former military governor of Katsina State, Rtd Col. Joseph Akaagerger is dead
By THOMAS AKASE, Makurdi –
Former Military Administrator of Katsina State, Senator Col Joseph I. Akaager(rtd) will be buried on June 14, 2025 in his country home, Iber, Konshisha LGA, Benue State.
The late Akaagerger, who was a member of the sixth Senate (2007-2011) and represented the Benue North-East Senatorial District died on May 15. He was aged 69 years.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee for the funeral, Barr Moses Atagher, in a statement said a Service of Songs for the departed Statesman will hold on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at MKST Church, Mabushsi, Abuja by 5.00PM.
The remains of the former Military Governor will depart Abuja on Friday June 13 in a motorized procession to his country home where an all- night- Christian Wake will hold in his honour, while the interment will take place at the same place on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Late Chief Joseph Iorshagher Akaagerger, was a distinguished senior military officer, respected statesman, frontline legal practitioner, public servant of repute, a businessman and Philanthropist. He was indeed a man of many parts as his career spanned many sectors of Nigeria’s national life including the armed forces, legal practice, academia, politics, public sector governance, Business and community service.
Born on 5th May, 1956 in the family of Pa Akaagerger Iber and Mama Ajirdoo Akaagerger, the young Joseph began his education at NKST Primary Schools in Iber and Ikyaave from 1962–1968, and later attended Government Secondary School, Gboko from 1969–1973. He obtained his A-Level certificate in 1974 and proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, graduating in 1977, where he made the record of the best graduating cadet in the Regular Course 20.In recognition of his brilliance, he was sent to the prestigious Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom from 1978–1979, where he also graduated with distinction as a the best student in his course.
He subsequently undertook multiple advanced military courses both in Nigeria and abroad, including at the United States School of Military Police, Alabama in 1991 and the Command and Staff College, Jaji.
He was promoted to many ranks and became a Lieutenant Colonel in 1994. His Military postings included Adjutant, Commanding Officer, General Staff Officer and Directing Staff at the Senior Division of the Command and Staff College, Jaji.
His Military service climaxed with his appointment as the Military Administrator of Katsina State from 1998 to 1999. He was among the last set of Military State Chief Executives that ushered in democratic rule in the country in 1999.
Akaagerger’s relentless quest for knowledge and more knowledge propelled him to acquire many degrees in the course of his career. He obtained LL. B (Hons) and LL.M from the University of Jos and was called to Bar in 1989 upon successful completion of the Nigerian Law School . he capped it with a Ph.D in International Economic Law from Ahmadu Bello University in 2003.
Akaagergr was honoured with the Chieftaincy Title of Ambe U Konshisha, symbolizing his peaceful nature and disposition towards protecting the weak in society. He veered into partisan politics and made a success of it as he was elected and served as Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District from 2007 – 2011. As member of the sixth Senate, he was Vice Chairman of the Communications Committee, Chairman of the Committee on Integration and Cooperation in Africa and NEPAD, a member of the Constitution Review Committee, and chaired the Joint Harmonisation Committee on the National Industrial Court Bill. He sponsored or co-sponsored numerous Bills and Motions that had far reaching impact on the lives of the ordinary Nigerians and particularly, his constituencies.
Barrister Akaagerger did not abandon his Legal profession as he practiced alongside partisan politics and other private businesses. He was the Managing Partner of J. I. Akaagerger & Co. (Ambe Chambers) and has served as an adjunct lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, since 2015. He belonged to numerous professional bodies including the Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, and the Association of International Lawyers.
A Philanthropist of repute, Senator Akaagerger actively contributed towards building churches and other evangelical activities as an active member of the NKST Church. He used his office as Senator to extend numerous development projects like water, electricity, classrooms, to rural communities, always targeting women, widows and and the poor. He sponsored numerous economic empowerment programmes for the rural communities in Konshisha and Vandeikya LGAs. He also established the Ikyor Victory College, Iber as a deliberate effort to provide quality education opportunity to children in his immediate local community.
As President of the Jechira Development Association, he played vital roles in uniting the communities and enthroning peaceful co-existence. He was indeed a Peace advocate of high standing.
He was a quintessential family man, who paid prime attention to the wellbeing of his family at all times.
He was married to his dear wife, Chief Mrs Joyce Mbafan Akaagerger. He had three children, Isaac Ngutor Akaagerger, Sesugh Akaagerger and Iveren Akaagerger. He was also blessed with two grand children Joseph Tor Ngutor and Terseer Ngutor Iorshagher.
