In Loving Memory of Major General Rowland Nkwazema Ogbonna (rtd) FSS MSS psc(+) mni CFR

Major General Rowland Nkwazema Ogbonna (rtd) FSS MSS psc(+) mni CFR a towering figure in Nigeria’s military history with service number N/410, peacefully passed away on December 10, 2024, in Cardiff, United Kingdom, at the age of 82, after a brief illness.

Forever etched in history as “The Boy Who Named NMS,” General Ogbonna’s vision in 1959 redefined the future of the Nigerian Military School, Zaria. His suggestion to rename the Boys Company to the Nigerian Military School (NMS) captured the essence of its mission—an enduring legacy that still stands strong today. His clarity of thought and foresight ensured that the institution’s name reflected its military purpose, and his proposal was officially adopted that same year.

From the halls of the United Stated Army Cadets School, Fort Knox, Kentucky to the frontlines of history at the Command and Staff College in Quetta, Pakistan, General Ogbonna’s stellar military career spanned over three decades, during which he earned a reputation as one of the foremost post-civil war 2-Star Generals of Igbo descent.

A gallant infantry officer and leader in every sense, he held key roles including Director General of Nigerian Army Recruitment and Reserve, Brigade Commander of the 13 Brigade in Calabar, Acting General Officer Commanding of the 82 Division in Enugu, and Director of Studies at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.

During the Bakassi Peninsula crisis, his leadership as Commander of the 13 Amphibious Brigade played a pivotal role in securing peace between Nigeria and Cameroon, preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity with diplomacy and strength. Globally, he served as a military diplomat, representing Nigeria in key international missions across the Philippines, Venezuela, Brazil, South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and China, elevating Nigeria’s standing on the global stage.

In 1983, during a turbulent period in Ghana under Jerry Rawlings, General Ogbonna played a key role in restructuring the Ghanaian military, using his expertise to foster stability in the region.

But it was not just his military acumen that set him apart—it was his unwavering commitment to the future of the armed forces. Even in retirement, he continued to shape the next generation of military leaders through seminars and mentorship, ensuring that the pillars of tactical excellence, strategy, and resilience remained strong in an ever-changing West Africa.

Back home in the Avu Ancient Kingdom, General Ogbonna was a beloved and respected figure. As the Ochi Agha 1 of Avu, Traditional Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Avu Traditional Council, he worked tirelessly to resolve communal disputes and create an environment where peace and prosperity could thrive. His leadership extended beyond the battlefield, nurturing the growth of his community and ensuring its future was as secure as the land he had once defended.

A soldier. A diplomat. A visionary. A leader of his people. General Ogbonna’s life was one of quiet strength and unwavering service. His legacy will continue to echo through the generations—through the soldiers he mentored, the communities he uplifted, and the country he served with distinction. His story is one of courage, integrity, and vision, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who encountered him.

He leaves behind a nation forever indebted to his selfless contributions, a beloved family, and a community that will remember him as a pillar of strength and leadership.

General Ogbonna leaves behind his devoted wife, eight children, and eight grandchildren, and a legacy that will inspire for years to come.