A final salute to Major General Christopher Jemitola, by Dayo Adedayo

It is with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes that I write this tribute, one I never thought I would have to pen so soon. Major General Christopher Jemitola, a man of honour, a soldier’s soldier, a compassionate leader, and a dear friend, has left us.

He did not fall on the battlefield, nor did he succumb to the weight of old age. No, he left this world doing something he loved, playing golf at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida International Golf Course, Abuja. One moment he was there, full of life, and the next, he was gone. Just like that.

The pain of losing him is beyond words, because General Jemitola was not just a man in uniform, he was a man of humanity, grace, and wisdom.

He was a gentle giant in every sense, towering in stature but even bigger in kindness and humility. He was the kind of leader who listened before he spoke, the kind of friend who always showed up, and the kind of man whose presence alone gave you confidence that all would be well.

A Brother Beyond Borders

My journey with General Jemitola started in the State House, Aso Villa, Abuja in 2003 and then we became very close with my first publication, “Nigeria”.

In 2010, while serving as the Military Attaché of Nigeria in Brazil, and without hesitation, he bought hundreds of copies of “Nigeria”. But he wasn’t just a supporter, he became my chief global marketer, gifting copies to every foreign diplomat, ambassador, and visitor that walked through the doors of the Nigerian Embassy.

I will never forget the day he called me. With excitement in his voice, he told me that he had gifted a copy of the book to Nigeria’s then-Vice President, Namadi Sambo. He shared how they sat together, flipping through the pages, absorbing the beauty of Nigeria, and reflecting on its past and future. That was the kind of patriot General Jemitola was, he did not just serve his country in uniform; he believed in Nigeria, celebrated Nigeria, and shared its story with the world.

Just four months ago, I was at your wedding. I watched as you smiled, as you embraced the new chapter of your life with joy and love. Who could have imagined that chapter would be so short-lived? Who could have thought that the vows you exchanged, the dreams you had for the future, would be cut short in the blink of an eye?

Your loss is not just personal to me, it is a loss to the Nigerian Army, to the country you served so faithfully, to your beloved wife, your children, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing you.

You were a man who never missed a milestone in my life, always standing as a pillar of support, encouragement, and friendship. And now, I find myself writing this tribute, struggling to accept that you are gone.

A Final Salute

Oh, death, where is thy sting? Why do the good ones leave so soon?

Major General Christopher Jemitola, you were more than an officer, you were a friend, a brother, a mentor, a true gentleman. Your kindness, your loyalty, your unwavering commitment to doing good will never be forgotten.

As I write this, tears fall freely from my eyes, not just in grief but in gratitude, gratitude for the time we shared, the memories we made, and the lessons you left behind. If there is one thing your life has taught us, it is that our time on this earth is fleeting, and what truly matters is the good we do while we are here.

Rest in peace, General. Your watch has ended, your duty is done, and your legacy will live on.

I salute you. Sleep well, my brother.