“Something is happening in Igbo land, our people no longer join the army”, Soludo says

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo says negative public perceptions of the military and other security agencies sometimes discourage young people from joining the services, according to Gazette.

Soludo spoke on Friday at the memorial service for the late Lt.-Gen. Chikadibia Obiakor (retd) at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka. He said the exemplary lives of officers like Obiakor could inspire younger generations to embrace military and other forms of national service.

The governor urged community leaders and elders to stay close to their people and serve as role models. “We must multitask and become the villager as a way of inspiring and motivating the younger ones,” he said.

Soludo described Obiakor as an illustrious son of Anambra State whose military career and international peacekeeping service brought honour to Nigeria. “We have come to celebrate the life of one of our best,” he said. He called the late general “Anambra’s export to Nigeria and the world.”

He added that a person’s greatest achievement lies in the impact made on their immediate community. “The impact on the community is the most important impact, that his people were able to testify that he was good,” he said.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, expressed condolences to the family. He was represented by Maj.-Gen. Tariweriye Gagariga, who described Obiakor as a decorated veteran. Obiakor’s son, Nonso, reflected on his father’s discipline and dedication to humanity.