Kogi mourns Rear Admiral Hamzat Sani, celebrates legacy of patriotism,  statesmanship

By Florence Kalu

The Kogi State Government has expressed profound grief over the death of retired Rear Admiral Alhaji Hamzat Muhammed Sani, describing the distinguished naval officer, elder statesman and traditional title holder as a patriotic Nigerian whose lifetime of service brought honour to Kogi State and the nation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government conveyed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s condolences to the family of the late military officer, the people of Ebiraland and Nigerians at large, describing his passing as a monumental loss.

Governor Ododo said Rear Admiral Sani was one of the few Kogi indigenes to attain the prestigious rank of Rear Admiral in the Nigerian Navy, a feat that reflected his professionalism, discipline and unwavering commitment to national service.

According to the governor, the late military officer distinguished himself throughout his career with exemplary leadership and selfless service, earning widespread respect within the Armed Forces and beyond.

Beyond his military accomplishments, the government noted that the late Rear Admiral continued to serve the nation after retirement, including his participation as a delegate to the 2005 National Political Reform Conference, where he made valuable contributions to discussions on governance and national development.

As the Otase of Ebiraland, the late elder statesman was also recognised for promoting peace, unity and the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Ebira people while serving as a respected adviser and bridge-builder within the traditional institution.

Governor Ododo described the deceased as a man whose humility, integrity and commitment to humanity left an enduring mark on both his community and the country.

“The passing of Rear Admiral Hamzat Muhammed Sani is a monumental loss to Kogi State and Nigeria. He devoted his life to the service of humanity, the advancement of his people and the unity of our nation. His exemplary leadership, humility and enduring commitment to peace, unity and development will continue to inspire generations,” the governor said.

The Kogi State Government extended its heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the people of Ihima, the Odumi Clan, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, the Ebira Traditional Council and the entire people of Ebiraland over what it described as an irreparable loss.

The government prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives the shortcomings of the late Rear Admiral Hamzat Muhammed Sani, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and comforts his family, friends and all those mourning him with the strength to bear the loss.

Rear Admiral Hamzat Muhammed Sani is remembered as one of Kogi State’s most accomplished military officers, whose distinguished career in the Nigerian Navy, contributions to national policy and commitment to community development earned him admiration as a patriot, statesman and respected traditional leader. His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of Kogi State and Ebiraland.