Mamman Kontagora
Mamman Tsoho KontagoraOne of the first entrants into the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) when it was established in 1964 - Retired Major-General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora, has died after a period of illness.
Until his death, Kontagora was the Deputy Chairman of the Federal Government's Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
He held notable positions in the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) during Nigeria's military rule including: Minister of Works and Housing during whose tenure the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos was built.
He was Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Development of National Stadia for the World Youth Soccer Championship in 1995; and served as a Sole Administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. During the administration of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, he also served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), Reuben Abati, President Goodluck Jonathan expressed ‘shock and immense sadness’ over the news of General Kontagora’s death.
Jonathan described the late politician as the “illustrious and indefatigable former Minister of Works and the Federal Capital Territory who, even in retirement, continued to serve his fatherland with zeal, vigour and enthusiasm whenever he was called upon to do so.”
A delegation led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed is to represent President Jonathan at General Kontagora’s interment. The delegation will also include the Minister of State for Power - Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi and the Chairman of Sure-P, Dr. Christopher Kolade.
Kontagora was born on the 20th of April and hails from Kontagora in Niger State in the Northern part of Nigeria.