The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has eulogized late retired Lt.-Gen. Chikadibia Obiakor, describing him as a professional soldier whose career and impact transcended Nigeria to Africa and the global community. According to the COAS, Obiakor's successes as an international peacekeeper elevated Nigeria as a force to reckon with in Africa and on the global stage. Shaibu stated this in Abuja in a tribute at an Evening of Tributes organised by the Army in honour of late General Obiakor who passed on in May 2026.
The Evening of Tributes brought together serving and retired military officers, members of the diplomatic community, traditional rulers, leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, family members, friends, and associates who came to honour the deceased. Represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Maj.-Gen. Peter Okoye, the COAS said Obiakor's career was marked by professionalism, courage, intellectual depth, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the service of Nigeria and humanity.
The COAS recalled that the deceased commanded the ECOMOG Artillery Brigade in Liberia between 1996 and 1997 and played a significant role in coordinating the country's elections. Shaibu said Obiakor later became the first Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), providing strategic and operational leadership to the mission. He added that in 2008, then UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, appointed the deceased as military adviser for UN Peacekeeping Operations at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The appointment made Obiakor the first African to occupy the position and underscored the confidence reposed in his professional competence and leadership. The COAS said the deceased continued contributing to international peace and security after his retirement from active service in 2011. He said the late general undertook several important United Nations assignments involving conflicts in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Syria.
In his tribute, the Commander, Corps of Artillery, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. John Adeyemo, described Obiakor as a distinguished member of the Artillery Corps and a mentor to younger professionals. Mr. Adeyemo said the late general's achievements had continued to make members of the corps proud, particularly his contributions to the Nigerian Army and international peacekeeping.
A former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai, described the late general as a great thinker, strategic leader, peacekeeper, and lover of peace. He also said the late general was not only a blessing to his family, friends, and colleagues but also made significant contributions to the peaceful development of the country.
The late general Obiakor was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973 as a member of the 10th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Speaking on behalf of the family, Chinonso Obiakor, son of the deceased, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and all dignitaries who attended the event.
Key points
- Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu described Obiakor as a professional soldier whose career and impact transcended Nigeria to Africa and the global community.
- Obiakor was appointed as military adviser for UN Peacekeeping Operations at the UN Headquarters in New York in 2008.
- The late general Obiakor was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973 as a member of the 10th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
