PHOTOS: Army renames Ikeja cantonment after Taoreed Lagbaja

The Nigerian Army has renamed the Ikeja cantonment after Taoreed Lagbaja, the late chief of army staff (CAOS).

Speaking on Friday at the renaming ceremony, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, said the decision was in recognition of Lagbaja’s courage and service to Nigeria.

“This renaming is not just a new title; it represents our respect, gratitude, and recognition for the courage and sacrifices of one of Nigeria’s exceptional military officers, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the former chief of army staff,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“By naming it after Lieutenant General Lagbaja, we pay tribute to a leader whose life exemplified courage, discipline, and patriotism.

“His distinguished service in the Nigerian Army over three decades, particularly in counterinsurgency, internal security, and peacekeeping operations, deserves recognition.

“I commend the Nigerian Army and the Ministry of Defence for this initiative. It reinforces a culture of recognising and celebrating our heroes and assures all patriots that their sacrifices will always be acknowledged.”

Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of army staff (COAS), said the cantonment was deemed most befitting to immortalise Lagbaja, due to the infrastructural development the late COAS had initiated when he was the commander of 9 brigade.

“Some of these include the extensive renovation of officers and soldiers’ accommodations, the upgrade of the schools and medical centre facilities as well as restoration of the cantonment water treatment plant,” Oluyede said.

“He was also key to resolving the intractable challenge of poor electricity supply to the cantonment. Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s impactful intervention undoubtedly brought comfort and joy to the cantonment community.”

The renaming ceremony followed facility upgrades at the cantonment, which included an engraved picture of Lagbaja made with over 4,000 nails in front of the refurbished main gate to the cantonment, digital boards, and a remodelled accommodation for commander 9 brigade.

There is also a newly built residence for commander 70 supply and transport command; renovated seven by corporal below and three by senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs) quarters.

The event, which coincided with the posthumous 57th birthday of the late COAS, had top military personnel, including all serving members of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) course 39, and Lagbaja’s coursemates present.