Northern GF: Kontagora’s death is a monumental loss –

Late Kotangora

The death of the Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Major General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora (rtd) has been described  as a monumental loss to the country and Niger State by the Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF).

The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Kotangora's place of birth, Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, expressed shock and sadness at the death of the former minister of Works, who died in Abuja on Thursday at the age of 69

at the National Hospital, Abuja after a protracted illness.

The Forum described the late Kontagora as a patriot who died in the service of his fatherland.

The governors said they were pained by the demise of Kontagora, but takes solace in the fact that he lived an exemplary and purposeful life with remarkable achievements as a military officer, administrator, community leader and a dedicated family man.

The forum said the former Presidential aspirant during the 2003 general election was a rare gem and will be missed for his immeasurable contributions towards the development of the country as a soldier and leader.

The statement reads, “He was an uncommon statesman, a dependable ally, a devout Muslim, a great military officer, a highly disciplined gentleman and a respected mentor of his subordinate officers.”

The Forum then prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and his immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

 Jonathan mourns... 

President Goodluck  Jonathan on Thursday said he received with shock and immense sadness the news of the death of the Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, Maj.-Gen. Mamman Tsoho Kontagora (rtd.)

A statement by presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, said Jonathan, on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, extends condolences to the late general’s family, the Kontagora Emirate Council, Governor Babangida Aliyu and all the people of  Niger State.

The statement read in part, “The President joins them in mourning the illustrious and indefatigable former Minister of Works and the Federal Capital Territory who, even in retirement, continued to serve his fatherland with zeal, vigour and enthusiasm whenever he was called upon to do so.

“‘President Jonathan believes that the nation will always honour the memory of the late Army Engineer for having served Nigeria with commendable patriotism and distinction during an excellent career in the Armed Forces and in various other capacities in the public service including Federal Minister, Sole Administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Development of National Stadia for the World Youth Soccer Championship in 1995.”

Meanwhile, a delegation led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, is to represent President Jonathan at General Kontagora’s interment.
The delegation will also include the Minister of State for Pow

...Mark mourns too

President of the Senate, David Mark, on Thursday lamented the death of former minister of works and deputy chairman of Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Major General Mamman Kontagora (rtd).

Mark described late Kontagora as a fine officer and complete gentleman.

He said: “I received with shock and deep sorrow the news of the death of General Kotangora.

“I feel so sad about this. I never knew he was even sick.

“He was a brilliant officer and a distinguished administrator.

“I recall the revolution he brought to bear in the construction of road networks across Nigeria as the then minister of works and housing.

“He was honest and a disciplinarian who never compromised on standards. He was a goal- getter.”

Mark in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, added that General Kontagora was a true nationalist and a patriot who stood to be counted when it mattered.

According to him, General Kontagora was one officer who never pretended about his position on national issues no matter how hard, saying, “he was reliable and dependable.”

His legacies, Senator Mark maintained are legendary and “I can say without fear of contradiction that they would continue to stand the test of time.”

He told the government and people of Niger State especially the bereaved family to take solace in the fact that General Kontagora lived an eventful and accomplished life worthy of emulation.