Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has paid tribute to the late Lieutenant General (Dr.) Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor (rtd.), describing him as a distinguished son of Anambra whose contributions to international peacekeeping brought honour to the state and Nigeria.
Governor Soludo spoke at the solemn but celebratory memorial service held in honour of the late military officer at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, where family members, senior military officers and government officials gathered to celebrate his life and legacy.
“We’ve come to celebrate the life of one of our best,” the Governor declared.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Soludo described the late general as a worthy ambassador of Anambra who served across the world in the promotion of peace, law and order.
He characterised Obiakor as “Anambra’s export to Nigeria and the world,” acknowledging his contributions to international peacekeeping and his distinguished military career.
However, the Governor stressed that beyond professional accomplishments and international recognition, the true measure of a person’s life lies in the positive impact made on their immediate community.
“The impact on the community is the most important impact—that his people were able to testify that he was good,” he said.
Reflecting on the challenges facing the country’s security institutions, Soludo observed that public perceptions of the armed forces and other security agencies could influence the willingness of young people to join them.
He noted that the example set by officers such as General Obiakor helped inspire young people in Awka and beyond to embrace careers in the military and other security services.
The Governor urged community leaders and elders to maintain close relationships with their people, particularly the younger generation, to provide guidance, encouragement and positive role models.
“We must multitask… become the villager, as a way of inspiring and motivating the younger ones,” he said, emphasising the importance of grassroots engagement in nurturing future leaders.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General T.E. Gagariga conveyed condolences to the Obiakor family and joined the state and the nation in honouring the retired general’s service to Nigeria.
He acknowledged the late officer’s distinguished military career, noting that his contributions had brought honour and dignity to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Also speaking at the service, the deceased’s son, Nonso Obiakor, reflected on his father’s life, highlighting his discipline, commitment to international peacekeeping and dedication to humanity.
The memorial service attracted a large gathering of mourners who came together to celebrate a man whose life and service left a lasting legacy in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria and the international community.
