By Samuel Ogunsona
The Nigerian Army has renamed the popular Ikeja Cantonment to T. A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos, in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
President Bola Tinubu gave the approval on Saturday.
The renaming ceremony, which took place at the cantonment, was attended by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and top military officers including: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff (COAS); Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; 9 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Olawale Matthew Oyekola; and all serving members of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Course 39, who were the late Lagbaja’s course-mates.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described the renaming as an important recognition of Lagbaja’s courage, service, and patriotism for the nation all during his lifetime. “This cantonment has not only been a symbol of courage; it has been a symbol of discipline and fidelity,” he said. “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 commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the renaming of the cantonment, noting that his administration has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces. He also reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to providing collaboration, infrastructural development, and welfare support to security services to safeguard Lagos.
On the other hand, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, explained that renaming the cantonment aligns with a long-standing military tradition of immortalizing distinguished personalities who have significantly contributed to strengthening the Armed Forces.
“Not only did General Lagbaja embody the meaning of honour, loyalty, and military professionalism, he was also a loving husband and father, a dear friend, and above all, a remarkable gentleman and true brother-in-arms,” Gen.Musa said.
However, the ceremony coincided with the completion of impressive facility upgrades, including an engraved portrait of Lagbaja made with over 400,000 half-inch nails at the refurbished digital gate.
Other upgrades include remodelled accommodation for the Commander of 9 Brigade, a newly built residence for the Commander of 70 Supply and Transport Command, and renovated quarters for both Corporals and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs). The Ikeja Cantonment underwent the impressive restructuring, incorporating beautiful layers to honor the late COAS. Late COAS Lagbaja’s service to Nigeria was marked by dedication and bravery.