By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi has commiserated with the family of the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi who died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 75.
In a condolence message to the family, made available to newsmen by Ismaila Isah, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ododo described the late Ogohi as an illustrious son of Kogi State.
He also described him as one of Nigeria’s finest Military officers who contributed immensely to keeping Nigeria united in the face of national challenges.
He said, “Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi was an excellent Military officer and a statesman who was committed to the unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Nigeria until his last days on earth.
“His illustrious military career saw him make enormous sacrifices as an officer to keep Nigeria as one indivisible entity and he has remained a committed elder statesman in his retirement”, the Governor observed.
Ododo noted that the deceased Admiral Ogohi had made invaluable contributions to the development of Kogi State and had been a huge source of inspiration to many in the country and beyond.
“Nigeria and the government and people of Kogi State have lost a fine and experienced Military Officer and rare statesman”, Governor Ododo said.
He commended the sacrifices and impact of the former Chief of Defence Staff as he noted that Kogi State has lost one of her frontline statesmen who meant so well for the people of the state.
The governor added that he would miss the wise counsel of the late Ogohi in his consultations with critical stakeholders on the policies and programmes of his administration.
Ododo prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the former CDS and urged his family to be consoled by his outstanding records and contributions as a military officer and a statesman.
The late Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi was the first Naval Officer to become Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and served from 1999 to 2003 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
He was born in November 1948 and died in the early hours of Sunday, 30th June 2024 and has been laid to rest at his home town in OKura-Olafia in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. (Ends)