……..Renew Call for Unity and Patriotic Leadership.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and other prominent Nigerians have called for renewed national unity, patriotism and selfless leadership as they honoured Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, late Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, on the 60th anniversary of his assassination.
The leaders, who spoke at the memorial thanksgiving ceremony held at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Conference Centre, Umuahia, described the late Head of State as an exceptional patriot who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria’s unity and left behind enduring values of discipline, integrity and national service for future generations.
Represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), President Tinubu said the nation remains eternally grateful for Aguiyi-Ironsi’s courage and unwavering commitment to preserving Nigeria during one of its most difficult political transitions.
According to the President, Aguiyi-Ironsi distinguished himself as a disciplined and courageous professional soldier whose brief tenure as Head of State was marked by determined efforts to restore stability, preserve national unity and safeguard the sovereignty of the Nigerian State.
He noted that six decades after his death, the late military leader’s ideals of patriotism, selfless service, discipline, integrity and unity remain indispensable to Nigeria’s nation-building efforts.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), and former First Lady, Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, in separate goodwill messages, described the gathering as a fitting national tribute to a distinguished patriot whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.
They urged Nigerians to uphold the principles of national unity, peaceful coexistence and selfless service, stressing that honouring national heroes reinforces the country’s collective commitment to building a stronger and more united nation.
In his address, Governor Alex Otti described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a symbol of courage, sacrifice and national integration, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic and sectional divisions in pursuit of a common national destiny.
“We came here to celebrate a man who gave his life for the rest of us. I believe Nigeria is stronger when we remain united and work together towards shared progress,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor reaffirmed that his administration would continue to promote merit, competence and fairness in governance, insisting that excellence rather than ethnicity remains the guiding principle in public appointments.
Delivering the family citation, Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi described her father as a nationalist whose leadership was anchored on discipline, patriotism, meritocracy and the professionalisation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
She said the memorial was not merely an annual remembrance but a solemn national reflection on sacrifice, justice, peace and unity, urging Nigerians to preserve the ideals for which the late military leader lived and died.
Lady Louisa also paid tribute to the late Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, whose loyalty and sacrifice, she noted, remain enduring symbols of honour, courage and uncommon patriotism.
Speaking on behalf of the family, former Minister of Defence, Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Governor Otti and all dignitaries for making the 60th anniversary the most memorable commemoration ever held in honour of his father.
He particularly commended the Abia State Government for renovating the gravesite and supporting the successful hosting of the memorial, expressing confidence that more developmental projects would come to the state.
The ceremony featured a solemn wreath-laying at the tomb of the late Head of State in recognition of his outstanding service and ultimate sacrifice for the unity and stability of Nigeria.
Among dignitaries present were former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, represented by Chief Law Mefor; Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, representatives of the National Assembly, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Archbishop s and Clergies, heads of federal establishments, senior military officers, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests.
The memorial ended with a collective resolve by leaders across political, military and traditional institutions to uphold the ideals of unity, peaceful coexistence, patriotism and selfless leadership championed by Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi throughout his life and service to the nation.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC,Umuahia Abia State.
30th July,2026.
