The remains of a former Chief of Army Staff, Chris Alli, were laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja on Wednesday.
The funeral was attended by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, representing President Bola Tinubu; former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; and a representative of the Plateau State Governor. Both serving and former service chiefs, along with other prominent Nigerians and family members, were present.
A funeral mass in honor of the late Chris Alli took place at St. Joseph Military Catholic Church, Mambilla Barracks Asokoro, Abuja.
During the funeral, the Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, stated that the deceased served Nigeria with dedication, contributing to peace, development, and unity.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, the minister emphasized the late former Chief of Army Staff’s significant impact on professionalizing and repositioning the army, making it a formidable force regionally and globally. He noted that the late general led an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Taoreed Lagbaja also spoke, highlighting the late Alli’s passion and devotion to duty throughout his lifetime.
Lagbaja emphasized Alli’s love for country and dedication to humanity, describing him as someone who exhibited an unrivaled sense of duty and service. The army chief acknowledged Alli’s lasting impact on the army’s professionalization and global standing.
Alli, a retired major general, passed away at the age of 79 in Lagos on November 19. Serving as Nigeria’s 15th Chief of Army Staff from 1993 to 1994 under the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, he also held the position of military governor of Plateau State from August 1985 to 1986 during President Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime. Additionally, Alli served as the interim administrator of Plateau in 2004 under the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.