Sanwo-Olu, CDS, COAS, others unveil TA Lagbaja cantonment

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday unveiled the TA Lagbaja Cantonment in memory of the late former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoheed Abiodun Lagbaja.

He stated that Lagbaja’s dedication to Nigeria’s security, leadership in counterterrorism efforts, and unwavering commitment to professionalism made him deserving of the honor bestowed upon him posthumously.

The Ikeja Military Cantonment in the Maryland area of Lagos was renamed the TA Lagbaja Cantonment in commemoration of the late COAS’s 57th birthday and first posthumous birthday.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede; Lagbaja’s widow, Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja; and other top military officers, as well as soldiers, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event organized by the Nigerian Army, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the occasion as historic, recognizing Lagbaja’s service as one of Nigeria’s finest military officers.

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The governor emphasized that renaming the cantonment was a statement of respect, gratitude, and recognition of Lagbaja’s courage, sacrifice, and service to the nation.

He noted that the cantonment had long been a symbol of courage, discipline, and patriotism, serving as home to thousands of brave men and women who had defended Nigeria’s sovereignty with their lives.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the cantonment has witnessed moments of triumph, resilience, and sacrifice, making it fitting to rename it after the late Lt. General Lagbaja. He described the decision as a tribute to a leader whose life embodied these values and “a strong message to our armed forces and future generations that Nigeria honors its heroes.”

“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 Taoheed 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 honors its heroes.

“Lieutenant General Lagbaja’s dedication to Nigeria’s security, leadership in counterterrorism efforts, and unwavering commitment to professionalism in the Nigerian Army are worthy of this honor. His name will now be permanently etched into the foundation of this cantonment, reminding us all of the values he stood for: service, excellence, and selflessness,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor also emphasized the need to celebrate security personnel for their sacrifices and service to Nigeria, stressing the importance of recognizing their contributions not only in times of conflict but also in moments of peace.

“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 unrecognized.

“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 nation,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu commended the Nigerian Army and the Ministry of Defence for recognizing and celebrating national heroes, particularly the late Lagbaja, emphasizing that such a culture must be upheld.

According to him, doing so “serves as motivation for our armed forces and reassures all patriots that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Oluyede, paid tribute to the late Lagbaja for his service to the Nigerian Army and the nation, particularly during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff.

To commemorate the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu, General Musa, Lt. General Oluyede, and other top military officers planted trees in front of the newly constructed and commissioned entrance gate of the TA Lagbaja Cantonment.