Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed concern over the removal of History from Nigeria’s school curriculum, warning that a nation that forgets its past risks repeating the mistakes of previous generations.
He spoke on Wednesday in Umuahia during the 60th memorial service held in honour of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966.
“Nigeria has many black days, and because of these black days, we must remember history to learn the right lessons,” Obasanjo said.
He described the January 15, 1966 coup, the July 29, 1966 counter-coup, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as some of the country’s darkest moments.
“July 29 is one black day in the history of Nigeria. January 15 is another black day. The annulment of June 12 was also a black day. But the question is: what lessons do we learn from them?” he asked.
The ex-president challenged Nigerians to confront the nation’s painful historical experiences and draw lessons that will promote unity, inclusion and national development.
According to him, many of Nigeria’s historic tragedies were marked by exclusion, destruction and division, stressing that the country must instead embrace inclusion, cooperation and national integration.
“Most of these black days excluded, destroyed and separated us. But we can learn the right lessons and draw inspiration for inclusion, construction, cooperation and bringing our people together,” he said.
Obasanjo recalled his relationship with Aguiyi-Ironsi, describing the late military leader as a father figure who treated younger officers with care and respect.
He disclosed that Aguiyi-Ironsi demonstrated outstanding leadership during his military career, including his service during the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo.
The former president also highlighted Aguiyi-Ironsi’s historic rise as Nigeria’s first indigenous Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Brigadier and Major-General, urging Nigerians to preserve the memories of leaders who sacrificed for the country.
