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Plateau State To Immortalize General Domkat Bali- Minister Eulogizes Former Defence Minister

Published

5 years ago

December 29, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Plateau State Government has indicated interest to immortalize the former Minister of Defence and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), late General Domkat Yah Bali (rtd), who died December 4, 2020, at the age of 80.

The State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong disclosed this at the funeral service and interment of the late General. The governor described Gen. Bali as a patriotic Nigerian and a source of pride to Plateau State.

He added that Gen Bali’s good legacies will remain with the people of Plateau for a very long period, noting that “at the appropriate time the State will do the needful to keep his memories alive.”

Dr Simon Lalong maintained that Gen Bali was an advocate of peace who encouraged and promoted diversity, tolerance and harmonious coexistence. According to him, even in the most difficult moments of the state, Gen Bali worked behind the scene to give advice and solutions.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) has showered encomium on the late Gen Bali for his commitment and dedication while serving in the Military as well as his meaningful contributions to peace, development and nation-building.

“Gen Bali had a glorious career in the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces which he served gallantly in different capacities as well as the mentorship of many serving and retired officers,” the Minister noted.

He further explained that the demise of Gen Bali is a sad and trying moment for the AFN and the nation. According to him, “Bali was widely known for his uncommon loyalty to his country.” This he said, is a virtue which Nigeria demands from it’s citizens in this critical period.

Earlier, the CDS, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, said the death of Domkat Bali was a great loss to the AFN, where he rose to the rank of General and occupied the prestigious position of Chairman, Joint Chief of Staff and Minister of Defence, his community, Plateau State and the entire country. According to the CDS, “we are happy to gather in Gen Bali’s honour to celebrate his good legacies.”

The Chairman, Tarok Elders Council, Elder Selchang Miner, described Gen Bali as a man of uncommon humility and modesty which is worthy of emulation by all and sundry.

He further disclosed that “Gen Bali remains one of the greatest gifts to Tarok nation as his leadership style was quite intriguing and unarguably one of the best. He added that the former CDS was an unrepentant peace advocate who stood for peace until his demise.

The Vice President, Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) Rev Obed Dashan, in his sermon prayed for God to grant General Bali eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss. He, however, urged Nigerians to be morally upright and committed to ensuring a Nigeria of our dream.

Gen Domkat Bali remains was later laid to rest with full military honour in his family home at Langtang Town in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The funeral ceremony was attended by family members, friends and sympathizers from all works of life, both within and outside the shores of Nigeria, who came to bid the late General farewell.

Among the dignitaries that graced the funeral service and interment were Senator’s Jonah Jang, Jeremiah Useni as well as General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd) and former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Jonah Wuyep (rtd). The Chief of Army Staff, Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff were equally represented at the event.

Highlight of the occasion was the laying of wreaths by the Minister of Defence, Gen Bashir Magashi, CDS and the widow of the late General, Mrs Esther Bali who was presented with the National flag by the CDS, Gen Olonisakin.

Born on 27 of February 1940, the late Gen Domkat Bali was admitted into the Nigerian Military College in 1961 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army in 1963. He was appointed Minister of Defence in 1984 and CDS in 1985.

He was a member of the Supreme Military Council from 1980 to1985 as well as member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council from 1985 to 1990 when he retired from military service.

The former Defence Minister who was the pioneer Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, also served as General Officer Commanding, 1st Mechanized Division, Kaduna and 4th Infantry Division, Lagos, as well as Director of Army Training and Operations.

Gen Bali was one time Commander, 6th Infantry Brigade, Akure and the Army Artillery Corps.

During his military career, Gen Domkat Bali attended the Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom.

The Military Veteran is a recipient of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) and Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).

The former CDS is the author of the books titled, “War Cries” and “Artillery for Bali.”

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

3 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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