FIC Report (Abia State) – The Federal Government of Nigeria demonstrated strong solidarity and high-level representation at the 70th birthday celebration of Nigeria’s first Igbo Chief of Army Staff, Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was represented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kingsley Ude, described General Ihejirika as a patriot, a Pan-Nigerian, fine gentleman, and courageous officer who served Nigeria at a turbulent time in the fight against insurgency and proved himself credibly.
The President noted that Lieutenant General Ihejirika was the last Service Chief of South-East extraction before his administration assumed office and subsequently appointed new Service Chiefs, including Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
He emphasized that for Nigeria to overcome its security challenges, leadership must continually engage the best hands from every part of the country.
President Tinubu prayed for God’s continued protection and good health for the retired Army Chief, expressing hope that Nigeria would continue to draw from his wealth of experience and knowledge, particularly in the determined fight against insecurity.
Host Governor, Alex Otti, OFR, said the State was intentional in celebrating General Ihejirika, describing him as a pride of Abia and the Igbo nation.
He explained that the birthday celebration was deliberately aligned with the commissioning of landmark projects, including the new Omenuko Bridge and the 30-kilometre Abam–Arochukwu Road.
“We intentionally wanted to celebrate his birthday with these landmark projects,” Governor Otti stated, adding that General Ihejirika had distinguished himself as Chairman of the Abia State Security Council, a position he was appointed to strictly on merit.
“If you are in doubt, go and check what has happened in this State in the last 32 months and compare it with what happened elsewhere,” the Governor said, highlighting improvements in security under his administration.
Also speaking, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, described General Ihejirika as a family friend and perfect gentleman, commending his immense contributions to Nigeria.
He called on Nigerians to support Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides and President Tinubu for his leadership.
In their goodwill messages, the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; former Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor; former Chief of Army Staff, Muhammad Dambazau; and Alex Ogbomudia, among others, described Ihejirika as a proud son of Igbo land and a thoroughbred professional worthy of celebration.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), applauded Governor Otti for honouring General Ihejirika and commended the celebrant’s immense contributions to Nigeria’s security architecture.
In his vote of thanks, Lieutenant General Ihejirika expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and recalled how he developed interest in joining the military. He appreciated his mentors and colleagues, including General Nwachukwu and General Musa, recounting his experiences in service and returning all glory to God.
He noted that some of the achievements of Governor Otti go beyond physical infrastructure. According to him, when the Governor assumed office, security personnel in Abia were owed seven months’ allowances, which were promptly cleared, leading to improved morale and enhanced collaboration with security agencies.
The ceremony featured a lecture titled “The Role of Leadership in Strengthening National Security and Governance” delivered by former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, as well as the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant, flanked by his wife, Mrs Nnenna Ihejirika, amid colourful cultural displays.
The event attracted serving and retired military chiefs, the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, top Abia State Government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, and prominent sons and daughters of Isuikwuato, underscoring the national significance of the celebration.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
February 14,2026.
