The Nigerian Army officially renamed the Ikeja Cantonment to T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, in a ceremony held on Friday to commemorate the 57th posthumous birthday of the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, former Chief of Army Staff.
This tribute aims to honour his legacy of service, patriotism, and dedication to the Nigerian Army.
The ceremony also marked a significant milestone in military operations as the military high command reported that troops from the joint task force, Operation Delta Safe, had uncovered and dismantled 156 illegal refining sites over the course of a month.
This operation is part of an intensified effort to combat oil theft and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta region.
The event at the cantonment featured various upgrades to military facilities, including the installation of an engraved portrait of Lagbaja, created with over 400,000 half-inch nails, located at the refurbished digital gate by Brigadier General Olawale Matthew Oyekola, Commander of the 9 Brigade.
Additionally, the ceremony saw the completion of remodeled accommodations for the 9 Brigade Commander, a newly built residence for the Commander of 70 Supply and Transport Command, and renovated quarters for both Corporals and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
The event, which coincided with Lagbaja’s 57th posthumous birthday, was attended by top military officials, including all serving members of the Nigerian Defence Academy Course 39, who were his coursemates.
In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the renaming of the cantonment, calling it a “testament of gratitude and recognition of Lagbaja’s courage, service, and patriotism.” He further stated, “This cantonment has not only been a symbol of courage; it has been a symbol of discipline and fidelity. It has been home to thousands of brave men and women who have defended the sovereignty of our nation with their lives in the greatest moments of triumph, resilience, and sacrifice.”
Sanwo-Olu also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the renaming, acknowledging his administration’s continued support for the Armed Forces. He emphasized that the Lagos State government remains committed to providing collaboration, infrastructural development, and welfare support to ensure the security of Lagos.
To the late General Lagbaja’s widow, Mrs. Mariam Lagbaja, Governor Sanwo-Olu offered words of encouragement, urging her to walk with pride, knowing her husband had been a true leader who served with honor and dedication.
In his address, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa explained that renaming the cantonment was in line with a military tradition of immortalizing distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the Armed Forces. He noted, “Not only did General Lagbaja embody the meaning of honour, loyalty, and military professionalism, but he was also a loving husband and father, a dear friend, and above all, a remarkable gentleman and true brother-in-arms.”
General Musa further expressed his support for the decision to rename the Ikeja Military Cantonment, saying, “The choice of Ikeja Military Cantonment—home to Headquarters 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, which the late Chief of Army Staff commanded—is a fitting tribute to his enduring sacrifice and visionary leadership.”
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the current Chief of Army Staff, emphasized that Lagbaja’s leadership and vision continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of soldiers and their families. He concluded, “It is in our bid to ensure that the good memories of our late leaders outlive their generation and that their deeds are etched in marble that the Nigerian Army names barracks and cantonments after prominent personalities, campaigns, and events.”
