GBM General Overseer Rev Jakko, Dies

General Overseer of Gospel Believers Mission (GBM) Rev. Ezra Jehadi Jakko, is dead.

In a statement issued by the mission’s Board of Trustees in consultation with the Council of Ministers and his family, the church described his death as a profound loss.

It said the late cleric, who was retired Maj-Gen. of the Nigerian Army, devoted his life to the service of God, humanity and country.

Announcing his death, the senior special adviser (Media and Strategy) to the Mission, Pastor Dominic Omokaro, said Jakko was “a distinguished servant of God, an accomplished military officer, administrator, visionary leader, philanthropist and a man of uncommon compassion.”

Omokaro said the late general overseer left behind a legacy of service, sacrifice, faith and compassion, adding that his contributions would continue to impact the mission and the wider community.

Before becoming a full-time Christian leader, Jakko spent over 34 years in the Nigerian Army, rising through the ranks to become a Major General in the Nigerian Army Finance Corps.

During his military career, he held several strategic positions, including Chief of Accounts and Budget (CAB), Nigerian Army, and 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.

According to the Mission, his military career was characterised by professionalism, discipline, integrity, strategic leadership and commitment to institutional development.

Following the transition of the founding General Superintendent of Gospel Believers Mission, Jakko assumed the leadership of the Mission as General Overseer in 2019.

Under his leadership, the Mission recorded growth and greater visibility, while its spiritual, organisational and humanitarian activities were strengthened.

The Mission said he brought his military experience, discipline, vision and passion for excellence to his ecclesiastical responsibilities.

It described him as “a man of vision, compassion and deep commitment to the advancement of God’s Kingdom”, adding that he 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 also led to the establishment of the Gospel Believers Mission Hand of Mercy Outreach and Foundation.

Through the initiative and other personal interventions, the late cleric supported people in need and promoted humanitarian assistance.

The Mission said his activities reflected his belief that “faith must be accompanied by works of love and mercy”.

Describing his death as a major loss, the Mission said Jakko would be remembered as both “a General of the Lord and an Army General” who served his country and later devoted himself to the service of God and humanity.

The statement said, “His life was a testimony of service, sacrifice, vision, faith and compassion. His legacy will continue to speak through the Mission he led.”