The Nigerian Army on Wednesday 20th December 2023 laid to rest the Former Chief of Army Staff, Major General Chris Ali at the National Military Cemetery Abuja in military tradion and honours.
A burial mass was held at the St. Joseph Military Catholic Church, Mambilla Barracks Asokoro, Abuja, where the Acting Director, Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Colonel Anthony Maimagani, reminded everyone to strife to live a life of Service in the fear of God.
After the Mass, the body of the Former COAS was moved to the National Military Cemetery Abuja for the the final laying to rest where dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces serving and retired, family members gathered to pay last respect.
Speaking at the funeral, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru who was represented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa said, the nation celebrate the life of Service, selfless sacrifice of an officer and a gentleman who unconditionally served his dear nation.
While consoling his family over the passing of the General, Mohammed Badaru said he has fought for the nation to have peace, development and unity.
"As the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Chris Ali retired obviously achieved significant influence of professionalism and repositioning of the Nigerian Army to be a force to reckon with in both regional and global scene"
"His memory underscores a legacy of enviable character, patriotism, love and service to Nigeria and Nigerians,therfore we owe him a duty to promote the values that he represents as we pursue national peace, development and unity for our people"
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, while eulogizing the Former Army Chief said "I have directed thta as a mark of honour and respect, the Nigerian army shall reserve a seat for him at three major events as a mark of honour to the late General"
General Lagbaja said his life was characterised by love for country, servive to humanity, unrivaled sense of duty and dedication.
He emphasized that the late COAS' exceptional dedication is that which left enduring prints on the sands of time as he had demonstrated passion and devotion to duty throughout his lifetime, characterised by love for country and service to humanity.
"General Ali exhibited unrivalled sense of duty and dedication to service, and his love and passion were evident in all he did. The late general served the Nigerian army, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the nation exceptionally in various capacities"
“The general mentored and inspired generations who today are mentoring younger generations that did not meet him in service"
The burial ceremony Firing of the Ceremonial volleys, the Last Post the reading of the Funeral Oretion, Presentation of Flag to diceased next of kin and the laying of wreaths by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and Mrs. Dorathy Ali, the deceased’s wife.
Major General Alli who was the 15th Chief of Army Staff lead the Nigerian Army from 1993 to 1994 and died in Lagos Nigeria on Nov. 19, 2023, at the age of 79.
He later served as the military governor of Plateau from Aug. 1985 to 1986 during the military regime of President lbrahim Babangida, as well as Interim Administrator of Plateau in 2004 under the civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The funeral was graced by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who represented President Bola Tinubu, Governor Yahaya Bell of Kogi state where the late Chief hails from, representative of Plateau Governor, among others.
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