By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has mourned the passing of Nigeria’s 8th CDS, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi, whom he said was patriotic to the end.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Sunday in Abuja.
The CDS said other service chiefs also joined the family of the late Admiral and all the Nigerian people to mourn the exit of the distinguished naval officer, who, he said, was patriotic till the end.
The CDS also described the late Ogohi as a distinguished elder statesman, who provided his wealth of experience to the armed forces, even after retirement .
He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant his soul peaceful repose.
According to the statement, late Ogohi died in the early hours of Sunday, at a hospital in Abuja after a brief illness at 75.
He was born in Okura Lafia in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Nov. 14, 1948.
In 1967, he enrolled into the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna as a member of 4th Regular Course and was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 1970.
He was a Principal Warfare Specialist Officer, who majored in Under Water Warfare.
Ogohi started his military training as a Midshipman in the United Kingdom in 1971 and attended the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course in India in 1972.
He also attended his Staff and Defence courses at the United States Naval War College in 1980 and 1991 respectively.
The late Admiral held several appointments in the Nigerian Navy including; Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship YOLA – 1976 – 1977; Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ships OTOBO and DORINA – 1980 and Commanding Officer Nigerian Navy Ship EKUN – 1982.
He became the Naval Provost Marshall in 1982 and commanded Nigerian Navy Ship ANANSA from 1985 – 1986.
The late Admiral was the Director of Administration Nigerian Defence Academy from 1986 – 1987 and a Directing Staff at the National War College (now National Defence College) from 1992 – 1993.
In 1995, he was appointed Chief of Policy and Plans at the Naval Headquarters and became Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, in May 1996.
He was promoted Rear Admiral in July 1996 and promoted Vice Admiral in June 2000. He became Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff in 1999 and retired as Admiral in 2003 after 33 years of distinguished service to the nation.
While in the Service, Admiral Ogohi was decorated with the Forces Service Star, passed staff course, fellow of the United States War College and Distinguished Fellow of the National War College.
He was also conferred with the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic by then President Olusegun Obasanjo.
(NAN)
