Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe AGUIYI-IRONSI

Biographical record

Title

Maj. Gen

Surname

AGUIYI-IRONSI

First Name

Johnson

Other Names

Thomas Umunnakwe

Gender

Male

Source of Publication

OSSDATA Style

Date of Birth

3 March 1924

Status

Died

Date of Death

29 July 1966

State of Origin

Abia State

Place of Birth

Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Father's Name

Mazi Ezeugo Aguiyi

Father's Status

Deceased

Mother's Status

Deceased

Marital Status

Married

Name of Spouse

Lady Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi Ironsi

Names of Children

1. thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi

Profession

Soldier
combatant
Elder statesman

Working Experience

In 1960, Aguiyi-Ironsi was made commandant of the fifth battalion in Kano, Nigeria
1960, he headed the Nigerian contingent force of the United Nation peace keeping force in the Congo (now Zaire)
commandant of the entire United Nations peace keeping forces in the Congo (Zaire).
general officer Commanding, GOC of the entire Nigerian Army 1965
military head of state on 17 January 1966.

Education Level

Secondary

Schools Attended with Dates

Umuahia. Calabar and Kano before enlisting in the Nigerian Regiment of the colonial West African Frontier Force in 1942

Previous Appointments

First Nigerian Military Head of State who came to power soon after the first Military Coup in Nigeria on January 15, 1966. He was a Sergeant Major, served at the Ordinance Depot, Freetown, and 1943 1946. Commissioned 2nd Lt. in 1949, served in West African Command, Accra. Posted to Command Ordinance Depot. Lagos. He was commissioned in 1952 and served as ADC to Sir John McPherson. Promoted Captain, served as Extra Equerry to the Queen of England in Nigeria. 1956, led the Nigerian Battalion in the UN Mission in Congo 1957 1960. He was the Nigerian Defence Adviser, London; Commanded the UN Force in Congo, 1961 1964. Fiewas the First General Officer (GOC) Commanding the Nigeria Army 1965, became the Supreme Commander and Head of State of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria, 1966. He was killed in counter military coup on July 29, 1966

Have you ever been a member of any political party?

No

International/Foreign Decorations

He was honoured in the entire Commonwealth and the United Nations as an Icon of Bravery, Loyalty. Integrity and Honesty.
Gallantry medal (was awarded by the Austrian Government

Outstanding Achievements

1. headed the Nigerian contingent force of the United Nation peace keeping force in the Congo (now Zaire).

Other Relevant Information

He had his military training at: • Eaton Hall. UK • School of Infantry, Westminster UK. • Company Commander's Course. Westminster. England UK He had varied military postings in many parts of the British Empire before the Independence in Nigeriain 1960. He was the most senior Nigerian Army officer who took over the General Command of Nigerian Army after the departure of the British Commander, Major General MC Evans in 1964.

Source

wikipedia

Source

wikipedia