Connect with us

Lifestyle

Lieutenant General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika: Nigeria’s First Igbo Chief of Army Staff and Counter-Terrorism Reformer

Published

3 months ago

on

Lieutenant General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, CFR (b. February 13, 1956), is a retired Nigerian Army officer who served as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from September 2010 to January 2014.

His tenure marked a decisive moment in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram, as he spearheaded reforms that reshaped the Army’s counter-terrorism strategy and infrastructure.

He also holds historical significance as the first Igbo officer to be appointed Chief of Army Staff since the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)—a development that carried deep symbolic weight in the country’s post-war reconciliation.

Early Life and Military Career

Born in Isuikwuato, Abia State, Ihejirika excelled in academics and graduated from Williams Memorial High School in 1975.

He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Army Engineers Corps as a second lieutenant in December 1977.

He expanded his expertise with a BSc in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, and attended the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, as well as the National War College, Nigeria.

Over his military career, he held several critical positions, including:

Commander, 41 Division Engineers

Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division

GOC, 81 Division

Principal Staff Officer at Defence and Army Headquarters

Directing Staff, Command and Staff College

These posts prepared him for the challenges he would later face as Nigeria’s Army Chief.

Tenure as Chief of Army Staff

Appointed in 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan, Ihejirika assumed command at the height of Boko Haram’s insurgency.

His leadership was defined by reforms and operational strategies that targeted Nigeria’s evolving security threats.

See also  Hajiya Gambo Sawaba: The Lioness of Zaria

Expansion of Army Deployment

He established new army brigades in the North-East, increasing the military’s footprint in the region most affected by Boko Haram.

Building Counter-Terrorism Capacity

Ihejirika created specialized schools for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency, professionalizing the Army’s response to asymmetric warfare.

Strengthening Doctrine and Discipline

He cautioned soldiers against collusion with insurgents and introduced reforms in training, barracks infrastructure, and special unit formation.

These measures aimed to improve morale, effectiveness, and loyalty within the ranks.

Public Accountability

In 2012, he publicly reported that Boko Haram had killed more than 3,000 Nigerians since 2009, underscoring the scale of the crisis and the need for new military doctrines.

Controversy and Exoneration

In 2014, Australian hostage negotiator Stephen Davis alleged that Ihejirika, alongside former Borno governor Ali Modu Sheriff, had funded Boko Haram. Ihejirika strongly denied the accusations and filed a N100 billion defamation suit.

The State Security Service (SSS) later cleared his name. Spokesperson Marilyn Ogar described the allegations as “wicked and uncharitable,” praising Ihejirika’s counter-insurgency efforts (Daily Trust, 2014).

Legacy and Recognition

After his retirement in January 2014, Ihejirika was honored in his community with the chieftaincy title “Dike Abia” (Warrior of Abia). His legacy rests on:

Strengthening Nigeria’s military structures during the insurgency.

Building specialized counter-terrorism institutions and training.

Serving as a historic symbol of national unity as the first Igbo Army Chief post-civil war.

Today, he remains an important voice in discussions on Nigerian military reform, counter-terrorism policy, and national service.

Sources
Daily Trust – SSS exoneration and related commentary

See also  Delta gov’s aide offers freed Ibom Air passenger N500,000 job, luxury trip

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 694
Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Lifestyle

Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

Published

14 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

See also  PHOTOS: List Of Presidents Of Nigeria (1963-Present)

“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

See also  Spirits Are Angry - Actor, Yul Edochie Talks About Why There Are Too Many Early And Untimely De@ths In Nigeria

“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 43
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

Published

18 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 41
See also  PHOTOS: Christina Eyimofe Stallings Nigeria’s First Air Hostess
Continue Reading

Lifestyle

VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

Published

18 hours ago

on

December 7, 2025

By

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

CLICK TO WATCH THE VIDEO

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 33
See also  Delta gov’s aide offers freed Ibom Air passenger N500,000 job, luxury trip
Continue Reading

Trending