The Nigerian Army has renamed the Ikeja cantonment after the late Chief of Army Staff (CAOS), Taoreed Lagbaja.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the decision was in recognition of Lagbaja’s courage and service to Nigeria.
“This renaming is not just a new title; it represents our respect, gratitude, and recognition for the courage and sacrifices of one of Nigeria’s exceptional military officers, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the former chief of army staff,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“By naming it after Lieutenant General Lagbaja, we pay tribute to a leader whose life exemplified courage, discipline, and patriotism.
“His distinguished service in the Nigerian Army over three decades, particularly in counterinsurgency, internal security, and peacekeeping operations, deserves recognition.
“I commend the Nigerian Army and the Ministry of Defence for this initiative. It reinforces a culture of recognising and celebrating our heroes and assures all patriots that their sacrifices will always be acknowledged.”
Also speaking, the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, paid tribute to his predecessor, lauding his infrastructural developments while he served as Commander of 9 brigade.
Oluyede said the cantonment was deemed most befitting to immortalise Lagbaja.
Lagbaja served as Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, until his death on November 5, 2024, at age 56, following an illness.
He was appointed by President Bola Tinubu to succeed Lieutenant-General Faruk Yahaya. Lagbaja left behind a legacy of professionalism and sacrifice during his 17-month tenure.
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