President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the contributions of the former Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya to the sanctity of the country’s territorial integrity as legendary.
President Tinubu who made this known during the final burial service for the late military boss held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Diocese of Ijebu South West, Odogbolu, Ogun State, noted that the life of selflessness and diligence of the late Gen. Diya would remain a reference point for coming generations of military officers.
The President, represented by the Governor of Ogun State; Prince Dapo Abiodun also noted that the late military tactician was articulate and was widely recognized for his strategic thinking and ability to make swift and effective decisions.
“Although it is painful that we lost General Oladipo Diya to the cold hands of death, his eventful, remarkable and impactful life will continue to give us satisfactory succour and the assurance of a paradise for our great compatriot.
“While we deeply mourn the passage of this great Nigerian, we must not fail to consciously celebrate General Diya’s life of bravery, discipline, courage, integrity and patriotism.
“General Diya’s contribution to the sanctity of Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as his effort towards curtailing several uprisings that threatened the corporate entity of Nigeria are legendary.
“Indeed his life of selflessness and diligence in the service of the military elite remains a reference point for coming generations of military officers and a sort of scholarship material in academia,” he said.
Tinubu commended the leadership and tactical prowess of the late Diya which he said greatly contributed to the success of peace missions and gave him accolades both locally and Internationally, even as he noted his implementation of reforms that included improving training programs and welfare for soldiers while in the service of the nation.
Earlier in his message titled; “The end of a fulfilled life”, the Bishop of Ijebu South-West Anglican Diocese, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Babatunde Ogunbanwo who read from the Acts of Apostle, chapter 13 verse 36, described the late Chief of General Staff as a patriot who lived a good life, stood for the right things and also cemented his footprints in the history of the country, adding that he served his nation faithfully.
Ogunbanwo also disclosed that the late Lt. Gen. Diya was a Nigerian Hero who was not celebrated during his lifetime, saying that he was bold, disciplined, honest, kind-hearted and never corrupted himself while serving the country.
The late Gen. Diya died at the age of 79. During his lifetime, he held several command positions, including the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 83 Division, Nigerian Army; Commandant, National War College; Military Administrator of Ogun State; Chief of Defense Staff under General Ibrahim Babangida and the Chief of General Staff under the military government of General Sanni Abacha.