Remains Of Brigadier General Ibokette Laid To Rest At His Hometown Amidst Eulogies

Remains Of Brigadier General Ibokette Laid To Rest At His Hometown Amidst Eulogies

The remains of late Brigadier General Efiok Sampson Ibokette (Retired), who passed unto glory on Monday,10 February 2025 committed to mother earth yesterday, 26 April 2025 at his hometown Etinan in Etinan Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom State. In a funeral ceremony conducted at Etinan Local Government Secretariat, family members, friends and well-wishers gathered to bid him farewell and offered prayers for the repose of his gentle soul.

The event attracted people from different walks of life, who poured eulogies in honour of the late senior officer, whom they described as a man of strong character, who impacted others positively. Speakers at the burial ceremony were unanimous in their description of his person. They said he was a great man, who cared for others through personal sacrifices during his sojourn on earth.

Speaking at the funeral ceremony, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Retired) in a glowing tribute, described the late Brigadier General Ibokette as a man of honesty, always forthright, even in the face of adversity. The Sole Administrator who was represented further said the late General was a hardworking man, never shying away from the demands of Service or leadership challenges. He said above all, the Late General Ibokette was loyal to the country and served diligently.

In a related vein, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, while reading the funeral oration of the deceased senior officer at the graveside, said Brigadier General Efiok Sampson Ibokette was a worthy son of Nigeria, who gave it all in the defence of this great nation and humanity. The COAS who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah further said, the late General indeed distinguished himself throughout his career, adding that his professionalism, courage, and leadership throughout his military career were exemplary. The COAS said he will surely be missed by the NA and the nation at large.

While delivering his tribute, the President 23rd Regular Course (RC) of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General CO Omoregie, who was represented by Brigadier General WR Obene stated that the late General will forever be missed by members of the 23 RC, stressing that it would be difficult to find another mate that would fill the “Strong man” vacuum created by his demise. He said as it is the tradition of their Course, they shall remain a pillar of support to the family of the deceased senior officer and uphold the legacies he has left behind.

Similarly, the son of deceased senior officers, Mr Iniobong Ibokette who delivered the tribute on behalf of the family portrayed him as a father whose exit is a great loss to the family, friends, and all the communities he impacted.

Late Brigadier General Efiok Sampson Ibokette (Rtd) was born on 8 August 1958. He hailed from the Nung Akang family in Etinan village. He attended John Kirk Memorial School, Etinan for his primary education, which he completed in December 1970.

In January 1971, he gained admission into Qua Iboe Mission Secondary School (Etinan Institute) and upon completion in June 1975 obtained the West African Mission School Certificate. He thereafter proceeded to the Teachers’ Training College, Oron for the Teacher’s Grade II Certificate. In January 1978. He was enlisted into the NDA, Kaduna as a member of RC 23 in December 1980 and thereafter posted to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police. He attended all the relevant courses commensurate to his rank and was promoted appropriately.

Late General Ibokette has served in various formations and units, where he held sway in various capabilities. Notable amongst them include the platoon Commander, 1 Provost Battalion, Platoon Commander, Special Investigation Bureau, and Officer Commanding at various Provost Battalions. He was also an instructor at the Nigerian Army School of Military Police, Directing Staff at the Command and Staff College, Jaji, Commander 1 Provost Group, Kaduna, Commander 81 Provost Group and Directing Staff at National War College. He was the Director of Administration at the Defence Intelligence Agency, from where voluntarily disengaged in January 2013, after 30 years of unblemished and meritorious service to his fatherland.

The solemn ceremony was conducted with full military honour. These included the reading of the funeral oration, gun salute, laying of wreaths, and the symbolic presentation of the national flag to the Next of Kin.