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The Nigerian Army has renamed the popular Ikeja Cantonment T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja in honour of the late Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The renaming ceremony on Friday followed impressive facility upgrades including an engraved picture of Lagbaja made with over 4,000 nails in front of the refurbished main gate to the cantonment; digital boards; remodelled accommodation for Commander 9 Brigade; newly built residence of Commander 70 Supply and Transport Command; renovated seven by Corporal Below and three by Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) quarters.

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

Delivering a goodwill message at the ceremony, Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said naming the cantonment after Lagbaja was a testament of gratitude and recognition of his courage, service and patriotism.

He said: “This cantonment has not 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 moment of triumph, resilience, and sacrifice.

“Therefore, renaming it after Lieutenant General Lagbaja is a fitting tribute to a leader, a gentleman, and an officer whose life embodies all of his values. A distinguished infantry officer who served in the Nigerian Army with dedication for over three decades; who played key roles in counter-insurgent operations, internal security, and peace-keeping missions.

“By renaming this cantonment after him, we are sending a strong message to our Armed Forces and to future generations that Nigeria will always honour and 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 sacrifice will not go unrecognised.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the renaming of the cantonment, noting that his administration has by the gesture, demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces.”

COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said Lagbaja’s legal IRS had continued to positively impact the lives of soldiers and their families.

Oluyede said the army considered Ikeja Cantonment most benefitting to immortalise Lagbaja because of the modest infrastructural developments he spearheaded as Commander 9Brigade, as well as major developmental projects he initiated in the cantonment as COAS.

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

“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.

“It was therefore no surprise that the proposal to rename this cantonment after him was received with widespread jubilation and warm acceptance by the residents…” he said.