Taiwo Popoola
Ilobu community in Osun State has appealed to the Federal Government to immortalise the late Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, former Chief of Army Staff.
The community also described late General Lagbaja as a worthy son who made remarkable contributions to the Nigerian Army and the nation.
The community, which serves as the headquarters of the Irepodun local government area of Osun State, made the call through the President of Ilobu-Asake Development Union, IADU, Pastor Olufemi Salako, during a press briefing to announce preparations for this year’s Ilobu Day celebration.
Salako revealed that the 2024 edition of the Ilobu Day celebration was suspended in honour of the late Chief of Army Staff, who passed away last year, adding that this year’s event would also include special tributes to him.
Speaking on Lagbaja’s legacy, Salako lamented that there was nothing in the town to commemorate his life and achievements.
“If you come into our town today, there is nothing to show that we have produced a son like Lagbaja. Unfortunately, there is nothing to show visitors that our town produced such a prominent figure.
“We need to show him to the world that he has done extraordinarily well for this state and the country at large, so we want him to be immortalised,” he said.
The IADU President noted that discussions were ongoing with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army to establish a project or monument in Lagbaja’s honour.
“We are still engaging the Federal Government and the Army to come and do something for us. Although before Lagbaja’s death, the Nigerian Army community built a modern hospital for us, it was not named after him,” Salako explained.
He added that naming the facility or another major infrastructure after the late General would serve as a lasting tribute to his service and inspire future generations in Ilobu.
The community also used the occasion to woo investors back into Ilobu following the devastating communal clash between Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin communities, which led to extensive destruction.
According to Salako, property worth over N2 billion was destroyed during the conflict, leaving many families displaced and businesses in ruins.
“While we believe that the era of commotions has gone, the scars are still there. Over N2 billion worth of properties destroyed remain in ruins,” he said.
He also appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke to assist victims of the crisis.
“We call on Governor Ademola Adeleke to help us in providing succour to those seriously affected by the crisis. Businesses were devastated, and many are yet to recover. Many families became homeless due to the crisis,” he added.
