As Governors Mourn Fallen Heroes
The Daily Crucible
The Pilot of the ill-fated Nigerian Air Force jet which crashed in Kaduna yesterday, Flt Lt Alfred Ayodeji Olufade just got married last February while one of the crew members was said to be planning his marriage.
This is a shattering huge blow. The weight of the loss on Olufade's premature widow and his family is better left to imagination. Same for the family of the young crew member planning his marriage.
George Olufade, the grieving father of Flt. Lt. Alfred Olufade captured the loss succinctly: “It is devastating. I just need prayers for strength. I pray that God should hold us because he was my only son.
"He was very intelligent, generous, extremely humble, and dedicated to his duty. He was a giver and a lover of Christ."
Let this tragedy provide an ample opportunity for reappraisal of the nation's military service and review it's expectations on members.
Should somebody in the military, who just got married not be exempted for any military assignment for at least a year?
Do we have any contingency plans for our men and women in the military? Do we care enough for them?
This is where some of the developed nations are getting it better and wiser.
Leveraging on the vintage knowledge of science, technology, reproductive health and actuarial science in risk - prone careers and occupations such as soldiering, there are provisions in their system for collectting the reproduce cells and specimens of their soldiers in advance along with that of their partners albeit, voluntarily, froze and bank them.
In the event of anyone dying young in line of duty, all will not be totally lost by their families and nation.
The family can always call for the specimen with which they deploy to kick - start and perpetuate a nucleus family tree for the departed soldier.
May the good Lord comfort the families and loved ones left behind by our fallen heroes.
...Governors Abiodun, Akeredolu Commiserate With Families
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and his Ondo State counterpart, Rotimi Akeredolu have condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari; family and friends of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and those of other officers and men who died in the ill-fated plane crash that claimed 11 military officers.
Governor Abiodun in is condolence message, lamented that these accomplished officers died while their services were most needed in the nation's search for peace and security.
"Notwithstanding their young ages, they served meritoriously in the military and their untimely exit is very painful", he said.
The governor also commiserated with the Defence headquarters, other service chiefs and all officers and men of the Armed Forces, saying that losing an army chief appointed only four months ago is devastating.
He added that the greatest tribute to the memory of the departed would be to win the war against insurgency and insecurity in the country, urging all to find comfort in the good works of the gallant officers.
"Lt-Gen. Attahiru stood firm in defence of the country's indivisibility. Nigeria will remember him as one officer who held unto its indivisibility until he breathed his last.
"Well decorated, level-headed, the deceased was a thoroughbred officer and gentleman who led from the front, and will be sorely missed," he said.
He prayed that the Almighty God receives the souls of the departed, and comforts their families.
Also, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, of the Sunshine State, expressed shock at the news of the General Ibrahim Attahiru and other illustrious officers.
Describing the deaths as huge losses, Governor Akeredolu said the nation lost a brilliant officer particularly, in General Attahiru who displayed his worth within the short time he served as Chief of Army Staff.
“Within the brief period he served, he gave his best. The late General displayed vigour and total commitment to the security of the nation. He died serving his fatherland with a dexterous passion.
The Governor commiserates with the immediate families of the late Chief of Army Staff, as well as other gallant officers who lost their lives in the plane crash.
While commiserating with President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Akeredolu also joined the military in mourning the death of the highly decorated officers.
He prayed for the repose of his soul and for God’s comfort for the families of the departed souls.
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