By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The late Major General Yohanna Yerima Kure (retired), who passed away at the age of 84 on November 2, 2023, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Mallam Kure Manchak in Kurmin Musa, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The funeral took place on December 1, 2023.
During the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, represented by Major General TE Gagariga, Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, delivered a heartfelt funeral oration.
He described the late Major General YY Kure as a dedicated and responsible soldier who served the Nigerian Army and the nation with utmost loyalty. He praised his competence, level-headedness, and commitment to both the country and the well-being of his subordinates.
The Chief of Army Staff expressed his condolences, acknowledging that the late retired General’s passing is a significant loss to his family, the Nigerian Army, and the nation as a whole. He concluded by praying for his eternal rest.
Major General YY Kure held various positions during his military career until his voluntary retirement in 1990. These included serving as the General Officer Commanding 2 Mechanized Division in Ibadan, General Officer Commanding 82 Division in Enugu, and Director of Army Special Duties and Plans, among others.
He was a member of the Supreme Military Council from 1983 to 1985 and the Armed Forces Ruling Council from 1985 to 1987. After retiring from active service, he was appointed as the Minister of Culture and Social Welfare and later as the Minister of Youths and Sports Development.
The burial ceremony was attended by people from all walks of life, including the representative of the Kaduna State Governor and the Deputy Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Barr Magaji Henry Danjuma. Other dignitaries present included the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (retired), Major General TE Gagariga representing the Chief of Army Staff, Major General VU Okoro, the 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, the wife of the former Governor of Kaduna State.