The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, has mourned the death of Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor (Rtd.), who passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, after a brief illness.
The governor described Obiakor’s death as a painful loss of a distinguished son of Anambra State whose remarkable contributions to the military profession and global peacekeeping earned him widespread respect and admiration.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, Soludo described General Obiakor as an exemplary military officer whose illustrious career brought immense pride and honour to Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole.
General Obiakor hailed from Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Born on February 18, 1951, in Zaria, Kaduna State, his journey of service began with his admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 10th Regular Course in 1971. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Artillery Corps in 1973.
According to the statement, throughout his distinguished military career, General Obiakor demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen while commanding at regimental, brigade and divisional levels within the Nigerian Army.
Notably, he served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and later as Chief of Administration at Army Headquarters.
The governor noted that General Obiakor’s international contributions were equally remarkable. He served with distinction as the Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), where he played a significant role in peacekeeping and post-conflict stabilisation efforts.
“In a historic appointment that underscored his global standing and professional excellence, General Obiakor became the first African to be appointed as the United Nations Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations in New York in 2008. He officially retired from the Nigerian Army in 2011,” Soludo stated.
Further extolling the late military officer, the governor described General Obiakor as a true patriot, a disciplined leader, an accomplished statesman and a global icon whose dedication to peace, security and national service transcended borders.
He lamented that Anambra State had lost a rare gem, a visionary leader and an inspiring figure whose life and accomplishments would continue to serve as a beacon of excellence for future generations.
Governor Soludo, therefore, extended his deepest condolences to the Obiakor family, the Nigerian Army, and all those affected by the loss.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor (Rtd.) and for the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
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