The Nigerian Army and the Anambra State Government have paid their final respects to the late Lieutenant General Chikaidibia Isaac Obiakor (rtd), celebrating his distinguished military career and contributions to national service.
In a statement, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 82 Division, Nigerian Army Lieut. Col. Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni said the burial ceremony, held on October 9, 2026, at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, attracted senior military officers, government officials, traditional and community leaders, and other dignitaries from across the country. The ceremony followed a Service of Songs held at the deceased’s country home on October 8 and culminated in his burial with full military honours.
Delivering an oration on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Major General T.E. Gagariga described the late General Obiakor as an exceptional officer whose confidence, pleasant disposition and professionalism earned him widespread respect within the Armed Forces.
He said the late general was an outstanding ambassador of Nigeria, renowned for his thoughtfulness, diplomatic skills, maturity and commitment to duty.
According to the Chief of Army Staff, General Obiakor was professionally competent, resourceful, results-oriented and highly analytical, with a creative approach to problem-solving. These qualities, he noted, shaped the strong work ethic that characterised the late officer’s leadership and commands.
The COAS highlighted some of General Obiakor’s appointments during his military career, including Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Commander of the 32 Field Artillery Brigade, Directing Staff at the National War College, Deputy Commandant of the Headquarters Nigeria Corps of Artillery and School, Chief of Administration, Nigerian Army, Commander of the Headquarters Nigeria Corps of Artillery, and General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army.
He described the officer’s death as a profound loss to his family, the Nigerian Army and the country.
In his tribute, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, described General Obiakor as a proud son of the state and a role model for the Igbo nation.
Soludo urged young people to draw inspiration from the late general’s life of service and consider joining the Armed Forces, describing military service as a noble commitment to the nation.
Earlier, during the Service of Songs, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General O.A. Fadairo, conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Army Staff and the entire Nigerian Army to the bereaved family.
He described the late senior officer as a gallant, disciplined and accomplished general whose contributions to the military and the country would remain indelible.
Among the dignitaries at the ceremonies were Governor Soludo; representatives of the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Army Staff; former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O.A. Ihejirika (rtd); Corps Commander, Artillery, Major General J.O. Adeyemo; Major General O.G. Onubogu; Major General Fadairo, who also commands the Joint Task Force, South-East, Operation UDO KA; and Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu.
Other serving and retired military officers, government representatives and personalities from various sectors also attended the burial.
Military traditions were observed throughout the ceremony, including the presentation of the National Flag and military accoutrements to the deceased’s next of kin, as well as the symbolic presentation of a condolence letter and other ceremonial parades.
The Nigerian Army said the burial reaffirmed its commitment to honouring officers who distinguished themselves in service, strengthening civil-military relations and inspiring future generations through the legacies of military personnel who served the country with dedication.
