Key Takeaways

1. Dodan Barracks was once a symbol of power and community life.
   Before the seat of power moved to Abuja, the barracks served as Nigeria’s political nerve centre while fostering close relationships between soldiers and civilians in neighbouring Obalende.
2. Residents remember a safer, more vibrant era.
   Former residents recalled enjoying reliable electricity, water, recreational facilities, and the lively Mammy Market, with many describing the area as more secure and socially connected than it is today.
3. Security has tightened as the barracks evolves.
   While the Nigerian Army says renovation and welfare improvements are ongoing, access to the barracks is now heavily restricted, reflecting changing security realities and marking a sharp contrast with its once open and welcoming atmosphere.

Dodan Barracks, located in Ikoyi, Lagos, played host to the former seat of power in Nigeria. But today, 35 years after, it seems to be something else entirely.

It was the residence of heads of state in Nigeria and headquarters of the defunct Supreme Military Council from 1966 until the nation’s capital was moved to Abuja in 1991.The name, “Dodan” originated from the site of a battle fought during World War II by the 82nd West African Division in Burma, which had a strong Nigerian contingent. Later on, and more famously, Dodan Barracks was one of the bases used by some military officers who attempted to overthrow Nigeria’s civilian government in January 1966 and it was also a key location seized in the April 1990 coup attempt by Major Gideon Orkar. One can imagine the grandeur and fortification of the once-powerful palace of the most powerful man in the land, but 35 years after the transfer of the seat of power, this seems to be waning.

Lasisi Sule, 60, who was born in Odo Street, Obalende, told Daily Trust that growing up in the area was a privilege for him and his siblings because of the exposure to certain things teenagers in other parts of Lagos lacked. He recalled how he related to the children of military personnel at the barracks and how those relationships grew into trust and harmony, even later in life. He added that the barracks was his second home, with frequent visits to play football, fetch water, pluck fruits and relax.

Sule said the mutual love played out during the 1990 Gideon Orkar coup when  soldiers loyal to the government spared the lives of civilians living in Obalende when fleeing dissident soldiers were trailed to the neighbourhood. No civilian, he added, was hurt by the soldiers during their search for the dissidents who took refuge  in the houses there in order to escape after the coup failed.

Sule also recalled how comfortable life was in the military base, compared to the surroundings. To him, the Mammy Market in those days was the centre of social life for soldiers and their civilian friends. He added that the nature of food and drinks served at the market made it unavoidable for both civilians and soldiers. “There was good food and drinks at the Mammy Market in those days which made the place lively and created an avenue for civilians and soldiers to deepen interaction,” he said.

Sule said the old Dodan Barracks gradually lost its originality while the free, convivial atmosphere has dwindled, apparently due to the increasing insecurity in the country, just as he added that the market is no longer as lively.

Abass, 50, lives at Ajeniya Street in Obalende. He said he once had what he called a  ‘privileged’ handshake with the then Head of State, General  Ibrahim Babangida after Juma’at prayers at the Dodan  Barracks Central mosque on a Friday. He said it is something he would forever remember as one of the privileges of residing at Obalende.

Abass said that singular act not only endeared him to the former military ruler, but also prepared him to look forward to occupying a position of authority in the country. He recalled how availability of water, electricity and recreational facilities at the barracks made him ‘abandon’ his residence to have a good feel of life in the military base.

“In those days, I had many friends who were children of soldiers. It enabled me to freely enter the barracks. Because there was no regular electricity and water in Obalende, I chose to frequent the barracks to fetch water and iron my clothes and even eat what I liked there. I also played football and enjoyed other recreational facilities at the barracks,” he added.

Abass said Dodan Barracks made Obalende very secure in those days and people about moved freely, even at night without fear of violence or armed robbery. He recalled that soldiers too went outside the barracks to have a ‘taste’ of Obalende and interacted with civilians, adding, “There was no dull moment in those days as civilians in Obalende and soldiers at the barracks cohabited without any rancour.’

Augustina Gambo, who sells alcoholic drinks at Ajeniya Street in Obalende, recalled how the business boomed before the relocation of the seat of power to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. “My beer business boomed in those days because of increased patronage from soldiers who frequented here. There was no dull moment between civilians in Obalende and the soldiers who patronised me,” she added.

According to her, it was easy for her to enter the barracks to fetch water and see some of her friends there, unlike now that access is highly restricted.

To her, the sweet memories of the barracks are gradually fading as her beer business is no longer yielding the expected results. She, however, maintained that the proximity of the barracks to Obalende still shields the area from crime, as entering the barracks now subjects one to thorough search and interrogation. “One would be asked by soldiers to call one’s host before being allowed in,” she said, adding that soldiers at the barracks then were friendlier than those there now.

Anani Christopher, 45, who lives on Obalende Road, shares a similar experience with other residents, stating that it was a place where many youngsters had friends. He also told Daily Trust that he frequently visited the barracks to play football, eat at the Mammy Market, and so on.

The then spokesman of 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Olaolu Daudu, said there is an ongoing renovation of buildings at the barracks, in line with the welfare programme of the Chief of Army Staff. “Dodan Barracks is among the units and formations under the direct supervision of 81 Div. The barracks’ buildings, though not recent, are among the best in the Lagos area. The Division is responsible for both Ogun and Lagos states. Lifestyle in Dodan Barracks, like the one at any other barracks, is still what it was,” he said.

