By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other prominent Nigerians have called for renewed commitment to national unity, patriotism and selfless service as the country marked the 60th memorial anniversary of Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.
The leaders made the appeal during a memorial ceremony held in Umuahia, Abia State, to honour the late military leader, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966. They urged Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of history and work together to build a peaceful, united and prosperous nation.
Representing President Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a courageous and disciplined leader who assumed office during one of the country’s most challenging periods.
He said that although Aguiyi-Ironsi’s administration was brief, his commitment to preserving national unity, restoring stability and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity remains worthy of emulation.
According to the President’s representative, the values of patriotism, discipline, integrity and selfless service demonstrated by the late Head of State remain essential to Nigeria’s development. He also urged Nigerians to embrace the country’s diversity as a source of strength and commended Governor Otti for his leadership in Abia State.
Governor Otti said the memorial was not only an opportunity to honour a fallen leader but also a reminder of the importance of unity, merit and sacrifice in nation-building.
He noted that Aguiyi-Ironsi’s willingness to sacrifice for Nigeria should inspire leaders to place national interest above ethnic or personal considerations.
The governor added that appointments in his administration are based on competence and integrity rather than state of origin, stressing that Nigeria stands to benefit more from unity than division.
Former President Obasanjo, former Chief of Army Staff General Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), and former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan also paid tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian whose sacrifice should never be forgotten.
They commended the Abia State Government for preserving the nation’s history and urged citizens to continue promoting peace, unity and national service.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s daughter, Mrs. Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, said the commemoration was aimed at preserving the legacy of a leader who gave his life for Nigeria’s unity rather than reopening old divisions.
She called on present and future leaders to uphold justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good in the interest of national development.
The event featured prayers, the consecration of Aguiyi-Ironsi’s tomb by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, and a wreath-laying ceremony led by the President’s representative, Governor Otti, representatives of other state governments, Dame Patience Jonathan and other dignitaries.
The ceremony attracted serving and former public officials, military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community and the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, all of whom paid tribute to the late Head of State’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity and nation-building.
