Barely one week after a one-time military administrator slumped and passed away, Colonel Joseph Iorshagher Akaagerger (retired), former Military Administrator of Katsina State (August 1998-May 1999) and one-time Senator for Benue Northeast (2007-2011), has died at 69.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State confirmed the passing of the Benue State-born lawyer.
Persecondnews reported that on Sunday, May 11, 2025, a one-time Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, retired Navy Captain Omoniyi Caleb Olubolade died also at the age of 70.
Olubolade, the Ipoti-Ekiti-born retired officer, who celebrated his 70th birthday on November 30, 2024, died on Sunday May 11 in Apapa, Lagos.
According to a statement by his first daughter, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Akinadewo and first son, Mr. Dayo Olubolade, he left the house to play lawn tennis at a nearby facility where he slumped.
“He drove himself to the facility to play lawn tennis in the evening and slumped while playing. Efforts were made by medical officers around to revive him to no avail. He was immediately rushed to Obisesan Naval Medical Hospital, Apapa where he was pronounced dead.”
Olubolade was also Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State, FCT and Minister of Police Affairs.
Commenting on the late Kastina administrator, Gov. Radda said he received the news of the passing of Akaagerger, who was born on May 5, 1956, with shock and grief.
The governor said Akaagerger served meritoriously as Military Administrator of Katsina State and he remembered his immense contributions to the state during a critical transition period in Nigeria’s history.
In a statement issued on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Radda said: “In the brief but impactful period he spent steering the affairs of our state, he built bridges that have withstood the test of time.
“Today, we don’t just mourn a former Military Administrator – we mourn a brother who bound Katsina and Benue with cords of friendship that death cannot sever.
“After his distinguished military career and stewardship in Katsina, he returned to his home state where the people of Benue North East entrusted him with their mandate as Senator in April 2007.
“Colonel Akaagerger’s life exemplified the rare combination of military discipline, legal brilliance and unwavering commitment to democratic values”.
Radda, on behalf of the Government and good people of Katsina State, expressed condolences to Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, and the Akaagerger family following the passing of an elder statesman.
The governor further stressed that the late Akaagerger might have been the son of Benue by birth, but he became the son of Katsina by service.
“As we bid farewell to this legal luminary, distinguished soldier and true servant of the people, we find comfort in the legacies of unity, selfless service, and unwavering integrity he left behind. May God forgive his shortcomings and may his family find the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the governor prayed.
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