President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Abia State Governor Alex Otti have urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to national unity, patriotism and peaceful coexistence as Abia State commemorated the 60th memorial anniversary of Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

The appeal was made on Thursday during a memorial ceremony in Umuahia marking the late military leader’s assassination on July 29, 1966. The event focused on reflecting on the lessons of history and encouraging Nigerians to work together for a more united and prosperous country, according to Channels Television.

Representing President Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a courageous and disciplined officer who assumed leadership at a critical period in Nigeria’s history. He said that although the late Head of State’s tenure was brief, his commitment to preserving national unity, restoring stability and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity remains worthy of emulation.

Tinubu said the values of patriotism, discipline, integrity and selfless service demonstrated by Aguiyi-Ironsi remain essential to Nigeria’s development. He also urged citizens to embrace the country’s diversity as a source of strength and commended Governor Otti for his leadership and governance in Abia State.

Governor Otti said the memorial was intended not only to honour a fallen leader but also to remind Nigerians of the importance of unity, merit and sacrifice. He stressed that Aguiyi-Ironsi’s willingness to lay down his life for the nation should inspire leaders to prioritise national interest above ethnic or personal considerations.

The governor added that appointments in his administration are based on competence and integrity rather than state of origin, arguing that Nigeria stands to benefit more from unity than division.

Former President Obasanjo, former Chief of Army Staff General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd) and former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan also paid tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian whose sacrifice should never be forgotten. They commended the Abia State Government for preserving the country’s history and urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace, unity and selfless service.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s daughter, Mrs Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, said the commemoration was designed to preserve her father’s legacy rather than reopen old divisions. She called on current and future leaders to uphold justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good in nation-building.

The ceremony featured prayers, the consecration of Aguiyi-Ironsi’s tomb by the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, and a wreath-laying ceremony attended by government officials, military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, diplomats and members of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family.