Dr Obuekwe Anizoba Tagbo has paid tribute to his late retired Lieutenant General (Dr) Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, describing him as a distinguished soldier and patriot whose service to Nigeria and international peacekeeping reflected decades of dedication, courage and sacrifice.
In a press tribute submitted to 9News Nigeria, Tagbo expressed his family’s sorrow over the loss, saying the retired general would be remembered for his integrity, commitment to humanity and contributions to peace.
General Obiakor died at an Abuja hospital on May 27, 2026, at the age of 75. The tribute identified him as a former United Nations adviser on peacekeeping who represented Nigeria both at home and on the international stage.
Dr Tagbo said General (Dr) Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor’s career embodied the values of duty and selfless service, inspiring officers and young Nigerians to place service to others at the centre of their lives.
Dr Tagbo wrote:
“It is with great sorrow that I share the news of the passing of Lt. Gen. (Dr) Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, a respected soldier, patriot, and one of Nigeria’s exceptional international peacekeepers
General. Obiakor dedicated himself to our nation with remarkable bravery and integrity, proudly representing Nigeria both domestically and at the United Nations
His life was characterized by dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to peace and humanity
From the Nigerian military to his participation in global peacekeeping efforts, he exemplified professionalism and integrity, inspiring countless officers and young Nigerians to prioritise service to others”
Reflecting on the loss to the family, Tagbo said: “With profound sorrow, my entire family mourns the passing of Lieutenant General (Dr) Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, a distinguished senior officer and former military leader whose service to the nation spanned decades of dedication, duty and sacrifice.”
He extended his condolences to the late general’s wife, children, grandchildren and the entire Obiakor family, as well as the Nigerian Armed Forces and others mourning his passing.
Tagbo also honoured General Obiakor’s roots in Umudioka, Awka, describing him as a great son of the community and likening his death to the fall of a great iroko tree. His farewell included expressions of mourning in Igbo, reflecting the family’s grief and the cultural bonds through which they remember the late general.
The funeral programme supplied with the tribute lists activities from September 18 to October 19, including a candlelight procession at Kurudu Army Estate, a wake for Awka residents in Abuja, and an evening of tributes and service of songs.
The programme also lists a wake at General Obiakor’s compound in Awka on October 8, burial and military/ECK service on October 9, traditional visitation and condolences on October 10, and an Eckankar Light and Sound Thanksgiving service on October 11. Observance of traditional rites at the family residence in Awka is scheduled for October 12 to 19.
Tagbo prayed for eternal peace for General Obiakor and strength for those he left behind.
“Duty accomplished. Legacy enduring. May God grant his loved ones the strength to bear the loss,”
“Orji Adaaaaaaaaa! Emeri. Awka Emerieeeeeeee. We Mourn The Falling Of Great Iroko Tree. Asom n’abo. Ewu Chimoooooooo. Nya Dufva. Great Son Of Umudioka, Awka. Five Meli, Chi Ejie N’efvifvio”
“FROM
Dr Obuekwe Anizoba Tagbo – Research Assistant Professor”
