Former Benue State Milad, Obademi is dead

A former Military Administrator of Benue State, Group Captain Joshua Obademi(rtd) is dead.

Obademi reportedly died in a Lagos hospital on Saturday at the age of 73.

The deceased was born on March 31, 1951, at Ikaramu in Akoko North-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

In a statement titled: DEMISE OF GP CAPT JO OBADEMI RTD NAF/441, said: “Family of Gp Capt JO Obademi has informed us that Gp Capt JO Obademi rtd has left us.

“It was said that the demised elder statesman and former Governor of Benue State was up till this morning (Saturday) healthy.

“It was further gathered that he had a clean health after a medical check last in April 2024 (about 2 weeks ago).

“He also did his usual morning walk and some house chores. The late Snr. Officer. will be remembered fondly for the period of his service in the NAF and his peaceful relationship both in and out of service.

“The family intends to keep the corpse at NAF Hospital Ikeja pending final decision on the burial. The Admin is in touch with both Comds; NAF Hosp and Comd NAF BSG Ikeja for their expected necessary actions.

“We shall remain in touch with both AVM Daramola and the bereaved son; Femi Obademi to provide further necessary information on further details on the funeral.”

He attended St. Andrew’s Senior Primary School Okene in present-day Kogi State in 1964 and the African Church Secondary Modern School at Ikare, then enlisted in the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, graduating in 1969.

He then attended the Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, before becoming a pilot officer with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in 1972.

Appointments included Officer Commanding Armament Squadron, Central Logistics Wing, Lagos (July 1976 – March 1978); Officer Commanding Armament Sub-Depot, NAF Station, Kaduna (1981–1982); Staff Officer (Works) Nigeria Airforce Headquarters (1983–1985); Staff Officer (Armament) Nigeria Airforce Headquarters (1985–1987); Commander, Central Armament Depot, Makurdi (1987–1990); Director of Armament, Nigeria Airforce Headquarters (April 1990 – 1993). In January 1993, he was posted to the Defence Industries Corporation, Kaduna as Director of Production.

In October, 1993 he was posted back to NAF Headquarters Lagos as Director of Armament.

General Sani Abacha appointed Obademi as Military Administrator of Benue State on December 9, 1993, a post he held until 14 Aug 1996.