status and this gives me the hope and assurance that you are in a better place, doing just the same with the host of heaven. You were truly our pastor and our priest, and I have no doubt that you are watching over us, my guardian Angel. “
She said despite his busy schedule, Lagbaja was a dedicated father who created time for his children.
Mariya said, “A true and dedicated father you were. The job never gave you enough time to spend with the family or share in the milestones of the children, but those short moments we spent together can never be taken away from us. At every opportunity, you created time for Emmanuel and Dara.
“You looked at their school work, solved mathematical problems or just simply played with them. To us, you are our hero and you will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in our children and they promise to make you proud.”
Mariya said her husband fought a good fight to the very end, wondering who would now ask her about the latest trends, call her “Boss,” or hug her every morning before heading to work.
She said, “On the 5th of November, as I looked at you lying there on that bed, I knew you had fought the good fight to the very end. Though you are gone, you will surely be missed by your loved ones, all who knew you, and the countless lives you touched. For me and our children, you will always be in our hearts.”
She continued, “Who will ask me, ‘What is the latest?’ Who will call me, ‘The Boss?’ Who will give me that morning hug before heading off to work?
“I will surely miss all these and so much more, my Jump Master. My leader, my friend, my husband, our father, my hero, my love and God’s General, I salute you. Till we meet to part no more, sleep on Daddy!.”
