By Olusegun Adedayo
The Ikeja Military Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos has been renamed to ‘T. A. Lagbaja Cantonment’ in honour of late Chief of the Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
Governor Sanwo Olu of Lagos state made this known during the renaming of the Cantonment in Ikeja to honour the immediate past chief of army staff who died in office.
At the ceremony full of top Dignitaries from the Military, political and business sector, Governor Sanwo Olu said the renaming of the Ikeja Military Cantonment to T A Lagbaja Cantonment was just more than change of name but a honor to the former Chief of Army Staff, late Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, for his selfless service to the nation during his life time.
The governor noted that the cantonment has long been a symbol of courage, discipline, patriotism and home to thousands of brave men and women who have defended the sovereignty of the nation with their lives.
Governor Sanwo Olu stressed that naming the cantonment after the former chief of army staff, sends a strong signal that the sacrifices of the brave can never go unrecognised.
Governor Sanwo Olu stressed that 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 as his name will now be permanently etched into the foundation of the cantonment.
On his part, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa said the choice of Ikeja military cantonment, home to Headquarters 9 Brigade, Nigeria Army where the late Chief of Army Staff, commanded at one time was a right choice by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Oluyede.
On his part the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede said immortalizing the Late Chief of Army Staff at death is as a result to his legacy which has continued to impact positively on the life’s of his officers and men.
The COAS noted that the Army considered Ikeja Cantonment most befitting to immortalise Lagbaja because of the modest infrastructural developments he spearheaded as commander 9 brigade as well as major developmental projects he initiated in the Cantonment as COAS.
The renaming also featured impressive facility upgrades to include an engraved picture of Lagbaja made with over 4,000 nails in front of the refurbished main gate to the cantonment; digital board.
