Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has 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 moments in Nigeria’s history, urging Nigerians to learn from the past to build a more united nation.

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Obasanjo made the remarks on Wednesday in Umuahia, Abia State, 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. He renewed his call for the restoration of History as a compulsory subject in Nigerian schools, warning that nations that neglect their past are likely to repeat previous mistakes.

“Nigeria has many black days, and because of these black days, we must remember history to learn the right lessons,” Obasanjo said. ” 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?”

The former president urged Nigerians not to dwell on the divisions created by those historical events but to embrace values that promote national unity and development.

“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 stated.

Reflecting on his relationship with the late Aguiyi-Ironsi, Obasanjo described him as a father figure who treated junior military officers with kindness and respect. He also praised the late Head of State’s distinguished military career, recalling his service in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Congo and noting that Aguiyi-Ironsi became Nigeria’s first indigenous Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Brigadier and Major-General.

Obasanjo called on Nigerians to preserve the memories of leaders who made sacrifices for the country and ensure that future generations understand the lessons from Nigeria’s history as the nation continues its quest for unity, peace and sustainable development.