The remains of the late Major General Bernard Onyeuko (Rtd) have been committed to Mother Earth today, Friday, 22 September 2023 at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja.
Late Major General Bernard Onyeuko died on the 22nd of August 2023 after a brief illness at a private hospital in Abuja at the age of 58.
In his funeral oration, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, advised family, friends, colleagues and his 38 Regular coursemates that, this is the moment to make the bond strong of comradeship and friendship.
He enjoined friends and families to take it as the act of God because it's a price all humans must pay. He also consoles that family and pledged that the Nigerian Army will not depart or leave the. Especially during this mourning time.
In COAS special tribute, he said "Oga Ben, the news of your departure from Mother Earth was such a rude shock. Your amiable nature will surely be missed. I pray that the Lord will grant your gentle soul eternal rest and I surely look forward to meeting you at the feet of Jesus. Adieu".
Also speaking at the funeral ceremony the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa who was accompanied by his lovely wife, the DEPOWA President, Mrs Oghogho Gwabin Musa said, General Onyeuko lived a wonderful life. "Ben was a wonderful man. He lived a peaceful and wonderful Life.
"And for me, I know he's in heaven already and he's watching overalls and smiling, knowing that we miss him. So then. And so he remains an example to all of us. How to live your life, how to appreciate one another, How to give you all. He gave that thirty-seven years of his life.
"I know he has touched a lot of lives. All of us are happy. He was one of us. He made his mark and we're proud that everyone is proud of him and probably that kind of life. I think that's wonderful, loving one another, don't feel so bad about an individual." he advised
In his Tribute, the Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral El Ogalla ably said, "As humans I owe this burden, my dear brother you have gone to be with the Lord. We take space in the example life you lived. We also are proud of your selfless service to the Nation I pray that the Almighty God will continue to protect the family and that you left General."
Air Marshal HB Abubakar Chief of the Air Staff Nigerian Air Force in his tribute also noted, "It is with profound sadness that I extend my deepest condolences on behalf of the entire Air Force family, as we mourn the loss of Major General Bernard Ejike Onyeuko, a retired member of 38 Regular Course of the Nigerian Army. Major General Onyeuko's dedication to duty, unwavering commitment, and exemplary service to our nation will forever be etched in our hearts. His contributions to the Nigerian Armed Forces have left an indelible mark, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."
Meanwhile, in a separate tribute by Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Leo Irabor (Rtd), described late Major General Bernard Onyeuko as a great friend, gentle and enterprising.
"The News of this death is quite devastating. My last chat with you did not indicate to me that it would be the only memory of our parting. I am in great shock as to how an ebullient and enterprising General of the stock of Ben could just pass so suddenly.
Oh Death, where is your sting? May the soul of Ben, my very reliable Director of Procurement, RIP."
SpyeTV News reports that the the wife and relatives of the deceased General could not hold back their tears at the funeral as they kept on wailing over the loss of the Late Major General Bernard Onyeuko.
Major General Bernard Ejike Onyeuko GSS psc fdc FCM CM GOM was born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Onyeuko of Ajanzo Nimo, Njikoka LGA of Anambra State. He was the fifth boy in a family of boys and a girl.
He was born in Potiskum, now Yobe State on 22 August. He left Potiskum for Jos and later returned to Nimo during the Nigerian Civil War. He commenced his primary education at LEA Primary School Muri Road Kaduna and later attended secondary school at St Michael's Nimo class of 1983.
On completion of his secondary education, he was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as member of 38 Regula Course in 1986. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on 21 September 1991 in the rank of second Lieutenant and was allotted the Ordnance Corps and posted to 1 Div. Ordnance Depot Kaduna. His career in the NA progressed smoothly as he the rose in ranks.
He attended the following courses; Ordnance officers Basic Course, Anti-Tank Platoon Commander Course, the specialist Cse, He also attended junior and senior staff courses at the prestigious AFCSC Jaji. Furthermore, he attended the Ordnance Executive Mgt Course and the National Defence Course in Abuja.
He held a B.Sc ithe n History from Nigerian Defence Academy and M.Sc in International Relation and Strategic Studies from University of Ibadan. He served at various capacity in Nigerian Army in Kaduna, Maiduguri, Enugu, Jos, Lagos and Abuja. He served his tenure in ECOMOG and participated in United Nation Peace Keeping Morocco.
