By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
AWKA — Senator Victor Umeh and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have called for greater recognition of Nigerians who distinguished themselves through selfless service to the country.
The call was made at the funeral of retired Lieutenant-General Chukwukadibia Isaac Obiakor, held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Anambra State, where political leaders, family members and associates gathered to pay their last respects to the late military officer.
Afrilensnews reports that the ceremony, held on Friday, October 9, highlighted the need for governments at all levels to preserve the legacies of distinguished Nigerians and ensure that their contributions to national development are not forgotten after their deaths.
Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), said Nigerians who served the country meritoriously, particularly members of the security agencies, deserved honour and appreciation for their sacrifices.
“Those who served Nigeria meritoriously, particularly security agents, should be dignified with honour for their sacrifices,” Obi said.
Umeh, who represents Anambra Central Senatorial District in the Senate and is the NDC’s senatorial candidate for the district, also paid tribute to the deceased.
The senator encouraged the bereaved family to remain courageous despite their loss, noting that the late general’s achievements in the military remained a source of pride and consolation.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Melvin Obiakor, the deceased’s first son, thanked Obi, Umeh and other sympathisers for their presence, prayers and support during the period of mourning.
Melvin, an Assistant Head of the Data Management Unit of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, described his father as a man whose simple lifestyle, discipline and exemplary character provided a worthy example for others to follow.
“My father lived a very good and simple life worthy of emulation,” he said.
He expressed hope that the relevant government authorities would immortalise his father in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria and society.
Similarly, Ogbuefi Chukwuemeka Moneke, popularly known as Chukwudile Awka and an in-law to the family, urged governments at all levels to take concrete steps to preserve the late general’s achievements and legacy.
Moneke maintained that the contributions of distinguished Nigerians deserved more than tributes delivered at funerals, calling for lasting measures that would enable future generations to learn from their lives and service.
The appeals at the funeral renewed attention on the importance of recognising public servants whose professional achievements and personal conduct have contributed to national development.
The ceremony ended with renewed calls for a culture of honouring exemplary Nigerians during their lifetime and preserving their legacies for generations to come.
