Mariya, the widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, highlighting his deep love, unwavering support, and dedication to their family.
During her tribute, she reflected on his role as a father, remembering how, despite his demanding career, he always made time for their children.
She spoke fondly of their shared memories, vowing to hold on to them forever. “Meeting you over 17 years ago left an indelible mark on my life,” Mariya recalled. “Our friendship stood the test of time and meant the world to me. Though our time together was cut short, I treasure every moment with you, my shining light.”
Mariya emphasized the depth of their bond, describing her husband as a man who loved and cared for her with all his heart. “You were my strength and source of joy. I promised to love you forever and hold on to our cherished memories,” she said.
However, she also acknowledged the pain of his loss, admitting that death had taken away the man who loved her so deeply. “That day, 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,” Mariya said, her voice heavy with emotion.
She continued, “You carried me when no one was watching, wiped my tears when I couldn’t hold them back, and your shoulder was my strength to face the world. You brought so much beauty and joy into my life. In a world of ordinary moments, you created extraordinary happiness for me.”
Mariya vowed to forever cherish their time together. “I will hold our memories, our moments spent together, so dear to my heart and cherish them throughout my lifetime,” she said. “Your love and support were my rock and guiding force. If only you could hear me now—I love you infinitely.”
Describing Lagbaja as the spiritual leader of their home, Mariya said he inspired her and their children to love and serve God wholeheartedly. “You taught us to love Jesus and serve Him in spirit and truth,” she recalled. “At all times, you sang and danced joyfully in the presence of God, no matter your status. This gives me hope and assurance that you are in a better place, doing just the same with the host of heaven. You were our pastor and our priest, and I have no doubt you are watching over us as my guardian angel.”
Mariya also spoke of Lagbaja’s dedication as a father, despite his busy schedule. “You were a true and dedicated father,” she said. “Though the job never gave you enough time to be with the family or share in the milestones of the children, 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 schoolwork, solved math problems, or just 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.”
Reflecting on the end of her husband’s life, Mariya spoke about how she knew he had fought a good fight. “On the 5th of November, as I looked at you lying there, I knew you had fought the good fight to the very end,” she said. “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 also expressed the deep void left by his absence. “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?” she said, tearfully. “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.”
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