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As she considers who will give her a hug now, Mariya, the widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has promised her late husband her undying love.

In addition, Mariya reflected on her relationship with her husband of almost 17 years, characterising it as one based on love, friendship, and steadfast support.

Mariya Lagbaja reflected on her time with her late spouse in an emotional tribute that was part of the brochure for the burial program.

Despite admitting that their time together was limited, she was thankful for the times they had together and promised to always cherish them.

“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 described how their adventure started on December 29, 2007, the day they made the commitment to live together forever.

She called her late husband her source of joy and strength, describing him as a man who loved, cared for, and dedicated himself to her.

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Along with pledging to preserve their treasured memories and their unbreakable tie, she also promised to adore Lagbaja forever.

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.”

Lagbaja, according to Mariya, was the spiritual head of their household and encouraged her and their kids to fully 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 stated that Lagbaja was a devoted father who made time for his kids in spite of his hectic schedule.

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 battled valiantly until the end, questioning who would now call her “Boss,” ask her about the newest fashions, or give her a morning hug before 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!.”

Lagbaja was buried on Friday, November 15, after passing away on November 5.

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