Mariya Lagbaja, the widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has pledged undying love for her husband.
Reflecting on their nearly 17-year marriage, Mariya described their bond as a relationship rooted in deep friendship, love, and steadfast support.
In a heartfelt tribute included in the burial programme pamphlet, she shared emotional memories of their time together, highlighting the profound connection they shared throughout their years of marriage.
While lamenting their time together being cut short, she expressed heartfelt gratitude for the cherished moments they shared, vowing to hold them close forever.
“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 reflected on their journey, which began on December 29, 2007, the day they promised to spend their lives together.
She described her late husband as a loving, caring, and devoted partner, calling him her source of strength and joy.
Pledging to love him forever, she vowed to cherish their memories and uphold 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 anchor of their home, noting how he inspired her and their children to wholeheartedly love and serve God.
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 shared that despite his demanding schedule, Lagbaja remained a devoted father who always made 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 schoolwork, 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.”
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Mariya reflected on how her husband fought valiantly until the very end, expressing her sorrow over who would now ask her about the latest trends, call her “Boss,” or embrace her each morning before leaving for 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!.”