Vice President Namadi Sambo has described late Major-General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora (rtd) as a quintessential Nigerian, a strict disciplinarian and a fine officer with an amiable personality.
He stated this on Thursday in Abuja when he led the Federal Government delegation to the seven-day Fidau Prayers of the Late General.
The Vice President who condoled with the family over the loss, prayed Almighty Allah for the repose of the soul of the late General, while also praying Allah to grant him Aljannah Firdausi. He further prayed Allah to grant the family the strength to bear the loss.
Sambo called on the present and upcoming generations to emulate the late General’s life and times saying that Nigeria had lost a gem, who was an epitome of integrity, a forthright and a patriotic Nigerian, who positively impacted on Nigeria and Nigerians.
He also noted his invaluable contributions towards National development, particularly in his last national assignment as the Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy, Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
Vice President Sambo recalled several achievements he recorded during the course of his career as a Military Officer and in retirement, particularly mentioning his strides as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and also his contribution to the restoration of peace in his Alma Mata the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The Prayers attended by several notable dignitaries was conducted by the Chief of Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Ustaz Musa Muhammad.
Major-General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora died in the early hours of 30th May, 2013 after a protracted illness. Until his death, he was the Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy, Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).