Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has described the demise of Air Commodore Achem Okpanachi (Rtd.) as a monumental loss to the people of Nigeria and Kogi State in particular.
In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kingsley Fanwo, the Governor described the late Okpanachi as an “uncommon patriot who served the nation and humanity meritoriously.” He described the former Commander of the NAF Logistics Group, Ikeja, as a quintessential and gallant Air Force Officer, who served the nation with his pragmatic dynamism.
The condolence reads: “The late Air Commodore Achem Okpanachi (Rtd.) showed with his 74 years sojourn on earth what it is to be selfless and committed to the ideals of nation building. He served in several capacities in the Air Force, including his brief as the Director of Inspections as the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters and also worked as Defense Attachee, Nigerian Embassy, Moscow.
“A shinning sun has dimmed; a great soul has departed. The demise of our statesman, Air Commodore Okpanachi, is a colossal loss to the nation he served with all of his commitment.
“Kogi State under the New Direction Agenda is committed to mobilizing our populace for effective development. The late Okpanachi was a staunch believer in the unity of the State. His demise will surely take a toll on our drive. But the spirit of the departed will help galvanize our drive for unity, development and human capacity building.
“As we mourn the departed hero, I urge our youth to imbibe the dogged commitment of the late Okpanachi to nation building and abhorrence to ethnic chauvinism by coming together to share our dream of a great State. His sterling example as an officer of the Nigerian Air Force shows the resilience of Kogi people to achieve success.”
Governor Yahaya Bello commiserated with the widow of the late Okpanachi, Marion Okpanachi, his five children, grandchildren, people of Kogi State and Nigerians in general expressing confidence in Nigeria to achieve the dreams of the late Air Force Chief.
He said Kogi State will continue to produce many Okpanachis who will be ready to contribute meaningfully to nation building.
