General Arogbofa Was A Symbol Of Inspiration, Dedication and Loyalty To The Service and The Nation — COAS

General Arogbofa Was A Symbol Of Inspiration, Dedication and Loyalty To The Service and The Nation — COAS

The remains of late Brigadier General Dr Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa, whose sad demise occurred on 10 February 2024 after a brief illness, has been laid to rest at his residence and home town, Owase GRA, Oka Akoko, Ondo State, on 10 May 2024. Late General Arogbofa, was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973 and posted to the Nigerian Army Signals, where he had over three decades of unblemished career and dedicated service to the nation, until his retirement in 2004.

Late General Arogbofa’s funeral service was held at the African Church, Saviour’s Parish, Ikanmu Oka Akoko, Ondo State. While delivering his sermon, Arch Bishop Dr JB Ayoko, who took the first reading from the book of Job 19: 25 – 27, admonished everyone to make deliberate and consistent efforts towards living a life of impact while on earth; noting that late Brigadier General Arogbofa, was a man that left exemplary footprints during his sojourn here on earth. He further charged the family not to mourn like unbelievers, rather, be consoled by the life worthy of emulation which their late Father led while on earth. He said they should pray and remain optimistic that God would grant him eternal rest and unending peace in his (God’s) Kingdom.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, NAM, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Obinna Onubogu, while delivering the COAS’ funeral oration, noted that the late Brigadier General Dr Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa, was a symbol of inspiration, dedication and loyalty to the service and the nation.

He said that the gathering of military personnel, family and friends in honour of the deceased, was in the spirit of unity, occasioned by a profound sense of loss felt for a colleague, husband, father, brother and mentor, who touched several lives in ways words cannot express. “The gathering was not just to mourn, but also, to celebrate the life of an extraordinary individual.

He was a force of nature, whose energy and spirit were as boundless as his capacity to give his all. He was a man of many exemplary virtues, a man of extraordinary kindness and humility”, the COAS said. He further described General Arogbofa, as one who was not just bounded by what many considered to be adequate in terms of values; but that his life was also characterised by patience, kindness, empathy, courage and dedication.

Also, he prayed that God would grant his family, friends and colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss; while urging all to be encouraged by his life, and treasure the footprints of love and kindness he planted in the hearts of all who encountered him.

Speaking during the church service, the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, eulogized the late senior officer; stating that, “he served this nation as a military officer and also as Chief of Staff (COS) to the former President, Goodluck Jonathan GCFR. We are here to celebrate the life and time of the late senior officer, he added.” He also congratulated General Jones’ children for the meritorious service their father rendered to Nigeria and prayed God grants his soul eternal rest.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, echoed similar sentiments, recognizing General Arogbofa’s exceptional service, while urging the family to find solace in the memories and legacies he left behind. He said, “we express our gratitude to God for the fulfilled life led by the departed. While we mourn the loss of a friend, a brother, and a statesman, let us also embrace this occasion as a celebration of the vibrant life he lived.

I urge the family to find moments of lightness amidst their grief, remembering that life continues beyond death. The departed held various meanings for different individuals; notably serving as a trusted friend to the former President. Even in his role as COS, reflecting on their time together, the former President reiterated the late General’s exceptional dedication and selflessness to duty. As we navigate these challenging times, let us extend our heartfelt prayers to the immediate family, seeking strength and resilience in the face of adversity”, he said.

Other dignitaries who graced the funeral service include; the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olayide Adelami, former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General AG Olonisakin, top government functionaries, serving and retired military officers amongst others.

Highpoints of the event, were the symbolic presentation of the national flag, military Pee Cap, Sword and Shoes by Major General Onubogu to the deceased’s first son, Tunde Arogbofa. There were also prayers by several men of God as well as firing of the 21 gun salute.