The Kogi state government has commiserated with the family of major-general and general officer commanding (GOC) six division, Port-Harcourt, Rivers state, John Olu Irefin who died of complications from COVID-19.
Recall that the deceased was attending the annual chief of army staff conference in Abuja before he took ill and died.
The commissioner for information and communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement described the death of Irefin as “heart-rending”.
He said as a mark of honour, the government said it would rename the Government Science Secondary School in Kabba area of the state after the deceased.
“The Governor, Government and people of Kogi State regret the demise of an outstanding Army Officer who hailed from the State, Late Gen. Olubunmi Irefin,” the statement read.
“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 Greenheart-fighter who gave all to his nation and her people.
“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 youth to embrace hard work and excellence.”