President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), as a courageous patriot and consummate professional who served Nigeria with distinction during one of its most turbulent security periods.
The President made the remarks at a grand ceremony marking the 70th birthday of the former Army Chief, on Saturday, 14 February, 2026, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, and hosted by the government of Abia State under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
Represented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Ude, the President described Ihejirika as a “pan-Nigerian, fine gentleman and courageous general” who led the Nigerian Army at a critical phase in the fight against insurgency and proved his mettle creditably.
He noted that national security requires inclusive leadership and the engagement of competent hands from every part of the country.
“For the nation to surmount its security challenges, it behoves leadership to engage the best hands from every part of the country,” the President stated, while praying for continued good health and strength for the celebrant so Nigeria can keep drawing from his wealth of experience in tackling insecurity.
Also speaking, the Governor Otti, who hosted the event, lauded Ihejirika as a source of pride to Abia State and the South-east, noting that the celebration was deliberately aligned with the commissioning of landmark infrastructure projects, including the newly completed Omenuko bridge and the 30-kilometre Abam–Arochukwu road.
According to the governor, the retired Army Chief was appointed Chairman of the Abia State Security Council strictly on merit, commending his contributions to the improved security architecture of the state over the past 32 months.
Otti said: “We are very proud of General Ihejirika. We appointed him on merit, and he is doing the job exceptionally well. The results are evident across the state.”
Similarly, the Minister of Works, Engineer Dave Umahi, described Ihejirika as a perfect gentleman, family friend and seasoned officer whose contributions to national development remain remarkable.
In separate goodwill messages, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau; and General Alex Ogbomudia (rtd), among others, extolled the celebrant as a proud son of Igboland and a thoroughbred professional worthy of honour.
Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), applauded Governor Otti for organising the celebration and commended Ihejirika’s enduring contributions to Nigeria’s security and military professionalism.
In his vote of thanks, Lt Gen Ihejirika expressed profound gratitude to God for the grace of attaining 70 years.
He reflected on his early motivation to join the military and paid tribute to mentors and colleagues who shaped his career, including General Ike Nwachukwu and other senior officers.
The event featured a keynote lecture titled, “The Role of Leadership in Strengthening National Security and Governance,” delivered by former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi.
The ceremony also included the cutting of the birthday cake alongside his wife, Mrs Nnenna Ihejirika, cultural displays, and goodwill messages from dignitaries.
The celebration attracted serving and retired military chiefs, senior government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, community leaders from Isuikwuato, and other distinguished guests from across the country.
