The remains of the late Rear Admiral Umar Sammy Ayuba Chugali (Rtd), who recently retired from the Nigerian Navy, were on Saturday, committed to mother earth with full military honours in his hometown of Dungaje, Mona, Cham, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The burial ceremony was preceded by a funeral service organised by the Church of Christ, after which officers of the Nigerian military conducted the traditional military rites befitting an officer of his rank.
Dignitaries from all walks of life attended the funeral, including top military officials, traditional rulers, politicians, religious leaders, friends, and members of the public.
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, who conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the government and people of the state to the bereaved family. He described the death of Rear Admiral Chugali as a colossal loss not only to Gombe State but to Nigeria as a whole.
The Deputy Governor urged the family to accept the loss as a natural phenomenon that awaits all humanity. Quoting from the Gospel of John, he said, “Late Ayuba Chugali has spent his day, and his night has come when he can do no work,” noting that such a time inevitably comes for every mortal.
Dr. Jatau further admonished the family, especially the widow, to mourn with faith and hope, urging them not to sin in grief but to accept the will of God, who knows all things and does everything according to His divine plan.
Speaking on the life and legacy of the deceased, the Deputy Governor said that life is not measured by longevity but by impact. He noted that although Rear Admiral Chugali passed on at a relatively young age, his contributions to national security, community development, the church, and humanity would continue to resonate for generations.
He described the late Rear Admiral as a disciplined, gallant, and patriotic officer who served Nigeria with honour and distinction, adding that beyond his military career, he remained deeply committed to the development of his community through personal initiatives and support for critical projects. Dr. Jatau also highlighted the deceased’s active role in humanitarian services, and mentorship of young people, describing him as a man of faith, integrity, and compassion.
The Chief of Naval Staff was represented by the Chief of Logistics, Rear Admiral S. H. Abdullahi, who paid glowing tribute to the deceased’s gallantry, dedication, and commitment to duty. He said Rear Admiral Chugali served the Nigerian Navy and the nation with utmost professionalism and contributed immensely to civil-military relations through quick intervention projects in his community.
Rear Admiral Abdullahi conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Naval Staff and the entire Nigerian Navy to the family, praying for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss.
A Federal Permanent Secretary and close friend of the deceased, Mr. Danjuma Kalba, described Rear Admiral Chugali as a loyal friend and philanthropist. He said the deceased belonged to a group of ten like-minded individuals through which he demonstrated uncommon commitment to friendship and impacted many lives by assisting people in various ways.
The Nidu Grah Cham, Dr. James Chachi, lamented that the deceased had only recently returned home to flag off community projects he personally executed for the benefit of the people. He described the death as a great loss to the chiefdom, the community, and humanity, praying for God’s comfort for the family.
Tributes were also paid by the member representing Billiri–Balanga Federal Constituency and Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa Jibulle; Chairman, Cham Progressive Association, retired Deputy Comptroller of Prisons, Mr. Ladan Baba Kwadon; President, 40th Regular Course Association, NDA, Ferairo Olusegun; members of Set ’87, Government Science Secondary School, Gombe; the Church and the deceased’s wife, Mrs. Juliet Yulgo Chugali.
Mrs Chugali extolled her late husband’s virtues, describing him as a committed military officer, a gentleman, patient, dedicated to his family, church, and community, noting that his death has created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.
The sermon was delivered by Ali Dogo Sallah on the topic “The Appointment We Cannot Break,” drawn from Hebrews 9:27 and other relevant scriptures. He reminded the congregation that death and judgment are inevitable and charged all present to make their lives right with God to secure their eternity.
Among other dignitaries present were former Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. John Lazarus Yoriyo; Senator Bulus K. Amos, who represented Gombe South Senatorial District in the immediate past Assembly; Permanent Secretary,Rear Admiral Nuhu Bala Jiddere(Rtd), Deputy Governor’s Office, Mrs.Abigail David Albashi, Mrs. Larai Maigari; Chairman, Balanga Local Government Area, Hon. Ibrahim Salisu Jatau; and the Bala Waja, Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed Danjuma.
The burial ceremony concluded with full military rites and final interment.
Jack.A.Tasha,
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
