ABIA GOV. OTTI CELEBRATES EX-CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF IHEJIRIKA AT 70 PRESIDENT TINUBU PAYS TRIBUTE

ABIA GOV. OTTI CELEBRATES EX-CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF IHEJIRIKA AT 70 PRESIDENT TINUBU PAYS TRIBUTE

David Maduako –Umuahia

The 14th day of February 2026 was indeed a day of love feast for the people of Abia especially the Abia north Zone extraction.

On this day , the historic Omenuko bridge situated in Abia North Senatorial zone was colorfully commissioned along with the strategic 30 km Abam _Arochukwu road by the state governor Dr. Alex Otti which attracted lots of commendations for the governor over his numerous infrastructural achievements in the state .

Shortly after the commissioning, the Abia Chief Executive Dr. OTTI moved to the International Conference centre in Ogurube Layout Umuahia to celebrate the 70th birth day of one of the nation’s finest Soldiers Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika who was the Chief of Army Staff during the reign of president Goodluck Jonathan .

During the birthday celebration , the President of the Federal Republic President Ahmed Bola TInubu , represented by his Federal Minister for Science Technology and Innovation ,Dr. Kingsley Ude
described General Ihejirika as a patriot, a fine gentleman, and a courageous general, who served Nigeria as the Chief of Army Staff at a very critical time in the war against insurgency and proved himself very effective.

President TInubu said for the nation to overcome her insecurity problems ,all good hands from all over the country should be engaged .
The President prayed for long life and good health for Gen. Ihejirika .

Speaking, the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti,congratulated Lt. General Ihejirika on his 70th birthday ,saying he is a man the state is very proud of ,
“We are celebrating him because he’s a man of his words and is doing very well as Chairman Abia State Security Council.

The Federal Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi described Ihejirika as a family friend, a perfect gentleman and commended him for his contributions towards solving insecurity problems in Nigeria .

He called on all to support Governor Otti for the works he is doing and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his good leadership.

In their goodwill messages, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammad Dambazua , General Alex Ogbomodia among many others said Lt. Gen Ihejirika is a proud son of Igbo land and a thorough breed professional that is worth celebrating.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd ) while applauding Governor Otti for celebrating Lt. Gen. Ihejirika, saluted the contributions of Lt. Gen. Ihejirika to the security development of Nigeria and wished him a happy birthday.

In a vote of thanks, the celebrant, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika
thanked God for his life .

He thanked some of his mentors and colleagues in the military, including General Ike Nwachukwu, General Musa among others especially the Abia state governor Dr. Alex Otti for his good works in the state noteworthy he said is the governor paying seven months. allowances arrear owed security men in the state by previous administrations and he has
maintained good relationship with security agencies in the State.

The birthday ceremony featured a lecture on “THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP IN STRENGHTHENING NATIONAL SECURITY AND GOVERNANCE” presented by former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, .and the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant flanked by his wife, Mrs Nnenna Ihejirika and many other guests . There were also display of cultural dances to add colour to the birth day bash .
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