Families and friends mourned as the remains of the Director General, Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency (NASEMA), Mr Zachary Allumaga were laid to rest at his country home in Gako, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
At the funeral mass held on Friday at St William’s Cathedral Lafia, the homilist, Rev Father Vincent Ojiri, charged Christians to reflect on their mortality.
Ojiri, who is the Assistant Cathedral Administrator, emphasized the inevitability of death and the importance of living a positive life.
“The most faithful friend of an individual is death because when you are traveling, sick, praying, eating, or doing any other activity, death is always there with you.
“The death of Barr Allumaga is a reflection for those who are still alive to begin to think of their lives,
I urge you to live a positive life so that whenever you die, people will give good testimonies about you.
“We came into this world naked and we shall return naked, life is beautiful, but the beauty of it is to sow it as a seed that will germinate when you are no longer alive,” he admonished.
Addressing the family of the deceased, Rev Fr Ojiri offered words of consolation, advising them to accept the reality of death.
“All the words of consolation from sympathisers will not bring back your deceased, therefore, be conscious of the fact that life begins with birth and ends with death,” he said.
He concluded by referencing biblical scriptures, including Romans 6:3-9 and John 11:26, which emphasize the union with Christ in death and resurrection, and the promise of eternal life for those who believe.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, said the deceased served the state in various capacities and was the Director-General of NASEMA before his sudden demise.
Akabe noted that the deceased had demonstrated exceptional capacity and experience in discharging his responsibilities.
Akabe, while praying for the repose of his soul, said the death of Barr Allumaga had created a vacuum in his family and church, noting that he would be greatly missed by the people.
“He was a humanitarian par excellence who provided humanitarian relief to those affected by disasters in the state,
Indeed, he was God-fearing, patient, courageous, and gentle in his own ways,” Akabe stated.
On his part, President of the Lafia Diocesan Laity Council, Engr Francis Ozegya, expressed gratitude to sympathizers for their support during the mourning period.
Ozegya described the deceased as a committed member of the church who supported the growth of parishes in the Diocese.
The late DG who was born on March 10, 1961, and died on March 19, 2025 served in various capacities, including Registrar Litigation, High Court of Justice, Jos, Private Legal Practitioner, and Director Legal, Nasarawa State All Progressives Congress APC campaign Organisation.
The late Allumaga also served the state as the Executive Secretary of NASEMA, and was made the Director General of the Agency, the position he held until his sudden demise.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Regina Allumaga, and two sons, Maga Allumaga and Daniel Allumaga, as well as a grandson, Esson Ovey, among brothers, nieces, and nephews.
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