By Philip Nwosu
In a resounding tribute to a fallen hero, the Nigerian Army (NA) has immortalized its late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, by renaming the iconic Ikeja Cantonment in his honour. The move, it was learned, ensures that the legacy of courage, duty and sacrifice left by the late officer remains an enduring part of Nigeria’s military history.
The official unveiling of T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment took place recently, coinciding with what would have been the late general’s 57th birthday. The event was a blend of solemnity and celebration—mourning the loss of a respected military leader while affirming his indelible mark on the nation he served.
Lagbaja’s death, which came after a brief illness, was announced by the Presidency on November 6, 2024. Nigerians were shocked by the demise of the Chief of Army Staff, who was seen by many as a symbol of courage and determination.
Lagbaja was appointed as the army chief by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023. He was born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State. He spent his early life in Osogbo, where he attended St. Charles Grammar School and Local Authority Teachers College.
For many, the choice of Ikeja Cantonment as the site to honour Lagbaja was particularly significant. The late general had previously served there as a brigade commander, overseeing critical infrastructural developments. His leadership left an enduring imprint on the facility, making it a fitting location for his name to be enshrined.
Beyond the symbolic renaming, the event also marked the unveiling of key infrastructural upgrades within the cantonment. These projects, spearheaded by the current 9 Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Olawale Matthew Oyekola, included major renovations aimed at improving the welfare of military personnel.
One of the most remarkable tributes was a striking portrait of Lagbaja embedded into the newly refurbished digital gate of the cantonment. Created using over 400,000 half-inch nails, the artwork stands as both an artistic and symbolic honour to the late general’s service.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, reaffirmed that renaming military facilities after distinguished officers was a longstanding tradition, serving as a reminder of the values that fallen leaders stood for.
He stated: “Today, we immortalize Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, CFR, who exemplified the highest military ideals—courage, selflessness and strategic brilliance. His transformational leadership and commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Army will be remembered for generations.”
Describing the late COAS as a compassionate leader and devoted family man, Musa expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his continued support of the Armed Forces. He urged Nigerians to collaborate with the military in addressing contemporary security challenges, aligning with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for national stability.
Similarly, Lagbaja’s successor, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, underscored the importance of preserving the legacies of fallen officers. “Legacies that endure are built on selflessness and dedication. By naming this cantonment after Lagbaja, we ensure that his contributions to national security and military professionalism are never forgotten,” Oluyede said.
The Army Chief recalled the tradition of naming military bases after fallen service chiefs and officers who died in active service, citing the Special Forces Barracks in Makurdi, named after Colonel Joe Akaahan, who died in a helicopter crash during the civil war. In the same spirit, he announced that Akim Barracks in Calabar would soon be renamed Ibrahim Attahiru Barracks, in honour of the late Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, who also died while serving as COAS.
The decision to rename the cantonment has brought immense comfort to Lagbaja’s family, particularly his widow, Mariya. For them, this honour dispels any fears that his name might fade from national consciousness.
For the Nigerian Army, it is more than just a symbolic gesture—it is a reaffirmation of the values that Lagbaja championed: integrity, discipline, and service to the nation. By cementing his name in one of Nigeria’s most significant military bases, the Army has ensured that his story will continue to inspire future generations of soldiers.
Oluyede’s words at the ceremony captured the essence of this recognition: “We want our soldiers to know that their sacrifices will not be forgotten. The renaming of this cantonment is our way of saying that Nigeria values the commitment and courage of those who serve.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, a profound sense of pride and gratitude among the Lagbaja family was evident. The sight of the beautifully refurbished cantonment bearing his name, alongside heartfelt tributes from senior military officials, was a powerful affirmation of his legacy.
For Nigeria’s Armed Forces, the T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment will stand as a beacon of courage, sacrifice, and dedication—a constant reminder of a leader who gave his all in service to his country.
The remodelling of the 9 Brigade Commander’s residence, the newly constructed accommodation for the Commander of 70 Supply and Transport Command, renovated quarters for Corporals and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, the restoration of the cantonment’s water treatment plant, upgrades to the medical centre and school facilities, and enhanced electricity supply—aimed at resolving longstanding power issues—were all executed under Brigadier General Oyekola’s leadership. These improvements have significantly enhanced the living and working conditions for personnel at the cantonment—developments that, many believe, would have made Lagbaja proud.
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while eulogizing the late Army Chief, emphasized the significance of the gesture, describing the renaming as a powerful message that Nigeria honors its military heroes, not just in times of war but also in peace.
He said: “This cantonment has been a symbol of courage, discipline, and fidelity. It has been home to thousands of brave men and women who have defended our nation with their lives. Renaming it after Lieutenant General Lagbaja is a fitting tribute to a leader who embodied these values.”
Sanwo-Olu commended President Tinubu for approving the renaming, describing it as a testament to the federal government’s commitment to the Armed Forces. He further assured the military of Lagos State’s continuous support in infrastructural development and security initiatives.
Addressing the late COAS’s widow, he encouraged her to take solace in the knowledge that her husband’s contributions to national security were deeply appreciated.
The recent renaming of the Ikeja Military Cantonment to T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment stands as a significant tribute to the late Lagbaja, reflecting his profound impact on the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
Senior military officers present at the renaming praised the contributions of the fallen Army Chief to the Nigerian Army, reaffirming that the renaming of the Ikeja Military Cantonment to T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment serves as a lasting tribute to the late Chief of Army Staff.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja dedicated over three decades to the Nigerian Army, playing pivotal roles in counter-insurgency operations, internal security and peacekeeping missions. His leadership and commitment were instrumental in various military successes, underscoring his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest military officers.