Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has expressed concern that negative public perceptions of the military and other security agencies are discouraging young Nigerians from pursuing careers in the services.
Soludo raised the concern on Friday during a memorial service for the late retired Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Obiakor at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State.
The governor said the exemplary lives and achievements of respected military officers could encourage younger generations to consider military service and other forms of national service.
He also urged community leaders and elders to maintain strong connections with their communities and serve as positive examples for young people.
“We must multitask and become the villager as a way of inspiring and motivating the younger ones,” Soludo said.
Soludo Celebrates Obiakor’s Military Legacy
The governor described the late Obiakor as one of Anambra’s distinguished sons whose military career and international peacekeeping contributions brought recognition to Nigeria.
Paying tribute to the former general, Soludo said the memorial was an opportunity to celebrate a man whose service extended beyond his home state to the country and the international community.
“We have come to celebrate the life of one of our best,” he said.
He further described Obiakor as “Anambra’s export to Nigeria and the world”, highlighting his contributions to peacekeeping and the maintenance of international law and order.
However, Soludo emphasised that public recognition and international achievements were not the only measures of a person’s success.
According to him, the positive difference an individual makes in their immediate community remains particularly important.
“The impact on the community is the most important impact; his people were able to testify that he was good,” the governor stated.
Chief of Defence Staff Pays Tribute to Late General
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also expressed condolences to the Obiakor family and joined other Nigerians in mourning the late military officer.
Oluyede was represented at the memorial service by Major-General Tariweriye Gagariga, Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
He described Obiakor as a decorated military veteran whose distinguished career brought honour and dignity to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The tribute highlighted the late general’s contributions to the military and his role in representing Nigeria through his professional service.
Obiakor’s Son Recalls His Father’s Commitment to Humanity
Earlier at the event, the deceased’s son, Nonso Obiakor, reflected on his father’s life and the values that defined his career.
He highlighted his father’s discipline, dedication to international peacekeeping and commitment to serving humanity.
The memorial service attracted members of the Obiakor family, senior military officers, government officials and other mourners who gathered to honour the late general’s contributions.
As tributes continued, Soludo’s remarks also drew attention to the importance of positive role models in encouraging young Nigerians to embrace service to their communities and country.
Source: NAN
