- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has on Friday renamed Ikeja Military Cantonment after late immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
The cantonment, located in Maryland area of the state, was renamed TA Lagbaja Cantonment in celebration of the late COAS’s 57th birthday and first posthumous birthday.
This was made known in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
As contained in the statement, the ceremony had in attendance the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa; Lagbaja’s widow, Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja; and other top military officers, as well as soldiers and traditional rulers, among others.
Speaking during the renaming ceremony of Ikeja Military Cantonment to TA Lagbaja Cantonment organised by the Nigerian Army, Sanwo-Olu described the event as historic and a recognition of Lagbaja’s service as one of Nigeria’s finest military officers.
He said Lagbaja’s dedication to Nigeria’s security, leadership in counterterrorism efforts, and unwavering commitment to professionalism in the Nigerian Army are worthy of the honour bestowed on him after his death.
“This is more than a change of name; it is a statement of respect, gratitude, and recognition for the courage, sacrifice, and service of one of Nigeria’s finest military officers, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the former Chief of Army Staff.
“This cantonment has long been a symbol of courage, discipline, and patriotism.
“It has been home to thousands of brave men and women who have defended our sovereignty with their lives.
“It has witnessed moments of triumph, resilience, and sacrifice. Renaming it after Lieutenant General Lagbaja is a fitting tribute to a leader whose life embodied these values.
“As a distinguished Infantry officer, he served the Nigerian Army with unwavering dedication for over three decades, playing key roles in counterinsurgency operations, internal security, and peacekeeping missions.
“By naming this cantonment after him, we send a strong message to our armed forces and future generations that Nigeria honours its heroes.
“Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s dedication to Nigeria’s security, his leadership in counterterrorism efforts, and his unwavering commitment to professionalism in the Nigerian Army are worthy of this honour.
“His name will now be permanently etched into the foundation of this cantonment, reminding us all of the values he stands for: service, excellence, and selflessness.” The governor said.
While stressing the need for security personnel to be celebrated for their sacrifice and service to Nigeria, Sanwo-Olu added that the Nigerian military deserves to be celebrated not only in times of conflict but also in peace as well.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment in fostering partnership with the military by ensuring that personnel have the support and resources they need to continue safeguarding Lagos and Nigerian at large.
“We must celebrate our brave men and women in uniform, not just in times of conflict, but in moments of peace. We must remind them that their sacrifices will never go unrecognised.
“Our administration has always had a special relationship with the Nigerian military.
“Our security collaborations, infrastructural support, and welfare initiatives reflect our appreciation for the armed forces.
“As a government, we remain committed to fostering this partnership, ensuring that our military personnel have the support and resources they need to continue safeguarding our state and our nation.” He said.
The governor further commended the Nigerian Army and the Ministry of Defence for recognising and celebrating heroes, particularly Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, saying it is a culture that must be upheld because “it serves as motivation to our armed forces and a reassurance to all patriots that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”
Speaking earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede paid tributes to the late Lagbaja for his service to the Nigerian Army and Nigeria at large, especially during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff.