By Emmanuel Enebeli
AGBOR/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State showered high praise to the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, CFR (rtd), for his remarkable and successful military career. Speaking at a grand reception organized by the Ika nation in honor of the retired Chief of Defence Staff, Oborevwori commended the unity of the Ika people and encouraged other ethnic nationalities to follow suit in honoring their own.
“We are here to celebrate with one of our own, the finest Army General,” Oborevwori said at the reception in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area. “The beauty about this celebration is when your people honor you, and the Ika nation organized this hosting because they are united.”
As the Governor, Oborevwori emphasized the importance of supporting and celebrating individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, stating, “Our duty is to continue to encourage other ethnic nationalities to be united in hosting their own, to spur them to do more for the state and country.”
Reflecting on General Irabor’s achievements, Oborevwori stated, “A lot has been said about our brother, Gen. Irabor. To have risen to the top echelon of the military career is by the grace of God, it is not by his strength, but he is destined for that position and he has done very well as a brilliant officer.”
Recognizing General Irabor’s passion and dedication to service, Oborevwori expressed confidence in the capabilities of General C.G. Musa, Irabor’s successor. “I know that with him in charge of the armed forces, more peace will come to this nation,” he added.
In his remarks, former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa expressed gratitude to the Ika nation for organizing the reception, stating, “You are worthy of it all because we know what you did for our country, Nigeria.”
Addressing General Irabor directly, Okowa continued, “You served with heart and might, the true wording of our national anthem, and you have made each and every one of us proud.” He further expressed his pride in welcoming Irabor back home and thanked him for his service to the nation.
Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff General Alexander Ogomudia, Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc, Mr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, Chairman of Arise News, Prince Nduka Irabor, and other dignitaries also commended General Irabor for his outstanding service to the nation, particularly in managing the war against terror and insurgency.
In his response, General Irabor expressed gratitude to the Ika nation for the honor bestowed upon him and his family. He expressed his continued support for the unity and growth of the nation and assured everyone that the Armed Forces were in good hands under General C.G. Musa’s leadership.
With General Lucky Irabor’s military career celebrated and his successor ready to take the reins, the nation looks forward to the continued success and security under the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
