Tinubu mourns first African UN peacekeeping military adviser, Obiakor

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the passing of Lieutenant General Chikadibia Obiakor (retd.), who made history as the first African to serve as the United Nations Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations. Obiakor also held the distinction of being the first African to serve in that role with the concurrent rank of Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Obiakor as a shining example of Nigerian excellence. He emphasized that Obiakor's contributions to global peace would leave a lasting legacy for generations. Obiakor passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at an Abuja hospital at the age of 75, reportedly after suffering a severe stroke days earlier.

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General Obiakor’s leadership in various peacekeeping missions and his commitment to conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction across several regions of the world helped strengthen the reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces on the global stage.

Tinubu characterized Obiakor as an outstanding patriot who dedicated his life to serving humanity, promoting peace, and contributing to national development. "General Obiakor’s leadership in various peacekeeping missions and his commitment to conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction across several regions of the world helped strengthen the reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces on the global stage," the President stated. He added, "He was a shining example of Nigerian excellence. He served our nation with distinction and carried the banner of Africa with dignity in the international arena."

Born on February 18, 1951, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Obiakor's origins were in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. His military journey began at the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, followed by his admission to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1971. Commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973, he advanced through the ranks, holding numerous strategic military and peacekeeping positions both within Nigeria and internationally. In May 2008, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed him Military Adviser for all UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, a period marked by high deployment numbers and extensive responsibilities for UN peacekeeping.

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He was a shining example of Nigerian excellence. He served our nation with distinction and carried the banner of Africa with dignity in the international arena.