Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has joined national leaders in celebrating the 70th birthday of Nigeria’s first Igbo Chief of Army Staff, Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika, at a grand ceremony held at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Ude, described Lt. Gen. Ihejirika as a patriot and courageous officer who led the Nigerian Army during a critical period in the fight against insurgency. The President praised his professionalism and commitment to national unity, emphasizing the importance of inclusive leadership in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to the President’s message, Nigeria must continue to engage competent leaders from all regions to overcome insecurity and strengthen national cohesion. He prayed for continued good health and longevity for the retired Army chief so the nation can keep benefiting from his wealth of experience.
Governor Otti, who hosted the event, said the celebration was deliberate and symbolic.
He described Lt. Gen. Ihejirika as a distinguished son of Abia and a man of integrity whose service record inspires pride across the Southeast and beyond. The governor noted that Ihejirika currently chairs the Abia State Security Council, an appointment he said was based strictly on merit.
Highlighting improvements in security within the state, Governor Otti pointed to his administration’s efforts in strengthening collaboration with security agencies. He revealed that upon assuming office, security personnel were owed seven months’ allowances, which his government promptly cleared to boost morale and operational efficiency.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, described the celebrant as a perfect gentleman and long-standing contributor to Nigeria’s stability. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting both Governor Otti’s developmental strides in Abia and the federal government’s broader reforms.
Goodwill messages poured in from top military leaders, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Army Staff Muhammadu Dambazau, and Alex Ogbomudia. They described Lt. Gen. Ihejirika as a thorough professional and an exemplary officer whose legacy in national security remains significant.
The event also featured a keynote lecture titled “The Role of Leadership in Strengthening National Security and Governance,” delivered by former Kaduna State Governor, Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi. The lecture underscored the critical link between visionary leadership, institutional reform and sustainable security.
In his vote of thanks, Lt. Gen. Ihejirika expressed gratitude to God for his life journey and reflected on his decision to join the Nigerian Army decades ago. He acknowledged mentors and colleagues who shaped his career and commended Governor Otti’s leadership approach, noting that governance goes beyond physical infrastructure to building trust and institutional stability.
The celebration drew serving and retired military chiefs, federal and state government officials, traditional rulers, clergy, and prominent citizens from Isuikwuato and across Nigeria. Cultural displays and a ceremonial cake-cutting, attended by his wife, Mrs. Nnenna Ihejirika, added colour to the milestone event.
ALSO READ: AYTI: Abia Youth Group Issues Stern Warning Over Alleged Plot to Disrupt MOUAU VC Appointment
As Abia State and the nation honoured Lt. Gen. Ihejirika at 70, tributes focused not only on his military achievements but also on his enduring influence in shaping Nigeria’s security architecture and mentoring future leaders.