Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu: The First Igbo Military Governor of Lagos State

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu: The First Igbo Military Governor of Lagos State

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu: The First Igbo Military Governor of Lagos State

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu (3 November 1943 – 13 January 2021) was one of Nigeria’s most distinguished military officers, administrators, and pro-democracy advocates. An indigene of Ovim, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of present-day Abia State, he made history as the first person of Igbo origin to serve as the Military Governor of Lagos State.

Born on 3 November 1943, Kanu attended Methodist Primary School, Enugu, before joining the Nigerian Navy in 1962. As part of his military training, he travelled to India, where he underwent naval cadet training. Throughout his military career, he served in several strategic departments, including Personnel, Logistics, and Training.

During the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), Ndubuisi Kanu fought on the side of Biafra. Following the end of the war, he was reintegrated into the Nigerian Armed Forces and continued his military career with distinction.

In July 1975, then Lieutenant Commander Ndubuisi Kanu was appointed a member of General Murtala Muhammed’s Supreme Military Council, the highest governing body in Nigeria at the time.

Following General Olusegun Obasanjo’s assumption of power in 1976, Kanu was appointed Military Governor of Imo State. His administration focused on infrastructure and institutional development. He initiated a modern master plan for Owerri, expanded the state’s road network, increased the number of local government areas to 21, and established the Imo Broadcasting Service, now known as the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC).

In 1977, Kanu was transferred to Lagos State, where he became its Military Governor. He served until July 1978, making him the first Igbo man to govern Lagos State. His tenure contributed to the administration and development of Nigeria’s commercial capital, and his legacy remains significant. One of the well-known parks in Ikeja, Lagos, Ndubuisi Kanu Park, was named in his honour in recognition of his service.

After leaving office, Kanu continued his military career, eventually attaining the rank of Rear Admiral. He also represented Nigeria in international peacekeeping operations, serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

Upon retirement from the military, Ndubuisi Kanu became an outspoken pro-democracy activist. He consistently advocated for true federalism, the decentralisation of political power, and constitutional reforms aimed at creating a more balanced and equitable Nigeria.

On the personal front, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu was married three times and was blessed with ten children. His last wife was Chief Mrs. Gladys Kanu (née Uzodike), whom he married in 1993, and they remained together until his passing.

Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu died on 13 January 2021 at the age of 77, reportedly from complications related to COVID-19.

Ndubuisi Kanu’s life remains a remarkable story of military service, public administration, national unity, and democratic advocacy. His contributions to the development of Imo State, Lagos State, and Nigeria as a whole continue to earn him a respected place in the country’s history.