By Augustine Aminu

As countries around the world increasingly rely on their diaspora communities to stimulate economic growth, attract investments and transfer knowledge, Nigeria is witnessing the emergence of organisations determined to bridge the gap between citizens at home and abroad.

Among them is the Patriotic Nigerian Network (PNN), a United States-based non-governmental organisation positioning itself as a platform for connecting Nigerians across the globe with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to national development.

Rather than limiting diaspora engagement to remittances, the organisation is championing a broader agenda that includes investment promotion, education, infrastructure advocacy, governance reforms and the projection of a more balanced global narrative about Nigeria.

A Vision Beyond Borders
Founded by philanthropist, researcher and professional engineer Emmanuel Akwu Adejo, the Patriotic Nigerian Network is driven by a simple but ambitious vision: eliminating geographical barriers that separate Nigerians while fostering a united commitment to nation-building.

According to Adejo, Nigeria’s future depends not only on government interventions but also on the collective expertise, financial resources and patriotic commitment of millions of Nigerians living abroad.

He explained that the organisation was established to move beyond conversations by creating practical initiatives capable of delivering measurable developmental impact while documenting authentic stories that reflect Nigeria’s resilience and progress.

Redefining Diaspora Engagement
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest recipients of diaspora remittances, with billions of dollars flowing into the country annually. However, stakeholders argue that the true value of the diaspora extends far beyond financial transfers.

The Patriotic Nigerian Network seeks to harness the intellectual, professional and entrepreneurial capacity of Nigerians overseas by creating structured platforms for engagement in national development.

Its programmes are designed to encourage collaboration between professionals abroad and institutions in Nigeria while supporting initiatives capable of generating sustainable economic growth.

According to the organisation, diaspora communities possess significant expertise in engineering, medicine, technology, education, finance and entrepreneurship that can accelerate national transformation when effectively coordinated.

Promoting Trusted Investment Opportunities
One of the Network’s flagship initiatives focuses on addressing one of the biggest concerns among Nigerians abroad—safe and transparent investment opportunities.

The organisation is developing trusted channels that enable diaspora Nigerians to invest in real estate and other development projects with greater confidence through transparency, accountability and proper verification mechanisms.

By reducing investment risks and strengthening investor confidence, the initiative aims to encourage greater diaspora participation in Nigeria’s housing and infrastructure sectors.

The organisation believes that creating a credible investment ecosystem will not only benefit Nigerians abroad but also stimulate local economic activities, create jobs and contribute to national development.

Investing in Education and Human Capital
Beyond investment promotion, the Patriotic Nigerian Network considers education a critical pillar of sustainable development.
Through strategic partnerships, mentorship programmes and advocacy initiatives, the organisation seeks to improve access to quality education while equipping young Nigerians with skills required to compete in today’s rapidly evolving global economy.

The Network argues that investing in education remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing poverty, promoting innovation and preparing future generations for leadership.

Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Growth
The organisation also advocates improved infrastructure and stronger economic integration across Nigeria.

It believes better connectivity among cities, markets and businesses will enhance commerce, improve productivity and unlock new opportunities for investment and employment.

According to the Network, sustainable infrastructure development remains essential to achieving inclusive economic growth and improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

Changing the Global Narrative
Beyond development initiatives, the Patriotic Nigerian Network is working to reshape international perceptions of Nigeria.

For decades, global conversations about Nigeria have often focused on insecurity, corruption and economic challenges. While acknowledging these realities, the organisation argues that they should not overshadow the country’s achievements in innovation, healthcare, entrepreneurship, education, technology, culture and community service.

By documenting credible success stories and promoting evidence-based narratives, the Network hopes to project a more balanced image of Nigeria internationally.

Its leadership maintains that accurate storytelling backed by research can strengthen investor confidence, attract international partnerships and inspire greater national pride among Nigerians worldwide.

Advocacy for Good Governance
The Network also places governance reforms at the centre of its advocacy efforts.
Through constructive engagement with stakeholders, it promotes transparency, accountability and responsive public institutions, arguing that sustainable development depends on effective governance and citizen participation.

According to the organisation, stronger institutions are essential for attracting investments, protecting public resources and ensuring long-term national progress.

The Growing Role of the Nigerian Diaspora
Observers say organisations like the Patriotic Nigerian Network reflect a growing trend of diaspora-led development initiatives that complement government efforts.

With millions of Nigerians residing across North America, Europe, Asia and other parts of Africa, the diaspora represents an enormous reservoir of knowledge, innovation and investment capital capable of accelerating national development.

Experts increasingly believe that structured engagement between the diaspora and local institutions could unlock significant opportunities in infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology, manufacturing and entrepreneurship.

Looking Ahead
As the Patriotic Nigerian Network expands its global footprint, its leadership says the organisation will continue building partnerships that encourage investment, strengthen education, promote accountability and foster national unity.

For Engineer Emmanuel Akwu Adejo, patriotism is not defined by physical location but by a willingness to contribute to Nigeria’s development wherever one resides.

The Network’s long-term ambition is to ensure that Nigerians at home and abroad work together through credible, transparent and sustainable initiatives that translate collective aspirations into measurable national progress.

If sustained, such diaspora-driven efforts could further strengthen Nigeria’s development agenda while reinforcing the idea that nation-building is a shared responsibility that transcends geographical boundaries.