Nigerian Military Bids Farewell To Late Major Gen Ogbonna (RTD) In Imo

Nigeria Military (NA) has bid final farewell to a departed retired Major General Rowland Ogbonna at his burial ceremony held amidst creme of notable personalities across all walks of life in Imo State Nigeria and beyond, over the weekend.

9News Nigeria reports that Friday 25th , April, 2025 will ever remain memorable in the minds of the Ogbonna family and the Imo people at large by the support and participation of the Nigerian military shown at the burial ceremony of their departed colleague and a highly respected son of Igboland , Major General Rowland Nkwazema Ogbonna (RTD) FSS, MSS, psC+, mni, CFR.

The burial took place in an exclusive tomb built in his Avu country home to honour his timeless legacy as 9News Nigeria reports.

Our investigation reveals that Late Rowland Ogbonna was born 30th April , 1942 and passed on 10th December, 2024. Ochiagha 1 of Avu was committed to his grave amidst tears by well-wishers while remembering his life and times as a brother, uncle, father, grandfather and husband.

Rowland Ogbonna is survived by his wife, Lolo Ada Ogbonna, Eight children, Eight grand children and a resounding legacy that will inspire for years to come. One of his sons is presently serving in the Nigerian military to continue from where Rowland stopped as investigated by 9News Nigeria.

Major General Rowland Nkwazema Ogbonna was a renowned Nigerian military officer who served with distinction.

He was a 2-Star General of Igbo descent and held various key positions, including Director General of Nigerian Army Recruitment and Reserve, Brigade Commander of the 13 Brigade in Calabar, and Acting General Officer Commanding of the 82 Division in Enugu.

Some notable aspects of his life and career include:

• Military Career: General Ogbonna’s military career spanned over three decades, during which he earned a reputation as one of the foremost post-civil war generals in Nigeria.

• Leadership Roles: He played a pivotal role in securing peace between Nigeria and Cameroon during the Bakassi Peninsula crisis as Commander of the 13 Amphibious Brigade.

• International Representation: General Ogbonna represented Nigeria in various countries, including the Philippines, Venezuela, Brazil, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and China.

• Community Involvement: As Chairman of the Avu Traditional Council, he resolved communal disputes and nurtured his community, leaving a lasting legacy.

• Tributes: Many have paid tribute to General Ogbonna, describing him as a hero, a great leader, and a patriot who will be deeply missed.

However, it is clear that General Ogbonna’s legacy had a significant impact on his community and the nation, with many paying tribute to his life and service.

According to eye witnesses at the burial “Avu community is mourning! Owerri West is mourning! Imo State and Nigeria is mourning! Nigerian Military participated fully to give Late RTD combatant, the best befitting burial.”

Describing late Major General Rowland Nkwazema Ogbonna (Rtd), CFR as a towering and highly respected figure in Nigeria’s military history, former head of state , Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, GCFR, CSG defined Ogbonna as a role model, while consoling the family to take solace in God.

General Abubakar added that “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILEHI RAPUN”, which implies that From Him we come and From Him we shall return, Dust to dust.

His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodinma also described the news of major general Ogbonna as most devastating because he never contemplated in his wildest imagination that such an unfortunate thing could happen to the General. Gov Uzodinma further added that the lessons derivable from his passage are legion and avalanche of testimonies.

The Governor commiserated with the family through Mr Amanze Ogbonna on this irreparable lose and prayed for the soul to continue to rest in peace.

On interview with 9News Nigeria shortly after the burial, Mr Atulegwu Umunakwe of
NSCDC Abuja, told the press that the departed Army Major General RTD was his Boss and Mentor.

In the words of Atulegwu Umunakwe, “HE WAS MY BOSS, YES, MY MENTOR“

“It is a rare privilege to share my thoughts about Gen Rowland N.Ogbonna. A man who had a profound impact in my life, personally and professionally. A man of immense strength and integrity. A man who never compromised his career as a senior military personnel.

“I came in close contact with De Gee (The General) on the strength of a recommendation by Pa Sunny Ogbonna. Pa Sunny had recommended me to Gen Ogbonna when he came home on retirement. And ever since then, he adopted me as a godson.

“Gen Ogbonna was not just a boss but a mentor and a confidant. He provided invaluable guidance and support for me in the darkest moment of my life.

“At a point I was his Secretary, Driver, Personal Assistant and S.A on special duties. It was really tasking but very rewarding working with him. I feel satisfied being close to such a man with intimidating profile and global recognition.

“I learnt a lot from him. Many of us may have experienced his legendary storytelling abilities. Whether recounting tales of triumph or adversity, he had a gift for weaving words to captivate minds.

“He saw potentials in me that I didn’t even know existed and believed in me when I doubted myself. His unwavering support and encouragement shaped not only my career but my total being. He taught me to be clinical on assignment. I still recall the day he described me as a military material and an astute personality for executing a difficult task unaided.

“As we bid Gen Ogbonna farewell, his memory will remain evergreen in the hearts of those of us who were privileged to encounter him, Atulegwu Umunakwe hinted.

In addition, Late Major Gen Ogbonna’s burial procession featured: Military parade, Shooting salute, Farewell songs, church service and several entertainments and side attractions.

Creme of notable personalities from all walks of life which included : Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Majority leader IMHA, Rt Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi, Executive Chairman Owerri West, Chief Victor Osuigwe, ESV Lister Okpe, Sir Levi Oguike, Dr Fidel Onyeneke alongside other notable politicians were in attendance.

Our correspondent at the event also sighted the presence of the former Governor of Imo state, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha who was ushered into the executive tent towards the rap up time of the burial ceremony.

Many military officials both retired and serving featured in their numbers on full regalia and gave their fallen retired colleague R. N OGBONNA, a deserving burial on Friday 25th April, 2025.

Unarguably, the space here will not contain millions of tributes that was sent to the family, in the Honour of Late Major Gen Ogbonna from various categories of personalities among which are, His Excellency Dr Ikedi and Barr. (Mrs) Chioma Ohakim, mni., Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Rt. Rev. Chukwuma C. Opara, Ph.D, JP, Lord Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Owerri and wife, Dr (Mrs) Chidiebere C. Oparah (Mama Owerri), Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, representing Imo East (Owerri zone) senatorial district, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary PDP, Hon. Sir Tochukwu Okere-Toska, member representing Owerri Federal constituency and chairman House committee on Diaspora Federal House of Reps.

Our correspondent sighted the tributes from Prince Dr Eze Madumere MFR (ksc) FNIM, Former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Rt Hon Amarachi Chyna Iwuanyanwu (KSC) Deputy speaker Imo State House of Assembly IMHA, APC state Chairman, Hon Sir MacDonald Ebere PhD, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie- Chief of Staff, Hon Henry Nwawuba, Executive secretary National Assembly Library Trust Fund.

Others tributes ably captured by 9News Nigeria are from Major General L.A. FEJOKWU, Brigadier General RT UTSAHA, Brigadier General Defense Adviser MHB MANU, Hon. Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi – member representing Owerri West Owerri state constituency and majority Leader IMHA, Traditional Rulers, community leaders, Hon. Justice E.N EKE, various Political parties, business and private investors, Women groups, Youth bodies, Orphanage homes alongside family members too numerous to mention.

In conclusion, Amanze Ogbonna thanked everyone who found time to be with them (bereaved family) in this trying period of the death of their father and gave their support through whichever means.

-Princely Onyenwe reporting

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