By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Nigerian Army, former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, and other senior officers on Wednesday mourned retired Maj.-Gen. Ezra Jakko, former Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army).
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Chief of Accounts and Budget, Army, Maj.-Gen. Taofik Sidick, described Jakko as a distinguished officer who made significant contributions to Army financial management and administration.
Sidick, who also read the funeral oration at Jakko’s funeral in Abuja, described him as a brilliant, resourceful, diligent and professional officer who demonstrated integrity, strong leadership and commitment throughout his career.
The funeral oration said Jakko received several military and international honours in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation.
It described his death as a great loss to his family, the Nigerian Army and the nation.
“Jakko, who died on Sept. 10, 2026, aged 62, was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on Oct. 4, 1989, and rose to the rank of Major-General on Oct. 4, 2017.
“He voluntarily retired from the Army on Oct. 27, 2023, after a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army Finance Corps.
“The late general held several key appointments, including Chief of Accounts and Budget, Army; Chief of Defence Finance and Budget; Director, Army Finance and Accounts; and Director-General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.
“He also served as Chief Instructor and Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Administration, where he mentored young officers and imparted professional knowledge and values,” the oration stated.
Buratai, who served as COAS when Jakko was Chief of Accounts and Budget, described him as a highly professional officer who contributed significantly to the effective administration of the Army.
“With the limited resources we had, he was very prudent and accountable,” Buratai said, adding that the late general served the Army and the nation creditably.
Retired Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, a close friend of Jakko and former Director-General, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), described him as an upright and God-fearing man.
Ezugwu said despite coming from different parts of the country, they related like brothers, adding that Jakko was a man who had no tribal or religious barriers in his relationship with others.
He recalled that Jakko gave him N10 million after retirement to support his farming project, describing the gesture as evidence of the deceased’s generosity and concern for others.
Another close friend, retired Brig.-Gen. Cecilia Akagwu, described Jakko as a thorough, detailed and professionally competent officer.
Akagwu said Jakko surrounded himself with well-trained and brilliant personnel, which enhanced his effectiveness in discharging his responsibilities.
She advised younger officers to build relationships beyond the military, saying interaction with civilians could help them navigate professional challenges.
Akagwu also recalled Jakko’s steadfast Christian faith, saying he remained committed to his faith from the time they met in 1989 until his death.
Also, Retired Brig.-Gen. Clifford Wanda, another close friend, described Jakko as a committed Christian, welfare-oriented person and astute businessman.
Wanda, a former Corp Commander , Medical, recalled that Jakko once bought a hearing aid worth about N2.5 million for one of his staff members who needed it.
He said the gesture demonstrated Jakko’s concern for the welfare of his personnel and his willingness to use his resources to assist others.
Wanda also recalled an incident during a journey to Mubi when Jakko spoke to him about God, prompting him to slow down while driving.
The mourners prayed for the repose of his soul and for God to grant his family the strength to bear the loss. (NAN)
