Soludo mourns Gen Obiakor, describes him as exemplary officer

By Chidiebere Onyemaizu

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has expressed grief over the death of Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor (retd), on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, after a brief illness.

In his condolence message, Governor Soludo described General Obiakor, who hailed from Awka-South Local Government Area in Anambra State, as an exemplary military officer, whose illustrious career brought immense pride and honour to Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole. Born on February 18, 1951, in Zaria, Kaduna State, the late General Obiakor’s journey of service began with his commission into the Nigerian Army Artillery Corps in 1973, following his admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 10th Regular Course in 1971.

Throughout his distinguished career, General Obiakor commanded with exceptional leadership and strategic acumen at regimental, brigade and divisional levels within the Nigerian Army. Notably, he served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and later as the Chief of Administration at Army Headquarters.

The Governor commended the deceased’s international contributions as equally remarkable, recalling that he served with distinction as the Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

In a historic appointment that underscored his global standing, he became the first African to be appointed as the United Nations Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations in New York in 2008. He retired officially from the Nigerian Army in 2011.

Further extolling him as a true patriot, a disciplined leader and a global icon, whose dedication to peace and security transcended national borders, the Governor lamented that Anambra State had lost a rare gem, a visionary leader and a source of inspiration for many.

He extended his deepest condolences to Obiakor’s family and the Nigerian Army and  prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.