Abuja:The Nigerian Army, along with former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and other senior officers, gathered to mourn the passing of retired Maj.-Gen. Ezra Jakko, the former Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army). The late general was remembered for his significant contributions to Army financial management and administration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, was represented by Maj.-Gen. Taofik Sidick, Chief of Accounts and Budget, who delivered a funeral oration praising Jakko. Sidick highlighted Jakko’s integrity, leadership, and commitment, noting that he received numerous military and international honors for his service.
Jakko, who passed away on September 10, 2026, at the age of 62, was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on October 4, 1989, and rose to the rank of Major-General in 2017. He retired from the Army in 2023 after a distinguished career, having held several key positions, including Chief of Defence Finance and Budget and Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.
Buratai, who worked closely with Jakko, described him as a highly professional officer who managed Army resources prudently and effectively. Retired Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, a close friend, praised Jakko’s generosity and lack of tribal or religious bias, noting his supportive nature, including financial assistance for Ezugwu’s farming project.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Cecilia Akagwu emphasized Jakko’s professional competence and his Christian faith, which he maintained throughout his life. She encouraged younger officers to cultivate relationships beyond the military to help navigate professional challenges.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Clifford Wanda, another close friend, recounted Jakko’s concern for the welfare of his personnel, citing instances of his generosity. Wanda remembered Jakko as a welfare-oriented individual and a committed Christian who impacted those around him.
The mourners expressed their condolences to Jakko’s family, praying for his soul to rest in peace and for his family to find strength during this difficult time.