Death is always a painful reminder of the fleeting nature of life on earth and of how quickly even the brightest lights can fade.
It was an emotional and humbling moment for me as I watched, with helpless tears, the body of my dear uncle, Diokpa Lieutenant Colonel Walter Adim Afam Jibunoh (Rtd.), being lowered into the grave. This was not merely the passing of a beloved family member; it was the farewell to a man whose life ignited my lifelong passion for Public Relations.
As Director of Army Public Relations, my uncle was a familiar name in the media for all the right reasons, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the Nigerian Army, the citizens of Nigeria, and the international community.
As an impressionable young boy with an insatiable interest in current affairs, I eagerly read about him in the national dailies and listened to news bulletins on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). I was fascinated by the precision, tact, and finesse with which he managed the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army. I remember telling my mother, his cousin, that when I attain adulthood, I would like to do what he was doing for the Nigerian Army and our country.
Though I initially attempted to join the military, my preference being the Nigerian Navy, drawn by the elegance of their sparkling white uniforms. However, destiny charted a different path. I eventually found myself in another arena of life, yet still within the Public Relations profession I had admired from childhood.
To the glory of God, I have since attained excellence in this calling, culminating in my investiture as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), a fulfilment of the dream he unknowingly planted in my heart decades ago.
Diokpa Lt. Col. Walter Jibunoh was a man of courage, great conviction, practical wisdom, and quiet strength. He carried himself with a constant smile and lived a simple, dignified life free of rancour, acrimony, and covetousness. A devoted Christian, loving family man, and gentleman to the core, he embodied discipline and grace in equal measure.
He departed this world peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, and, in accordance with his wishes, was laid to rest on Friday, September 26, 2025, at All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, with a private interment at the church cemetery.
The traditional rites of his passage will be held in his hometown, Akwukwu-Igbo, on a date to be announced.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mrs. Gladys Jibunoh (a retired Commissioner of Police); daughter, Mrs. Sophie Nwaefulu; son, Mr. Kenechukwu Damilola Jibunoh; granddaughter, Miss Camille Isioma Nwaefulu; grandson, Engineer Deion; granddaughter, Sarah; as well as uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, and associates.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Brief Biography of Lieutenant Colonel Walter Adim Afam Jibunoh (Rtd.)
Born on September 13, 1943, in Lagos, Colonel Walter Jibunoh proudly hailed from Akwukwu-Igbo, Delta State. He attended King’s College, Lagos, where he excelled in both academics and sports, before proceeding to the University of Ibadan, where he earned a B.A. (Hons) in History. His quest for knowledge later took him to the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication and a Certificate in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations.
In the military, he trained at the United States Army Institute for Military Assistance, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, earning a Diploma in Psychological Operations (PSYOPS). He also distinguished himself at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, graduating from the prestigious Staff Course (psc). A lifelong learner, he was a proud member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).
Before joining the Nigerian Army, he worked as a sports reporter and analyst in both print and broadcast media, and later as an Employee and Public Relations Assistant at Esso Oil Nigeria Limited (now Oando Plc).
His military career was remarkably defined by discipline, professionalism, and loyalty. He served as Commanding Officer, Strategic Support Group; Staff and Administrative Officer at Defence Headquarters, Lagos; Secretary to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee; and ultimately as Director of Army Public Relations. In every posting, he distinguished himself as a leader of honour and integrity.
His love for sports was legendary. At King’s College, he represented the school for five years in football, cricket, tennis, athletics, and table tennis, captaining football and serving as vice-captain of cricket and tennis. At the University of Ibadan, his brilliance earned him the coveted title of Sportsman of the Year (1967).
He went on to represent Nigeria in cricket (1965–1980), proudly flying the national flag both locally and internationally. Beyond active competition, he served as Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Cricket Association (1984–1987) and Honorary Secretary-General of the West African Cricket Council (1981–1985). In tennis, he was equally formidable, admired for his skill, discipline, and sportsmanship.
Fondly called “Wally J” by friends, he was a vibrant socialite and an active member of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Ikoyi Club 1938, and the Ibadan Recreation Club (where he was a Life Member). He was also a proud member of the King’s College Old Boys’ Association.
For his exceptional service, he received numerous military and community honours, including the Republic Medal, the Jubilee Medal, and the Forces Service Star. He was also recognised by All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan with both its 60th Anniversary Award and Choir Anniversary Award.
His career and sporting engagements took him across Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond. He visited Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Uganda, Britain, the USA, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Trinidad & Tobago—experiences that broadened his worldview and deepened his appreciation of diverse cultures.
Above all his achievements, Colonel Jibunoh was a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather, and dependable uncle. He was a mentor to many, a loyal friend, and a pillar of his community. His life of humility, discipline, and warmth remains an enduring legacy.
Colonel Walter Adim Afam Jibunoh (Rtd.) lived a life of purpose, resilience, and excellence. He was a soldier who served his nation with honour, a sportsman who proudly represented Nigeria, and a family man whose values will continue to inspire generations.
He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.
May his noble soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Godfrey C. Osakwe, fnipr
Chairman, Delta State Chapter
Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR)