By Sarah NEGEDU
The death of the former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, has been described as the “fall of one of the biggest trees in the forest of Nigeria.”
The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who made this assertion while reacting to the passing of his predecessor, said the retired army General will indeed be missed by all.
The elder statesman passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82, after a protracted illness.
While commending Useni’s contributions to the development of Nigeria’s capital city, Wike said the late General was “a leader Nigerians will never forget for helping to develop the FCT when he served as the Minister between 1993 and 1998.”
The minister, through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, said “From joining the Army at the age of 14, to becoming the Military Governor of the defunct Bendel State, Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigeria Army, FCT Minister and Senator for the Plateau South of Plateau State, Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, can be said to be among those Nigerians who saw it all and lived a life of service to the country.
“He was a jolly good fellow, fondly called ‘Jerry Boy,’ who took service to the people as his number one priority.
“Nigerians, especially the Tarok people of Plateau State will never forget the late General for epitomising great virtues.
“He will be sorely missed by the entire people of Plateau State, Nigerian Armed Forces and Nigerians in general.
“On behalf of myself and residents of the FCT, I mourn the departure of General Jeremiah Timbut Oseni, a great man, a patriot, a fine military officer, a Politician, a peacemaker and a man of faith in the Almighty God.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
