The Nigerian Army has described the late retired Lt.-Gen. Chikadibia Obiakor as an exceptional soldier and international peacekeeper whose career elevated Nigeria’s profile in global security.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, stated this in a tribute at an Evening of Tributes organised by the Army in honour of Mr Obiakor in Abuja on Saturday.

The tribute was read on behalf of the COAS by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Maj.-Gen. Peter Okoye.

Mr Shaibu said Mr Obiakor’s career was marked by professionalism, courage, intellectual depth, humility and an unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria and humanity.

According to him, Mr Obiakor was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973 as a member of the 10th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He said the late general distinguished himself in command and operational appointments both within Nigeria and international peace-support organisations.

The COAS said Mr Obiakor’s service reflected the highest traditions of the Nigerian Army and contributed significantly to strengthening Nigeria’s reputation as a major contributor to global peace and security.

He recalled that the deceased commanded the ECOMOG Artillery Brigade in Liberia between 1996 and 1997 and played a significant role in coordinating the country’s elections.

Mr Shaibu said Mr Obiakor later became the first Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), providing strategic and operational leadership to the mission.

He added that in 2008, then UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, appointed the deceased as military adviser for UN Peacekeeping Operations at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The appointment, according to him, made Mr Obiakor the first African to occupy the position and underscored the confidence reposed in his professional competence and leadership.

The COAS said the deceased continued contributing to international peace and security after his retirement from active service in 2011.

He said the late general undertook several important United Nations assignments involving conflicts in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Syria.

Mr Shaibu recalled that Mr Obiakor led a UN special investigation into an incident in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2018 and later chaired the UN Secretary-General’s Board of Inquiry into the destruction of humanitarian facilities in north-west Syria.

“Gen Obiakor’s post-retirement contributions demonstrated that his commitment to service transcends the boundaries of the military uniform,” he said.

He also described Mr Obiakor as an ambassador of the Nigerian Army whose accomplishments projected the competence, professionalism and values of the service to the international community.

The chief of army staff said the late general’s legacy would continue to inspire serving personnel and generations of officers and soldiers aspiring to represent Nigeria with honour and distinction.

In his tribute, the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. John Adeyemo, described Mr Obiakor as a distinguished member of the Artillery Corps and a mentor to younger professionals.

Mr Adeyemo said the late general’s achievements had continued to make members of the corps proud, particularly his contributions to the Nigerian Army and international peacekeeping.

He said Mr Obiakor’s professional accomplishments represented an important part of the history and heritage of the Artillery Corps.

The commander described the deceased general as a guiding light whose life demonstrated courage, intellectual capacity, professional excellence and commitment to service.

Also speaking, Sen. Ben Obi described the late general as a great thinker, strategic leader, peacekeeper and lover of peace.

Mr Obi recalled his relationship with Mr Obiakor and his contribution to efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability in Nigeria, particularly during the politically tense period preceding the 2015 general elections.

He said Mr Obiakor’s contribution went beyond his military career, describing him as a professional who was willing to deploy his experience and influence in the interest of peace and national stability.

Mr Obi also said the late general was not only a blessing to his family, friends and colleagues but also made significant contributions to the peaceful development of the country.

He said Mr Obiakor’s commitment to peacebuilding reflected the values of service, sacrifice and patriotism that should continue to guide the Nigerian military profession.

The senator urged younger generations to draw inspiration from Obiakor’s career and commitment to Nigeria and international peace.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Chinonso Obiakor, son of the deceased, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army and all dignitaries who attended the event.

Mr Chinonso specifically thanked retired Gen. Martin Luther Agwai, the Commander, Corps of Artillery, the organising committee and the officers who worked tirelessly for several months to make the event possible.

He also appreciated the traditional institution, government and people of Anambra, as well as retired military officers, friends, colleagues and associates of the family for their support.

Mr Chinonso recalled some of the values his father taught him, particularly the importance of patience, contentment and integrity.

He said those lessons had remained with him and had become particularly meaningful following his father’s death.

He prayed that God would bless everyone who came to honour his father and support the family during the period of mourning.

The Evening of Tributes brought together serving and retired military officers, members of the diplomatic community, leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, family members, friends and associates who came to honour the deceased.

Mr Obiakor died on May 27, 2026, at the age of 75.

His career spanned senior command appointments in the Nigerian Army and significant leadership responsibilities in international peacekeeping.

His service at the United Nations further established him as one of Nigeria’s prominent military contributors to international peace and security.

 (NAN)