In a solemn ceremony, the mortal remains of Major General Yohanna Yerima Kure (Retired), who departed this world on November 2, 2023, at the age of 84, were interred in his hometown. The funeral service took place at the Mallam Kure Manchak family compound in Kurmin Musa, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Friday, December 1, 2023.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Major General TE Gagariga, delivered a poignant funeral oration for the late senior officer. General Gagariga eulogized Major General YY Kure as an articulate and dedicated professional soldier, highlighting his sense of responsibility and unwavering loyalty in serving both the Nigerian Army and the nation. He described the departed General as highly competent, level-headed, conscientious, and reliable, emphasizing his deep commitment to the welfare of subordinates. General Gagariga expressed condolences, acknowledging the significant loss felt by the family, the Nigerian Army, and the entire nation, concluding with a prayer for eternal rest for Major General Kure.
Major General Yohanna Yerima Kure served the Nigerian Army until his voluntary retirement in 1990, holding various key appointments, including General Officer Commanding 2 Mechanized Division in Ibadan, General Officer Commanding 82 Division in Enugu, and Director of Army Special Duties and Plans, among other roles. Notably, he was a member of the Supreme Military Council from 1983 to 1985 and the Armed Forces Ruling Council from 1985 to 1987. Post-retirement, he assumed the position of Minister of Culture and Social Welfare, later appointed as the Minister of Youths and Sports Development.
The dignified burial ceremony witnessed the presence of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Notable attendees included the representative of the Kaduna State Governor and Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Barr Magaji Henry Danjuma, former Chief of Defence Staff General Martin Luther Agwai (Retired), Major General TE Gagariga representing the Chief of Army Staff, Major General VU Okoro, General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Air Vice Marshal John Femi (Retired), former Chief of Air Staff, Dr Bashir Jamoh, DG NIMASA, and Mrs Amina Yakowa, wife of the former Governor of Kaduna State. The collective presence of these dignitaries reflected the widespread respect and recognition accorded to the late Major General Kure.
As the nation bids farewell to a distinguished military leader, Major General Yohanna Yerima Kure’s legacy of service and dedication to Nigeria remains etched in the annals of the country’s military history.
