Petinrin, former Chief of Defence Staff, marks 60th birthday

FAMILY members, friends and well-wishers recently gathered in Lagos to mark the 60th birthday of the former Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall (ACM) Oluseyi Petinrin (rtd.)  

 Petinrin welcomed his visitors, some of whom were retired military officers including former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia (rtd.), Rear Admiral Francis Dan Akpan (rtd.) among others. 

  Petinrin in a mien that depicted the mood of the occasion, a departure from military attributes and characteristics, occasionally moved from one table to the other, appreciating his visitors for taking time to be at the event.   

 As he happily shook hands with old friends, funny reminiscences were recapitulated, which ended up in laughter as it were.    Apparently, it was a night to remember by the Petinrins.

 He described the day, a happy day.  “As you know, one turns 60 once in a lifetime and again, one has to be thankful to God that one is still healthy and strong.  The main thing is that I am grateful to God, the Almighty for keeping me, protecting me and my family.  We thank God,” he said.

  Commenting on his tenure as a military officer, Petinrin referred to it as a difficult time in the sense that the insurgency started by then.  He was, however, optimistic that Nigeria would overcome all her challenges.  

“While I was serving, we took our constituency to where we could. The people who are there now are also trying their best with the available resources to make sure they contain the problem. I think they are doing a good job.  My advice is that they should never be discouraged.  The service to this nation is crucial and fortunately, or unfortunately for them, they are there at this time.”  

  “They must make sure we come out of this and that the country becomes stronger after this Boko Haram nonsense,” he said.  

  Petinrin, while trying to recall the greatest moment of his life, said: “If I should talk about the greatest moments of my life career-wise, becoming Chief of Air Staff was a high-point in my career.  And then becoming Chief of Defence Staff, a position that was totally unexpected and regarded as another milestone.”  

  “There were many great moments in my life: such as when I got married, when my first child was born, when I had my first grand-child.   There were good moments, there were also bad moments, but we thank God that good moments had been more than the bad moments,” he said.    

  He called on those who have not attained the age of 60 to be patient, hardworking and be ready to think with a view to bringing about innovation. They should remain focused.  

“Nigeria is the best country in the world.   A lot of Nigerians do not appreciate what they have.  Visiting other countries and without going too far, our neighbouring countries, would convince an average Nigerian that we are in the best country in the whole world.  It may appear we are a little bit slow in terms of lofty achievements, but certainly, we are on course and will get there.”  

 “While we are complaining, people in other countries see Nigeria as London.  In any case, if you look at the newspaper of 1948, you will still see the same complaint,” he said.

  Some friends also commented about the life of Petinrin:  

 Former Chief of Defence Staff, eight years ago, General Alexander Ogomudia, described him as a wonderful and professional officer, a good pilot, loyal, dedicated, hardworking and intelligent officer, who relates well with people.

  Rear Admiral Francis Dan Akpan (rtd.) described Petinrin as a gentleman, a loyal friend who sustains friendship.  

“I do not think the country has been able to tap all God deposited in him.  He should be called back at this critical time to add value to our security network so that we can get back to normal situation in this country.  I believe we still need him,” he said.

  Dr. Philips Babatunde Obada described him as a very brilliant officer, astute, upright, disciplined and a good Christian  

  Media Consultant, Moyo Adewuyi described Petinrin as an accomplished officer, a professional fighter pilot who gave his best to this nation.  

  “He was the 16th Chief of Air Staff and later the Chief of Defence Staff.  He served with honesty.  While in service as Chief of Air Staff, he took the Air Force to greater heights.  He met only three serviceable aircraft.  By the time he left office, he left 23 aircraft.  For the first time in the history of  the Air Force, he introduced air shows where officers all over the world were invited to showcase their military aircraft,” he recalled.