Army renames Ikeja Cantonment after late COAS Lagbaja
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Nigerian Army on Friday renamed the popular Ikeja Cantonment as T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, in honor of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The renaming ceremony followed significant facility upgrades, including an engraved portrait of Lagbaja made with over 4,000 nails at the refurbished main gate, digital boards, remodeled accommodation for the Commander of the 9 Brigade, a newly built residence for the Commander of the 70 Supply and Transport Command, and renovated quarters for Corporals and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs).
The event coincided with the late COAS’s posthumous 57th birthday and attracted top military officials, including all serving members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Course 39, Lagbaja’s coursemates.
Delivering a goodwill message, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the renaming as a testament to the nation’s gratitude and recognition of Lagbaja’s courage, service, and patriotism.
“This cantonment has not just been a symbol of courage; it has been a symbol of discipline and fidelity. It has been home to thousands of brave men and women who have defended our nation’s sovereignty with their lives in moments of triumph, resilience, and sacrifice.
“Renaming it after Lieutenant General Lagbaja is a fitting tribute to a leader, a gentleman, and an officer whose life embodied these values. A distinguished infantry officer, he served in the Nigerian Army for over three decades and played key roles in counter-insurgency operations, internal security, and peacekeeping missions.
“By renaming this cantonment after him, we are sending a strong message to our Armed Forces and future generations that Nigeria will always honor and celebrate its brave men and women—not just in times of conflict but in moments of peace. Their sacrifices will never go unrecognized.”
Sanwo-Olu commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the renaming, noting that it demonstrated his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces.
In his remarks, COAS Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede stated that Lagbaja’s leadership and legacy continued to positively impact the lives of soldiers and their families.
He added that the army chose Ikeja Cantonment to immortalize Lagbaja because of the infrastructural developments he spearheaded as commander of the 9 Brigade and the major projects he initiated in the cantonment as COAS.
