Magnificent Lawyer

 Tribute to Major General F.O. Okonkwo

"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."

We have lived without fear every day because of you, and people like you - who have served in our military. I appreciate you! My uncle, you were truly a wonderful soul, and I pray that God will reward you in heaven. The price to pay for having a great-uncle like you is too high.

Death is something inevitable, but the legacy left behind by Major General Festus Okechukwu Okonkwo is immortal. Born on May 30th, 1951, in Agbani, Enugu State, and tracing his ancestry to Enugwu-Agidi in Anambra State, Uncle Festus embodied the spirit of courage, dedication, and service.

Uncle Festus was not just a soldier; he was a beacon of hope and stability in the darkest of times. His military journey began when he was commissioned with Course 13 of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Deployed to the Recce (later Armoured) Corps, he underwent rigorous training in various aspects of warfare and command, preparing him for the significant roles he would later assume.

A brilliant and seasoned officer, he led the ECOMOG Ground Task Force in Liberia from 1994-96, commanding multiple battalions from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Guinea. His leadership in safeguarding Monrovia during turbulent times showcased his exceptional strategic acumen and unyielding bravery. His role as the first overall commander of peacekeepers on the ground in Darfur further cemented his legacy as a pioneer in international peacekeeping efforts.

Throughout his career, Uncle Festus held numerous command, staff, teaching, and diplomatic positions, reflecting a balanced and distinguished professional journey. His commitment to excellence saw him command at various levels, from Platoon to Brigade, and serve as Deputy Commandant at the Armoured Corps Centre and School in Bauchi. As a Senior Instructor and Directing Staff at the Command and Staff College, Jaji, he shaped the minds of future military leaders.

His staff appointments were equally impressive, including roles such as Acting Director of Operations and Training at the Army Headquarters and Principal Staff Officer (Coordination) at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji. On the diplomatic front, he served as the Nigerian Defence Adviser at the Embassy of Nigeria in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, fostering international military relations.

Uncle Festus’s dedication and service were recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Forces Service Staff (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Passed Staff College (PSC+), and Fellow of War College (FWC). His academic prowess was evident in his M.A. in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and the prestigious Chief of Defence Staff Award for his paper on "OAU/AU Mechanism for Conflict Management and Evaluation."

Married to Selinah Ifeoma Okonkwo and blessed with three children, Uche, Chinedu, and Emeka, he was not only a stalwart soldier but also a loving husband and father. His life was a testament to the values of duty, honor, and country.

Rest in peace, Uncle Festus. Your legacy of bravery, leadership, and unwavering commitment to peace will forever inspire us. May God reward you abundantly in heaven. Your sacrifice and service have left an indelible mark on our hearts and the pages of history. Written by Daniel Okonkwo for Profile International Human Rights Advocate.