By Godwin Akomah, Umuahia
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to confront the country’s painful historical experiences and draw lessons that will promote unity, inclusion and national development, warning that nations that neglect their history are bound to repeat past mistakes.
Obasanjo made the call on Wednesday in Umuahia, Abia State, during the 60th memorial service held in honour of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Gen. Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966.
The former President renewed his call for the reintroduction of History as a compulsory subject in Nigerian schools, expressing concern over its removal from the curriculum.
“Nigeria has many black days, and because of these black days, we must remember history to learn the right lessons,” Obasanjo said.
He described the January 15, 1966 coup, the July 29, 1966 counter-coup and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as some of Nigeria’s darkest moments.
“July 29 is one black day in the history of Nigeria. January 15 is another black day. The annulment of June 12 was also a black day. But the question is: what lessons do we learn from them?” he asked.
According to Obasanjo, many of Nigeria’s historic crises were characterised by exclusion, destruction and division, stressing that the country must embrace inclusion, cooperation and national integration.
“Most of these black days excluded, destroyed and separated us. But we can learn the right lessons and draw inspiration for inclusion, construction, cooperation and bringing our people together,” he said.
Reflecting on Aguiyi-Ironsi’s life, Obasanjo described the late military leader as a father figure who treated younger officers with compassion and respect. He praised his distinguished military career, recalling his service in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo and noting that he became Nigeria’s first indigenous Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Brigadier and Major-General.
He urged Nigerians to preserve the memories of leaders who made sacrifices for the country’s peace and unity, saying their legacies should inspire future generations.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a patriot whose commitment to national unity helped preserve Nigeria during a turbulent period.
Tinubu said the late military leader remained a symbol of patriotism, discipline and selfless service, describing him as Nigeria’s “unifier-in-chief,” “martyr of national unity” and a pioneer of indigenous military leadership.
“Today we gather not merely to remember a man, but to reflect on a significant chapter in our nation’s history and honour a patriot whose life was dedicated to the service of Nigeria,” the President said.
Although Aguiyi-Ironsi’s tenure was brief, Tinubu said he demonstrated a firm commitment to preserving national unity, restoring stability and protecting the integrity of the Nigerian state.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that support democracy, security and development, while urging Nigerians to embrace patriotism and national integration.
“Our diversity remains one of our greatest strengths,” he said.
Also speaking, Defence Minister Christopher Musa commended Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his leadership and developmental efforts, urging him to immortalise Aguiyi-Ironsi and Lt.-Col. Adekunle Fajuyi by establishing a Unity Square in Abia State to honour their sacrifices and promote national cohesion.
Governor Otti described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a symbol of unity whose legacy remains relevant to Nigeria’s pursuit of peace and cohesion.
“We are better together than apart. Those trying to cause confusion will fail. We must continue to build a country founded on unity, inclusion and shared prosperity,” Otti said.
He stressed the importance of learning from history, noting that nations must reflect on past mistakes to build a better future.
“People made mistakes. Even today, we still make mistakes. The day you stop learning is the day you are dead. We must continue to learn from history,” he added.
The governor also criticised self-serving leadership, insisting that public office should be about sacrifice and service to the people.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Engr. Imo Onyegbule Aguiyi-Ironsi described the late Head of State as a “de-tribalised Nigerian” who dedicated his life to national unity.
He said the memorial was not only an occasion to honour Aguiyi-Ironsi’s memory but also a reminder of the enduring values of patriotism, unity and selfless service.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta Mbata, and former Nigerian Consul to South Africa, Ambassador Okey Emuchay.
