Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Thursday joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other eminent Nigerians at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the passing of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi.
Governor Otti disclosed this in a statement after the ceremony, noting that he was at the event alongside President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, rtd; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, represented; Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, rtd; Dr. Uche Ogah; Chief John Mbata; members of the diplomatic corps; senior military officers; and other dignitaries.
The ceremony featured solemn prayers, the sounding of the Last Post, and the laying of wreaths, described as a timeless symbol of honour, respect, sacrifice and unity.
In her tribute, Mrs. Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi said the memorial was not merely ceremonial but a call to collective remembrance and national reaffirmation. She urged Nigerians to anchor the country’s future on justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good of all citizens.
“_Her words challenge us to choose unity over division, dialogue over conflict, and cooperation over resentment,_” Governor Otti stated.
The Abia Governor stressed that Nigeria must rise above vices that divide the nation and embrace virtues that bind citizens together.
“_Our strength lies in unity, in building bridges across ethnic, religious, and political lines, and in pursuing justice and fairness for all,_” he said.
He concluded with prayers for the repose of Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s soul and for a strong, indivisible, prosperous and united Nigeria.
Major-General Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Abia indigene, was Nigeria’s first military Head of State. He was killed during the July 1966 coup and remains a central figure in the nation’s military history.
Report by: NEWS CENTURY TV
