Diya Lived Patriotic, Eventful Life, Says Tinubu

James Sowole in Abeokuta

President Bola Tinubu yesterday said the former Chief of General Staff, the late General Donaldson Oladipo Diya (rtd) lived an eventful, remarkable, and impactful life that will continue to give Nigerians satisfactory succour.

Tinubu stated this in a speech at the funeral service of the late Chief of General Staff, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Diocese of Ijebu South West, Odogbolu, headquarters of Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The President in the speech, read by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said it was painful that Diya was lost to the cold hands of death.
The funeral service was attended by people from all walks of life from within and outside Ogun State, including the Acting Inspector General of Police,  Kayode Egbetokun; the representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Morris Mbeari; Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Senator Shuaibu Salisu.

Tinubu said: “While we deeply mourn the passing of this great Nigerian, we must not fail to consciously celebrate General Diya’s life of bravery, discipline, courage, integrity, and patriotism.
“General Diya quickly rose through the ranks of the Nigerian military, thanks to his exceptional leadership skill and dedication to maintaining peace and security in Nigeria over the years.

“He held several command positions, he was once a General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Nigerian Army; Commandant, National War College; he was a one-time military Administrator of Ogun State; he was Chief of Defence Staff under General Ibrahim Babangida and rose to become the Chief of General Staff, effectively the Vice President under the military government of General Sani Abacha.

“He was articulate and was widely recognised for his strategic thinking and ability to make swift and effective decisions.

“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 scholarly material in academia.

“His leadership and tactical prowess greatly contributed to the success of peace missions and gave him accolades both locally and internationally.

“He implemented various reforms in the army, including improving training programmes and welfare for soldiers; under his leadership, the Nigerian Army witnessed significant advancement in its capabilities and operational effectiveness,” Tinubu explained.

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.

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 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 Diya died at the age of 79.