Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has mourned the death of the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi, who died at 75.
In a condolence message to the family of the former chief of defence staff, Governor Ododo described the late Ogohi as an illustrious son of Kogi State and one of Nigeria’s finest military officers who contributed immensely to keep Nigeria united in the face of national challenges.
“Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi was an excellent military officer and a statesman 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 by making invaluable contributions to the development of Kogi State and has been a massive 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.
Governor Ododo praised the sacrifices and impact of the former Chief of Defence Staff and noted that Kogi State had lost one of its frontline politicians who meant so much to the state’s people. He added that he will miss the wise counsel of the late Admiral Ogohi in his consultations with critical stakeholders on his administration’s policies and programmes.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the former chief’s soul. He urged his family to be consoled by his outstanding records and contributions as a military officer and a statesman.
The late 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 early on Sunday, June 30, 2024. He has been laid to rest in his hometown in Okura Olafia, Dekina, local government area of Kogi State.