Tinubu to Gen. Irabor at 60: You’re a True Commander, Defender of the Nation

PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES GEN. IRABOR AT 60, HAILS HIM AS TRUE DEFENDER OF THE NATION

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea Irabor (retired), on the occasion of his 60th birthday, describing him as a patriotic leader and an exemplary military commander whose life has been marked by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and security of Nigeria.

In a statement released on Sunday by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu praised the former CDS for a distinguished military career that spanned several decades and left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s armed forces and national security architecture.

“General Irabor’s record of service stands as a testament to courage, discipline, and loyalty to the Nigerian state,” the President said. “His leadership at the helm of the Armed Forces helped strengthen inter-service collaboration and brought renewed vigour to the campaign against insurgency and other forms of insecurity.”

The President highlighted General Irabor’s key role during a critical period in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and armed violence, commending his strategic insight and calm yet firm leadership. As Chief of Defence Staff between January 2021 and June 2023, General Irabor led joint military operations against insurgent groups with resolve, while also promoting coordination among the various branches of the military.

Beyond his time in service, President Tinubu acknowledged the retired general’s ongoing contributions to national development, particularly through his involvement in policy discussions and security strategy. He described General Irabor as “a model officer and gentleman whose integrity and devotion to the country remain unquestionable.”

“As he marks his 60th birthday, I celebrate General Irabor for a lifetime of dedication to Nigeria,” Tinubu said. “I wish him continued strength, peace, and good health, and I pray for God’s guidance upon him and his family.”

General Irabor, who hails from Agbor in Delta State, is widely respected for his operational expertise and leadership in key national and multinational commands. Before his appointment as CDS, he served as Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole — the military’s main counterinsurgency campaign in the North East — and as Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin.

His legacy, many observers note, is one of professionalism, unity of command, and a deep sense of duty to Nigeria.