By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State have both expressed their heartfelt condolences following the passing of a former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi (retd).
Ogohi breathed his last on Sunday in Abuja at the age of 75 years.
According to family sources, he had been suffering from age-related health issues for several weeks before he died at his home in Abuja in the early hours of Sunday.
“Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi passed on to glory a few minutes ago, early Sunday morning,” a family member confirmed.
Reacting to the demise, Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, stated that the deceased’s services to the nation would always be remembered.
He prayed that God grant the family members and friends of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.
Also, Kogi State Governor has mourned the death of the former defence chief.
In a condolence message to the family, the governor described the late Ogohi as an illustrious son of Kogi and one of Nigeria’s finest military officers who contributed immensely to keep Nigeria united in the face of national challenges.
According to the governor, Ogohi was an exceptional military officer and a statesman unwavering in his commitment to fostering unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of Nigeria until his final days on earth.
Ododo, who praised the sacrifices and impact of the former Chief of Defence Staff, noted that Kogi has lost one of her frontline statesmen who meant so well for the people of the state.
The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul and urged his family to be consoled by his outstanding records and contributions as a military officer and a statesman.
The New Diplomat reports that Ogohi was born in November 1948. He had his early education at Saint John’s College Kaduna from 1962 to 1966.
He enrolled at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in 1967 Regular Course Four and passed out in 1970. He attended a Midshipman course in the United Kingdom in 1971 and technical course in India in 1972, and then the United States Naval War College Course in 1980 ain 1992.
He was Commanding Officer Eken NNS France in 1982, Commander NNS Anansa in 1985 and Director Administrator at the NDA from 1986 to 1987.
In May 1999, he was appointed Chief of Defence Staff till 2003 when retired meritoriously.
