By Peace Udugba
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other prominent Nigerians on Thursday paid tribute to Nigeria’s first military Head of State, the late Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, during activities marking the 60th anniversary of his death in Umuahia, Abia State.
President Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, while Governor Otti joined members of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who was represented, former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), Dr. Uche Ogah, Chief John Mbata, members of the diplomatic corps, senior military officers and other dignitaries at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph.
The memorial featured solemn prayers, the sounding of the Last Post and the laying of wreaths in honour of the late military leader, recognising his service and sacrifice to the nation.
Speaking after the event, Governor Otti described the ceremony as a reminder of the need for Nigerians to uphold the values of unity, justice and national cohesion.
He noted that a tribute delivered by Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi underscored that the annual memorial should serve not only as a ceremonial event but also as a call to collective remembrance and renewed commitment to nation-building.
According to Otti, the tribute urged Nigerians to build the country’s future on justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good of all citizens, while choosing unity over division, dialogue over conflict and cooperation over resentment.
The governor stressed that Nigeria must rise above the divisions of ethnicity, religion and politics and embrace the values that unite its people.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Aguiyi-Ironsi and expressed hope for a stronger, more united and prosperous Nigeria.
