In a poignant gesture of solidarity, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja visited the residence of Mrs. Dorothy Chris Alli, widow of the late former Chief of Army Staff, Major General Chris Alli, at Osborne Foreshore Estate in Ikoyi, Lagos. The visit, which took place today, Wednesday, 22nd November 2023, saw Gen Lagbaja accompanied by senior members of the Nigerian Army.
According to the Director, Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the purpose of the visit was to extend heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased Army Chief, who had also served as the National President of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA). Gen Lagbaja, during his visit, paid tribute to the late Gen Alli, acknowledging the shock and profound loss experienced not only by the Nigerian Army but the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation.
The CoAS spoke eloquently of the late former COAS, describing him as an astute, forthright, and visionary military leader. He highlighted Gen Alli’s significant contributions to the development of the Nigerian Army and the defense of the nation, emphasizing that the legacy of the deceased would endure in the institutional memory of the Nigerian Army.
Gen Lagbaja disclosed that the Nigerian Army is committed to collaborating with the family to ensure a dignified burial for Gen Alli. Furthermore, he assured the family of the continued support of the Nigerian Army in times of need.
In response, Captain Shuaibu Salawana (retired), speaking on behalf of the late CoAS’s family, expressed gratitude to the CoAS and the entire Nigerian Army for their timely condolence visit and demonstrated concern for the family.
The visit concluded with the presentation of a bouquet of flowers to the widow and the signing of the condolence register in honor of the late COAS. It is worth recalling that Maj Gen Mohammed Chris Alli passed away in the early hours of Sunday, 19th November 2023, after a brief illness at the Military Hospital Lagos. Currently, all Nigerian Army formations and units across the country are observing a three-day mourning period for the late Army Chief by hoisting the Nigerian Army flag at half-mast and wearing black bands.
