Ex-Defence Chief Ogohi dies at 75, Tinubu, Kogi Governor mourn

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Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi (retd), the former Chief of Defence Staff, has died. He died on Sunday in Abuja, aged 75.

Ogohi was appointed Defence Chief by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and served until 2003.

The late Admiral Ogohi was Nigeria’s first naval commander to be appointed Chief of Defence Staff.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has offered his sympathies to Admiral Ogohi’s family.

In a statement by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu stated that the deceased’s services to the nation would always be remembered.

The President prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort to his family.

Also, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, 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.

The governor described Admiral Ogohi as 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.

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.

Profile

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 of Regular Course Four and passed out in 1970. He attended a Midshipman course in United Kingdom in 1971 and technical course in India in 1972, then the United States Naval War College Course in 1980 and in 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 where he retired meritoriously.