…Renews Call For Compulsory Teaching Of History In Schools
….Says Exclusion, Division Fueled National Crises
Daud Olatunji
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday described the January 15, 1966 military coup, the July 29, 1966 counter-coup and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as some of the darkest chapters in Nigeria’s history, urging Nigerians to draw lessons from the country’s past to strengthen unity and national development.
Obasanjo spoke in Umuahia, Abia State, during the 60th memorial service held in honour of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966.
The elder statesman also renewed his call for the reintroduction of History as a compulsory subject in Nigerian schools, saying the country risks repeating past mistakes if younger generations remain disconnected from historical events.
According to him, Nigeria’s major political crises should serve as lessons for promoting inclusion, national cohesion and sustainable development rather than deepening divisions.
“Nigeria has many black days, and because of these black days, we must remember history to learn the right lessons,” Obasanjo said.
Reflecting on the country’s turbulent past, he identified the January 15, 1966 coup, the July 29, 1966 counter-coup and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as defining moments that altered Nigeria’s political trajectory.
“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.
Obasanjo noted that those historic events were marked by exclusion, destruction and national disunity, stressing that Nigerians should instead embrace cooperation and inclusiveness.
“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 added.
The former President also paid glowing tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi, describing him as a father figure who treated younger military officers with compassion and dignity.
He recalled the late military leader’s distinguished service, including his participation in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo, and noted that Aguiyi-Ironsi achieved several historic milestones as Nigeria’s first indigenous Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Brigadier and Major-General.
Obasanjo urged Nigerians to continue preserving the memories of leaders who made significant sacrifices for the country’s peace and unity, saying their legacies should inspire future generations to build a more united and prosperous nation.
Aguiyi-Ironsi became Nigeria’s first military Head of State after the January 15, 1966 coup but was overthrown and assassinated during the counter-coup of July 29, 1966, an event widely regarded as a watershed in the country’s political history.
The June 12, 1993 presidential election, won by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola according to widely accepted results, was later annulled by the military government, triggering nationwide protests and prolonged political unrest.
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