Rev. Ezra Jehadi Jakko, the General Overseer of Gospel Believers Mission (GBM), has died. The church described his death as a profound loss, highlighting his devotion to serving God, humanity, and his country. Jakko was a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army, where he spent over 34 years, rising through the ranks. His military career was marked by professionalism, discipline, and strategic leadership.
Before becoming a full-time Christian leader, Jakko held several strategic positions in the Nigerian Army, including Chief of Accounts and Budget at Defence Headquarters. He later became the pioneer Director-General of the Nigerian Army Finance Corporation before retiring from active military service in 2023. The church said Jakko brought his military experience, discipline, vision, and passion for excellence to his ecclesiastical responsibilities.
Jakko assumed the leadership of Gospel Believers Mission as General Overseer in 2019, following the transition of the founding General Superintendent. Under his leadership, the Mission recorded growth and greater visibility, while its spiritual, organisational, and humanitarian activities were strengthened. The Mission said he was a man of vision, compassion, and deep commitment to the advancement of God's Kingdom.
Jakko believed the Church should not only preach the Gospel but also demonstrate the love of Christ through practical service to humanity. His concern for the poor and vulnerable led to the establishment of the Gospel Believers Mission Hand of Mercy Outreach and Foundation. Through this initiative and other personal interventions, Jakko supported people in need and promoted humanitarian assistance.
The Mission described Jakko's activities as reflecting his belief that faith must be accompanied by works of love and mercy. He left behind a legacy of service, sacrifice, faith, and compassion, which would continue to impact the Mission and the wider community. Jakko was remembered as both a General of the Lord and an Army General who served his country and later devoted himself to serving God and humanity.
The senior special adviser to the Mission, Pastor Dominic Omokaro, described Jakko as a distinguished servant of God, an accomplished military officer, administrator, visionary leader, philanthropist, and a man of uncommon compassion. The Mission said his life was a testimony of service, sacrifice, vision, faith, and compassion, and his legacy will continue to speak through the Mission he led.
The church and his family announced his death through a statement issued by the Mission's Board of Trustees in consultation with the Council of Ministers and his family. The statement described his death as a major loss, saying that his contributions would continue to be felt.
Key points
- Rev. Ezra Jehadi Jakko was a retired Major General of the Nigerian Army and General Overseer of Gospel Believers Mission.
- Jakko established the Gospel Believers Mission Hand of Mercy Outreach and Foundation to support people in need.
- His legacy of service, sacrifice, faith, and compassion will continue to impact the Mission and the wider community.
