First female Maj-Gen’s death, great loss to military — COAS

First female Maj-Gen’s death, great loss to military — COAS

Olaitan Ogundele

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has described the death of Maj-Gen. Aderonke Kale (retd.), as a great loss to the Nigerian Army and the military.

Kale was the first female officer to be promoted to the rank of Major General in the Nigerian Army and the West African. She was also the first woman to command a military hospital in Nigeria.

Kale died on November 8, 2023.

In a statement on Saturday, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said Kale served in the military diligently and her loyalty was unquestionable.

The statement read in part, “The Nigerian Army has received with heavy heart, but in absolute submission to the divine will of Almighty God, the news of the passing to glory of Major General Aderonke Kale (retd).

“The shining veteran of the Nigerian Army exuded unequaled commitment, diligence and unquestionable loyalty which paved the way, as she steadily rose through the ranks to become the first female officer of the Nigerian Army to attain the enviable height of Major General.

“The Chief of Army Staff while expressing his commiserations on behalf of Officers, Soldiers and Civilian staff of the Nigerian Army, to the family, relations and friends of the deceased Senior Officer, described her demise as a great loss to the Nigerian Army and the military community as a whole.

“Her legacies in her selfless service to Nigeria and humanity will remain indelible in the hearts of many. Kale was renowned for reshaping the face of women and gender mainstreaming in the Nigerian military.”