Forever in Our Hearts: Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu Remembered as a Gift to Nigeria and a Moral Compass for Generations

JUST SAW A TOUCHING TRIBUTE FOR MY LATE LEADER, REAR ADMIRAL NDUBUISI KANU, FROM A DEAR FRIEND,WHICH I NEED TO SHARE WITH MY NETWORK :

💫 *Tribute to Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu*

(*3rd November Remembrance*)

All praises and glory to our Omnipotent God for His love and mercies — and what a mercy He bestowed on us through the life of our beloved elder brother, *Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu.*

As we remembered his 82nd birthday on November 3rd, memories of his warmth, courage, and extraordinary service came flooding back. His life was a testimony of selflessness, patriotism, and unshakable faith in the unity and progress of Nigeria.

I still remember the first day I met him at a public function. I was young then — admiring from afar the man who once served as Military Administrator of Lagos State. I told him how I had long been a follower of his selfless and patriotic lifestyle. But it was during the NADECO movement that I truly witnessed the depth of his love for Nigeria, and his courage in standing for unity, justice, and democracy.

From that first encounter, I made him a promise — that he deserved the very best. I told him I would gift him a Bose system in honour of his retirement, both as a gesture of friendship and as a way of making him our “Bose Ambassador.” I knew he would fall in love with the sound. Not long after, I personally brought my installer to his residence to set up the Bose Lifestyle 12 system. From that day, our friendship deepened.

“He said the Bose sound spoke from the heart — and indeed, he himself was a man who spoke and acted from the heart.”

He became more than a statesman to me; he became an elder brother, a confidant, and a man whose words carried warmth and wisdom.

One of my most memorable visits was at his Victoria Island office on Kofo Abayomi Street. As we discussed Lagos and its transformation, I mentioned how saddened I was that Ikeja GRA had been turned into a commercial zone. He listened attentively, then gently interjected — sharing his reflections on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road and why he chose to build his home at the corner of Kofo Abayomi and Idowu Martins Street.

He spoke with pride about how, from his office balcony, he once delighted in watching the river’s gentle rhythm — the tide flowing in and slowing back — a daily dance of nature that soothed the soul. “That,” he said, “was the true beauty of Lagos — a city living in harmony with its waters.” Then his face grew solemn as he lamented how reckless development had choked those waterways and erased the natural elegance that once defined Victoria Island. You could hear the disappointment in his voice — the sorrow of a man who had given his all to build a city, only to watch its beauty distorted by uncontrolled expansion.

That conversation revealed another side of him — the environmentalist, the urbanist, and the lover of nature’s grace.

Admiral Kanu was a man of deep empathy and unwavering principle. He never forgot to stand with me in moments of family significance — from my father-in-law’s burial to my father’s and even my mother-in-law’s. On each occasion, he either came in person or sent a trusted representative with his token of support. He regretted missing my mother-in-law’s burial because of a sudden engagement, yet still made sure he was represented. That was the man he was — dependable, thoughtful, and deeply human.

Beyond our personal bond, his public life remains a lesson in leadership. A naval officer of distinction, he served as Military Governor of both Imo State and Lagos State, and later became one of the boldest voices of NADECO — the coalition that fought for democracy and good governance when silence was safer.

Born in Ovim, Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State, Admiral Kanu believed in a Nigeria united by justice and guided by conscience. His voice always echoed moderation, fairness, and patriotism.

When COVID-19 took him away, we did not just lose a hero — we lost a heart. I miss “Jim” deeply — the steady voice, the gentle humour, and the reassuring presence. Yet I give thanks to God that his beautiful soul rests in peace, and that his legacy of courage, integrity, and humanity continues to live in all who were privileged to know him.

To my dear brother, friend, and mentor — *Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu* — may your soul continue to find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty.

You were a gift to Nigeria, a blessing to those who knew you, and a moral compass for a generation still seeking direction.

Please continue to rest well, my Admiral.

You remain forever in our hearts. 💙⚓

*Chief Chuckie Nneji*

*Odibo Oha II na NkanuLand*

Shared by Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju.