Obasanjo, Ihejirika: Nigeria Must Learn From History to Build a United Future

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on Nigerians to embrace the study of history, saying the nation’s past holds valuable lessons needed to build a more united and prosperous country.

Speaking at the 60th Memorial Anniversary of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, in Umuahia, Abia State, Obasanjo said remembering history is essential to preventing the mistakes of the past from recurring.

He commended the organisers of the event and expressed appreciation to the children, grandchildren and the entire Aguiyi-Ironsi family for preserving the late leader’s legacy.

The former president described July 29 and January 15 as some of the darkest days in Nigeria’s history, noting that such events should not be forgotten but studied to draw lessons that would promote national unity and development.

According to him, removing History from the nation’s school curriculum was a mistake, stressing that ignorance of history amounts to losing a people’s collective memory.

“In my own school, History is compulsory,” he said, adding that a nation that forgets its history risks repeating the same mistakes.

Obasanjo maintained that rather than allowing painful historical events to divide Nigerians, they should inspire inclusion, cooperation, reconciliation and nation-building.

He said occasions such as the memorial for Aguiyi-Ironsi provide an opportunity to honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice while encouraging future generations to learn from their service and commitment to the country.

Reflecting on Aguiyi-Ironsi’s military career, Obasanjo described him as a trailblazer in the Nigerian Army, noting that he was the first Nigerian to attain several military ranks, including Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Brigadier and Major General.

He explained that although Aguiyi-Ironsi was assigned Army Number N-2, the first commissioned Nigerian officer, Colonel Bassey, held Army Number N-1.

The former president also shared personal memories of his early military career, revealing that his own Army Number was N-46. He recalled that after returning from military training in the United Kingdom, Aguiyi-Ironsi took him under his wing and treated him like a member of his family.

Obasanjo also paid tribute to the late Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, fondly describing her as “Mama Victoria.” He recalled serving under the late military leader before Nigeria’s independence, including during preparations for Nigeria’s peacekeeping mission to the Congo.

He said Aguiyi-Ironsi’s leadership, mentorship and patriotism left a lasting impact on generations of Nigerian military officers and remain worthy of remembrance.

Also speaking at the event, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), described Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, as a patriotic leader who believed in the unity of the country.

Ihejirika recalled admiring Aguiyi-Ironsi from childhood, revealing that he once sketched the late general’s portrait while in primary school.

“I indulged in sketching General Aguiyi-Ironsi’s picture. My father was so impressed that he framed it and hung it in our house. Perhaps I should have become an artist,” he said.

He expressed delight that Nigeria continues to honour Aguiyi-Ironsi’s legacy decades after his death, describing the memorial as a fitting recognition of a man who remained deeply committed to national unity and patriotism.

Reflecting on his military career, Ihejirika recounted his encounters with former President Obasanjo, whom he supported during the presidential election because of their shared background as Army Engineers.

He narrated how his close working relationship with Obasanjo eventually contributed to the revival of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), leading to the production of the locally manufactured “OBJ Rifle.”

The retired army chief also recalled his first meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan after his appointment, saying Jonathan made it clear that kidnapping and insecurity in Abia State would not be tolerated.

According to him, Jonathan rejected suggestions to grant amnesty to kidnappers, insisting that criminals should face the law rather than receive government concessions.

Ihejirika linked that position to the current security vision of Abia State Governor Alex Otti, noting that the governor similarly declared during the inauguration of the Abia State Security Advisory Council that no part of the state should remain under the control of criminals.

He clarified that he serves as Chairman of the Abia State Security Advisory Council, not the State Security Council, emphasising that the council has continued to work in line with the governor’s directive.

The former army chief commended Governor Otti for bringing Nigerians together to honour Aguiyi-Ironsi and for recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation.

He also paid tribute to former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, whom he described as “our daughter,” recalling their interaction during the burial of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. He praised her for remaining connected to her roots despite her national prominence.