The remains of former Chief of Staff to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, late Brigadier General Jones Arogbofa (rtd) has been laid to rest.

Arogbofa, whose sad demise occurred on 10 February 2024 after a brief illness, was laid to rest at his residence and home town, Owase GRA, Oka Akoko, Ondo State, on Friday.

PlatinumPost reports that 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.

While delivering his sermon at the funeral service held at the African Church, Saviour’s Parish, Ikanmu Oka Akoko, Ondo State, ArchBishop 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 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.

Speaking at the event Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Obinna Onubogu, noted that the late 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, 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 said.

Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, ex-Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Kennedy Opara, among others, attended the funeral service.