The life and legacy of Augustus Aikhomu, the Former Vice President of Nigeria (1986 to 1993)
Want to learn about Augustus Aikhomu? He was an Admiral in the Nigerian Navy, who served as the Vice President of Nigeria under the military head of state, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (1986 to 1993).
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Who is Augustus Aikhomu?
Augustus Aikhomu was born on October 20, 1939. He hailed from Idumebo-Irrua, in the Esan local government of Edo state. He is a member of the military navy and was the de facto vice president under General Ibrahim Babangida, the then-military leader of Nigeria, from 1986 until 1993.
He is well-known as a politician, businessman, and naval officer. We cannot dispute the reality that whoever is involved in any of these ventures is a man of strength and vision. He enjoys playing football, and his zodiac sign is Libra.
He was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the All-Nigeria’s Peoples Party (ANPP) and was regarded as a significant figure in Nigerian politics in his later years. As a father to the country and a beloved national hero, Augustus was renowned for his strict character and significant contributions to society.
Today, he is known as a renowned Nigerian chief of general staff and a retired admiral in the navy.
Augustus Aikhomu Education
Between 1954 through 1958, Augustus attended Yaba Technical Institute, now more commonly known as (Yaba College of Technology), after completing his secondary education at Irrua Government School.
Later, he joined the Navy and was transferred to Dartmouth, England’s Royal Britannia Naval College, to study. From 1969 to 1970, he also attended the Long Gunnery Specialist Course in India and the Royal Naval Engineering College at Manadon, England.
He went to the Defense Service staff course in India in 1973 and the Kuru, Nigeria-based National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in 1982.
Augustus Aikhomu’s Family
Augustus Aikhomu is married to Rebecca Madojemu and the couple is blessed with five children namely; Mark, Eheje, Suzanne, Ehime, Vishmeal, and Ebi (2 males and 4 females). Their daughter Vinitha is now married and bears the name Vinitha Nimmyel. Augustus Aikhomu’s first son, Ehime Aikhomu, was among the 165 killed in the Dana plane crash in Lagos on June 3, 2012.
Augustus was 71 years old before he passed on to be with the Lord. He died on August 17th, 2011, just a few months before his birthday. If Augustus were to be alive, he would have been 83 years of age. May his soul rest in perfect peace.
Augustus Aikhomu Naval Career
Augustus Aikhomu joined the Nigerian Navy on December 1st, 1958. Augustus was inspired by Major Parker to join the school’s cadet corps, which led to his interest in a military career. At HMS Fisgard, which is close to Torpoint in East Cornwall, he enlisted and joined the Royal Navy as an Artificer Apprentice with Series 35 entry in January 1959.
At the end of April 1960, Augustus was in the Grenville Division. He was appointed a sub-lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy in 1964 and a lieutenant in 1967. He advanced to the position of a Commanding officer of in-shore patrol crafts in 1974. From 1975 to 1978, he served as the flag commanding officer for the flotilla and NNS Nigeria. In 1977, he was promoted to Captain.
He became the Navy Commodore in 1980, and from 1980 to 1983, he served as the navy headquarters’ chief of personnel. He held the positions of chief of naval operations from 1983 to 1984 and chief of naval staff from 1984 to 1986.
He remarkably served as vice president and chief of general staff at the same time between 1986 and 1993. He was made a Vice Admiral in 1987 and was a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council. He was appointed as the National Boundary Commission’s Chairman. In 1982 and 1988, he also belonged to the national institution and the Nigeria Institute of Management.
He also served as the Chairman of the All-Nigeria’s Peoples Party’s Board of Trustees and donated to the Irrua Specialist Hospital while in office. Augustus held a number of powerful and important roles in Nigeria and performed excellently well in each one.
Since the start of Babaginda’s administration in 1991, Aikhomu left the Navy. After Babaginda’s fall from power in August 1993, he finally said goodbye to public duty.
Some notable qualities Augustus Aikhomu Possessed
For his commitment and loyalty to the nation, Augustus Aikhomu was seen as a caring father figure and a calm inspiration to all citizens. He was a dynamic and vibrant man whose demise had a significant impact on the nation.
In addition to being viewed as a man of wisdom whose service will be missed by all, Augustus had a competitive nature. Augustus was a competent, diligent, and honorable officer who gave his all in whatever he did and made a significant difference in the lives of others.
With his illustrious career, he lived what he preached. Above all, he is primarily regarded as a loving and caring man who prioritizes his family. The Admiral is seen as a charismatic leader with a humble demeanor in service and provides comfort to the family. He also believes in God and had the interest of the country at heart.
Augustus Aikhomu’s Achievement
In our world today, when an individual performs excellently well, he’s awarded nice plaudits, attributes, honors, encomiums, accolades, etc. Let’s look at Augustus Aikhomu’s achievements and get inspiration.
- Augustus Aikhomu was the first naval officer to be promoted to Admiral in Black Africa.
- He was the first signatory to the document authorizing the formation of an interim National Government (ING), to be led by businessman Ernest Shonekan following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
- As a chairman, he led a solid political foundation.
- He specifically worked to see that the commission agency was initially incorporated into the 1989 constitution and laid the way for its continued existence as one of the planned Federal Executive Bodies in the present 1999 constitution.
- In August 1989, he formally opened the nation’s first-ever planning conference for the development of Nigeria’s border regions, beginning with Benin and Lagos.
- In the early 1990s, he made significant contributions to the development of the super Eagles team, which enabled the nation to win the Africa Cup of Nations and make its debut at the World Cup.
- He was the Grand commander of the order of the Niger (GCON)
- During his time as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), he held workshops and seminars in which neighbors of Nigeria participated. The workshops’ focus was on identifying issues and peacefully resolving them through dialogues.
- Augustus Aikhomu joined the Navy and advanced to a certain position, and has since been climbing the ladder of success. People have a firm understanding from his achievements that success and opportunities comes gradually.
Augustus Aikhomu’s death
Augustus died on August 17th, 2011. Before his death, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and bedridden for several months in the UK. After his death, he was laid to rest in his hometown, Irrua, Edo state in September 2011. His death was announced by his first daughter Vinitha Nimmyel and confirmed by his junior brother Rear Admiral Joe Aikhomu.
Some heartfelt words about Augustus Aikhomu on a funeral day
- He was a polite and humble national leader.
- Admiral is a man that will be remembered for years to come.
- He was a detribalized man who always spoke the truth.
- His death is a monumental loss to the country and state itself.
- A great Nigerian and a peacemaker.
- It’s a sad day for the Navy and all of Nigeria.
- We have lost an Iroko in Nigeria
- He will always be remembered for his goodwill and perseverance. May his soul rest in peace.
Those heartfelt and sincere words written for just one individual have demonstrated the value of leaving a decent and honorable legacy in order to be remembered favorably.
Today, we honor a distinguished leader who uplifted the nation’s pride and dignity and will always be remembered as a pillar of strength and stability during Nigeria’s toughest period. His contribution and development to the stability of the country cannot be quantified.
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