By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja
The Governor, Government and people of Kogi State have expressed shock over the death of Major-General Olubunmi as an indigene of the state, who died recently.
The governor, in a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in Lokoja on Thursday, described Oregon as an outstanding Army Officer who hailed from the State.
Bello said:”The late Army General who was the GOC, 6 Div. recently gave his late mum a befitting last honor. For him to die a few weeks after burying his mother is heart rendering.
“Like many outstanding Generals Kogi has produced, the Late Gen. Irefin was a chemistry of brilliance, bravery, courage and inalienable loyalty to the Nigerian nation.
“For years, he defended Nigeria as a committed Army Officer and also the integrity of the Army. Nigeria has lost a Green-heart-figher who gave all to his nation and her people.
“As we mourn the demise of a son we are proud of, we also commiserate with the Chief of Army Staff as well as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
“The Late General Olubunmi Irefin was not just a brave soldier; but also an accomplished scholar of repute.
“To this end, the Kogi State Government shall be putting in place modalities to rename the Government Science Secondary School, Okedayo as Olu Irefin Science Secondary School, Okedayo.
“This is to inspire a new generation of Kogi youths to embrace hardwork and excellence.
“Our hearts are with his immediate family in this dark moment of grief. May God give you all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
The Reporters gathered that Irefin,who was the General Officer Commanding (GOC), six Division, Nigerian Army Port-Harcourt, Rivers state, has died of complications from COVID-19.
He was the immediate past GOC 81 Division, Nigerian Army in Lagos before his last posting to Port Harcourt in July 2020, as well as one time Land Component Commander, Operations, Delta Safe.
Irefin, the online platform further gathered, buried his mother two weeks ago in Ayetoro Gbede,Kogi West Senatorial district of Kogi state.
Sources added that General Irefin, was one of the participants at the army’s 2020 COAS Annual Conference in Abuja during which he fell ill and taken to the hospital on Tuesday evening.
He was said to have tested positive for COVID-19 and was on treatment a process he could not survive as he pronounced dead on Wednesday.