The remains of Lieutenant General Jeremiah Timbut Useni (rtd), a distinguished Nigerian military officer, politician, and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were laid to rest today in a solemn ceremony attended by family, friends, and dignitaries.
Useni was buried beside his beloved wife, Mrs. Julie Useni, and their son, Danjuma Nancwat Useni, who lost their lives in a plane crash.
The deceased, who also represented Plateau South Senatorial District between 2015 and 2019, died at the age of 82.
*Biography of Lieutenant General Jeremiah Useni Rtd.
Lieutenant General Jeremiah Timbut Useni is a Nigerian Army officer who served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 1993 to 1998.
He was born on February 16, 1943, in Langtang, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Useni attended the Nigerian Military School, Zaria, and later the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1964. Throughout his military career, Useni held various command and staff positions, including serving as the Commander of the 3rd Division, Nigerian Army, and as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3rd Armoured Division.
In 1993, General Sani Abacha, the then Head of State, appointed Useni as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During his tenure, he oversaw significant development projects in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria.
He played a key role in shaping the city’s infrastructure and was instrumental in the construction of several major roads, bridges, and public buildings.
But Useni’s tenure as FCT Minister was marked by controversy, particularly with regards to the forced relocation of indigenous communities from their ancestral lands to make way for development projects.
In 2007, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent northern Nigerian socio-cultural organization.
He has also served as the Chairman of the Plateau State Council of Traditional Rulers.
Throughout his career, Useni received several awards and honors, including the Forces Service Star (FSS), the Meritorious Service Star (MSS), and the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).
He was a member of the Nigerian National Honour, the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Useni’s personal life was marked by both joy and sorrow.
He was married to Julie, with whom he shared a deep bond.
Tragically, his wife and their son, Danjuma, lost their lives in the EAS plane crash which occurred in Kano on May 4, 2002.
