Citation of Retired Air Vice Marshal Chinwendu Onyike, Mayor of Isuikwuato

1. Born on 8 September 1964 in Kaduna, Nigeria, to the illustrious family of Late Mr. Jackson Uchebuike Onyike and Ezinne (Mrs.) Sarah Eberechukwu Onyike (nee Ukairo), Retired Air Vice Marshal Chinwendu Onyike (GSS, fdc, MSc.) is a distinguished son of Umuajala, Umuebere-Aja in Obu-Ebere-Aja Autonomous Community, Eluama, Isuikwuato LGA, Abia State.

2. His academic odyssey commenced at the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School in Kaduna and blossomed at the Federal Government College Kaduna, culminating in the attainment of the WASC/GCE in 1981. A trailblazer, he embarked on a military journey, enrolling in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1984 as part of the 36th Regular Combatant Course, pioneering the NDA degree program. Graduating with a BSc in Mathematics in 1988, his trajectory in the Nigerian Air Force began.

3. The pages of AVM Onyike’s military legacy are imprinted with milestones. Noteworthy among them are the Junior Command and Staff Course, Senior Command and Staff Course, and the prestigious National Defence College (NDC), where he graduated as a Fellow of the National Defence College (fdc). His pursuit of knowledge, excellence and value led him to the University of Ibadan, earning a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Strategic Studies in 2013.

4. A practitioner of global harmony, AVM Onyike served as a United Nations Military Observer (UNMO) in the UN Angola Verification Mission 3 (UNAVEMIII/MONUA), earning the UN Medal for his commendable service. His international sojourn enhanced his strategic outlook and garnered global accolades.

5. The annals of AVM Onyike’s command and staff responsibilities in the Nigerian Air Force showcase his adept leadership. From Aide-De-Camp to commanding officer roles, including Chief Engineer National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Air Wing/Presidential Air Fleet and Managing Director of the Nigerian Air Force Housing and Construction Company Limited, his impact resonates.

6. On 1 January 2022, in a gesture of solidarity, AVM Onyike voluntarily retired alongside his NDA 36th Regular Combatant Course peers, marking the next chapter of service for the 37th Regular Course.

7. Beyond the brass and rigor of military life, AVM C Onyike’s pursuits reveal a man of varied interests — a golfer, an avid reader, a traveler, a nature observer, and a lover of squash racket and lawn tennis with special interest in community development.

8. Motivated by challenges and deadlines, AVM C Onyike’s illustrious career is adorned with honors and medals, including Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), General Service Star (GSS), United Nations Medal, Silver Jubilee Medal, Golden Jubilee Medal, and more.

9. In reflection and celebration, Retired Air Vice Marshal Chinwendu Onyike stands as a paragon of service, leadership, and patriotism, leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of Nigerian military history.