Mariya Lagbaja, widow of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has paid tribute to her husband, praising him for making time out to be with his family despite his busy schedule.
In an emotional tribute at her husband’s burial, the widow recounted how their love affair started on December 29, 2007.
She however said death cut short their lifelong love fairytale.
The widow described Lagbaja as the spiritual leader of their home, adding that he inspired her and their children to love and serve God wholeheartedly.
According to her, “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 continued, “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 can replicate his affection towards her.
“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.
“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!” she said.
