Former Minister of Communications and ex-General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (retd.), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Soyemi Ayodele Sofoluwe (retd.).
Sofoluwe died on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 80. He would have turned 81 on January 14, 2026.
In a tribute issued on Monday, Olanrewaju described the late Sofoluwe as an exceptionally sharp-minded officer, a gentleman, and a people-oriented general who hailed from Abeokuta, Ogun State, in southwest Nigeria.
According to Olanrewaju, the two officers shared a long-standing professional and personal relationship dating back to 1966/1967 when they worked together at the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN).
“He was my senior clerical officer before I left for the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in September 1967. He later attended a full university course, and we maintained a close relationship when he joined the Nigerian Army Education Corps,” Olanrewaju said.
He noted that Sofoluwe served the Nigerian Army Education Corps with dedication and rose to the peak of his career, making significant contributions to the educational and training standards of cadets at the NDA.
Olanrewaju also recalled Sofoluwe’s tenure as Commandant of the Nigeria Military School (NMS), Zaria, where he strengthened discipline and military orientation among students.
“As part of his distinguished service, he was appointed Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, where he gave a good account of his stewardship,” he added.
The former minister further described the late general as a man of strong character, deeply committed to military discipline, customs, and traditions, and noted for his loyalty and sense of duty.
“May the Lord comfort his family and grant them the solace they need at this difficult time. May the Lord accept his soul and grant him eternal rest,” Olanrewaju prayed.
Brigadier General Sofoluwe also served as Commandant of the Nigeria Military School, Zaria, and Head of Department at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, during his illustrious military career.
