Sanwo-Olu renames Ikeja Cantonment after Lagbaja
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, flanked by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede (right), next to him, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja; Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (left); his wife, Mrs Oghogho Musa, top military officers and traditional rulers during the renaming ceremony of the Ikeja Military Cantonment to Taoreed Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja in Lagos, on Friday, 28 February, 2025.
Sanwo-Olu renames Ikeja Cantonment after Lagbaja
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday unveiled the TA Lagbaja Cantonment in memory of the late immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoheed Abiodun Lagbaja.
The TA Lagbaja Cantonment, formerly known as Ikeja Military Cantonment in the Maryland area of Lagos, was renamed after Lagbaja in commemoration of his 57th birthday and first posthumous birthday.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede; 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, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the event as historic and a recognition of Lagbaja’s service as one of Nigeria’s finest military officers.
Governor Sanwo-Olu 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.
He said: “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.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, while stressing the need for security personnel to be celebrated for their sacrifice and service to Nigeria, said, “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.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu 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.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, General Musa, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; and other top military officers, while commemorating the event with tree planting, planted trees in front of the newly constructed and commissioned entrance gate of the TA Ladoja Cantonment.
