PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES
The Ikeja Military Cantonment in Lagos has been renamed in memory of the late immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Taoheed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Known as the TA Lagbaja Cantonment located in the Maryland area of Lagos, was renamed after Lagbaja in commemoration of his 57th birthday and first posthumous birthday.
Persecondnews reports that the ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Lagbaja’s widow, Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and other top military officers, as well as soldiers and traditional rulers, among others.
Speaking at the renaming ceremony organised by the Nigerian Army, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as historic and a recognition of Lagbaja’s service as one of Nigeria’s finest military officers.
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.”
While stressing the need for security personnel to be celebrated for their sacrifice and service to Nigeria, the governor 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.”
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, Gen. Musa, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. 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.
In commemoration of the the event, trees were planted in front of the newly constructed and commissioned entrance gate of the TA Ladoja Cantonment.
The event also featured the launch of several facility upgrades, including a refurbished digital gate with an engraved portrait of Lagbaja, made from over 400,000 half-inch nails.
Additionally, there were remodelled accommodations for the Commander of 9 Brigade, a new residence for the Commander of 70 Supply and Transport Command, and renovated quarters for Corporals and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.
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