Our father devoted his life for Nigeria’s unity, stability – Gen Aguiyi Ironsi’s family
Family Honors Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi at 60th Memorial
Umuahia, Nigeria — The family of Nigeria’s first Head of State, Major General Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, commemorated the 60th anniversary of his death with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph on Wednesday.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi described her late father as a patriotic soldier dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and stability.
“The memorial ceremony serves as a call for reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and nation-building,” she said, emphasizing that the gathering was not intended to reopen past wounds or ignite old debates.
Louisa noted that the future of Nigeria should be grounded in justice, accountability, discipline, and the collective welfare of its people.
“We have assembled today to honor a life committed to the preservation of Nigeria’s unity and the strengthening of state institutions,” she stated.
The family urged current and future leaders to prioritize national interests over sectional divides and to embrace dialogue in resolving conflicts.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd). Additionally, Governor Alex Otti and former Nigerian First Lady Patience Jonathan participated in the wreath-laying ceremony.
