Lifestyle

Late Brig. Gen. Babafemi Olatunde Ogundipe

Published

1 year ago

September 7, 2025

Command and the first Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters from January 1966 to August 1966, during Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi’s military regime. Later, he served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from September 1966 to August 1970 under General Yakubu Gowon’s government.

Early Life
Ogundipe was born on 6 September 1924 to Yoruba parents from Ago-Iwoye, present-day Ogun State in western Nigeria.

Military Career

In 1941, Ogundipe joined the Royal West African Frontier Force and served in Burma during World War II (1942–1945). After re-enlisting in the West Africa Forces, he received a short service commission as a second lieutenant in August 1953. By December 1956, he was commissioned into the regular army and rose through the ranks, becoming a captain in 1955. When Nigeria gained independence on 1 October 1960, he was appointed to a commission in the Royal Nigeria Army, which was later renamed the Nigerian Army when Nigeria became a republic in 1963. By May 1964, he had achieved the rank of Brigadier.

Ogundipe played a significant role during the Congo Crisis, serving as part of Nigeria’s peacekeeping contingent with the United Nations (ONUC) from 1960 to 1963. He held key positions, including Commander of ONUC in Kasai and Kbngolo Sector, and ONUC Chief of Staff. After his service in the Congo, Ogundipe returned to Nigeria and commanded the second brigade of the Nigerian Army in Lagos until September 1964, when he left to attend the Imperial Defence College in London.

Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters

Ogundipe returned to Nigeria following the January 1966 coup and was appointed Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters (de facto Vice President) from January to August 1966. After Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated during the August 1966 coup, Ogundipe, the most senior military officer, faced pressure to take power but refrained. Lacking troops and support, especially from northern officers who were reluctant to follow a Christian southerner, Ogundipe chose not to pursue political power and instead accepted Yakubu Gowon, his junior, as the new head of the military government.

High Commissioner in London

After the 1966 coup, Ogundipe was sent to the United Kingdom, representing Nigeria at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in September 1966. He later took up the role of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position he held for four years. During this time, he played a crucial role in securing British military support for Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War. He retired from public service in August 1970.

Death

Babafemi Ogundipe passed away from a heart attack in London on 20 November 1971. He was 47 years old.

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Lifestyle

ARE SOME PARENTS CHOOSING MONEY OVER THEIR OWN CHILDREN?

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Some parents spend years chasing money, building businesses and accumulating wealth—all in the name of “giving their children a better life.”

But here is the uncomfortable question:

What if your child has everything money can buy, but doesn’t have YOU?

A child needs more than school fees, expensive clothes, gadgets and a comfortable home.

They need your time.
They need your attention.
They need your affection.
They need to know that they are loved, heard and valued.

💰 Money can be earned again.

❤️ But once a child’s trust is broken, rebuilding it may not be easy.

🕰️ And once childhood is gone, you can never buy it back.

Don’t become so busy providing for your children that you forget to actually be present in their lives.

Because one day, your child may remember the money you provided—but they may remember even more clearly the moments you were never there.

🔥 QUESTION:

Do you believe some parents are sacrificing too much family time in the pursuit of money?

Tell us what you think in the comments.

#Newsbreak365 #Parenting #Children #Family #Parenthood #LifeLessons #FamilyValues #Money #Childhood #Relationships

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Lifestyle

A WORD OF WARNING: NEVER LET YOUR SUCCESS MAKE YOU LOOK DOWN ON PEOPLE.

Published

3 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Since you are not feeding anyone, you should never see anyone as being beneath you.

Having money does not make you more human.
Having a degree does not make you more valuable.
Having a big position does not give you the right to disrespect people.

Today, you may be comfortable while someone else is struggling. But life can change unexpectedly. Never use your current advantage to humiliate someone who has less than you.

True greatness is not measured by what you have in your bank account, the car you drive, or the position you occupy.

Your real character is revealed by how you treat people who cannot give you anything in return.

Be humble. Be respectful. Treat people with dignity.

You are not better than anyone simply because you have more than they do.

💬 Do you agree? What do you think makes a person truly great?

#NewsBreak365 #LifeLessons #Respect #Humility #Character #Wisdom #Motivation #Humanity #Inspiration

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Lifestyle

BEING EDUCATED SHOULD NEVER MAKE YOU LOOK DOWN ON AN UNEDUCATED PERSON.

Published

3 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Education should give you knowledge, but character determines how you use that knowledge.

Not everyone had the opportunity to attend school or earn academic qualifications. Some people learned through life, work, family, hardship and experience.

Having a degree does not make someone more valuable than the person without one.

Your education should make you more humble, not more arrogant.

Respect the cleaner.
Respect the farmer.
Respect the mechanic.
Respect the trader.
Respect the labourer.
Respect everyone.

Because the person you look down on today may have life lessons you will never learn in a classroom.

Education is powerful—but humility is priceless.

💬 Do you agree? Can someone be highly educated but still lack wisdom?

#NewsBreak365 #Education #Wisdom #Humility #Respect #LifeLessons #Character #Knowledge #Nigeria #AfricanValues

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