By Anayo Okoli

IT was a harvest of eulogies yesterday, at a church service to mark the 50th memorial anniversary of the tragic death of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Gen Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi with prominent Nigerians describing the late General as epitome patriotism.

From left: Representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen Edward Nze, representative the wife of the President and wife of Governor of Anambra State, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano, Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, wife of the late Maj. General, Chief Lady, Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, and Wife of the Abia State Governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu.

They called on Nigerians to emulated the virtue of the late General and imbibe patriotism; love and unity which they said characterized his life.

At the memorial Mass held at St. Finbars Catholic Church, Umuahia,

Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari described the late ironsi as “a great patriot and a soldier’s soldier”, pointing out that from “all indications he stood for everything good about Nigeria in the beginning”.

Represented the wife of Anambra state governor, Mrs. Ebere Obiano, Mrs. Buhari said that Ironsi as the first military head of state worked for the unity of the nation and urged that the unity he stood for should be emulated by all Nigerians for the good of the nation.

“From all indications he stood for one Nigeria. We appreciate and support the ideals he lived and died for”, Mrs. Buhari said.

The First Lady also commended the matriarch of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family and widow of the late Head of State, Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, for holding the forth since unfortunate event 50 years ago, saying that she has exhibited commitment, courage and selfless service.

The Nigerian Army, the late General Aguiyi- Ironsi immediate constituency, lauded the good virtues.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Major General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin who was represented by Maj. Gen Edward Nze recalled that the event that led to the death of General Ironsi was as a result of the actions or inactions of past leaders which he said was still having effect on the nation.

Olonishakin therefore advised present leaders in the country to be wary of their actions or inactions and consider the impact of future generations.

“We should therefore learn from experience and think deeply before we take actions. Let us aspire to serve our country, love more, hate less and build a nation where justice and peace reign”, the CDS admonished.