Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday described the January 15, 1966 coup, the July 29, 1966 counter-coup and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as some of Nigeria’s “black days,” urging citizens to learn from the country’s past in the interest of national unity and development.

Obasanjo made the remarks in Umuahia during the 60th memorial service held in honour of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Gen. Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966.

He also renewed his call for the reintroduction of History as a subject in Nigerian schools, saying understanding the nation’s past is essential to avoiding a repeat of previous mistakes.

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

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Reflecting on some of the country’s defining moments, he said Nigerians should focus on the lessons they offer rather than the divisions they created.

“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?” he asked.

According to the former president, many of Nigeria’s historic crises were characterised by exclusion, destruction and division, stressing the need for inclusion and cooperation.

“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 said.

Obasanjo also reflected on his relationship with Aguiyi-Ironsi, describing the late military leader as a father figure who treated…