Profile of Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami who died in Niger crash

Profile of Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami (N/17314)

Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami, bearing the service number N/17314, was a distinguished officer whose life and service are deserving of admiration and respect.

Born on May 20, 1993, in Lagos, he hailed from the Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. His educational journey culminated in the acquisition of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Chemistry from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2018. His commitment to duty led to his Regular Combatant Commission as a member of Regular Course 65 on October 6, 2018, with the rank of second lieutenant. He served within the Nigerian Army Infantry and was recently promoted to the rank of captain, effective September 21, 2023. Until his untimely passing on August 13, 2023, he was stationed at the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Forces Brigade, where he had been serving since October 19, 2022.

The late officer’s dedication to continuous improvement was evident in his participation in various courses, where he consistently excelled. Among these were the Special Counter Terrorist Training in Pakistan, Young Officers’ Course (Infantry), Company Amphibious Operations Course, and Basic Airborne Course. During his Company Amphibious Operations Course, he displayed exceptional swimming skills, maintaining his Class One rating throughout the course. His disciplined and unassuming nature stood out in his Young Officers’ Course report, and his proficiency was confirmed during his successful completion of the Basic Airborne Course, where he met the rigorous requirements to earn the prestigious Nigerian Army airborne badge.

In various leadership positions, Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami demonstrated his capabilities as a professional soldier. As a Platoon Commander at 103 Battalion, his focused and hardworking approach was accompanied by a strong sense of military bearing. Notably, he excelled as a Platoon Commander in 153 Task Force Battalion, showcasing exceptional skills in navigation and map reading, which proved invaluable during operations. As a Platoon Commander in Defence Headquarters Special Forces Battalion, he led numerous operations resulting in the neutralization and capture of several bandits. Tragically, he paid the ultimate price in one of these operations.

The late officer was characterized by his brilliance, resourcefulness, diligence, discipline, confidence, and unwavering professionalism. His integrity was impeccable, and he consistently displayed a deep commitment to taking on additional responsibilities. His patriotism and dedication were reflected in the excellence he left behind at every post he served. He was a forthright gentleman and an exemplary Infantry officer with a wealth of experience and a gift for imparting knowledge. His conduct was characterized by an unwavering moral standard.

As we reflect on the transient nature of life, we acknowledge that from dust we came, and to dust we shall return. The passing of Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami is a significant loss felt by his family, the Nigerian Army, and the entire nation. While we hold our love for him, we recognize that God’s love transcends all. On this day, August 25, 2023, we gather to bid farewell to the body of a gallant professional soldier, a gentleman officer, and a worthy son of Nigeria. Late Lieutenant Gbenga Michael Odusami, farewell.