Joseph Ejima Ataguba (MON) Bows Out At 91
The Insight
The death has occurred of Mr Joseph Ejima Ataguba MON, a renowned and a most distinguished permanent secretary from the era of military governments of the 1970s in the then Kwara and Benue States.
In a statement issued in Anyigba, Kogi State by Mr Emmanuel Ataguba on behalf of the family of the late Mr J.E. Ataguba, he said “our father passed away quietly on Wednesday 23 July 2025 after a brief illness. He was 91 years old and is survived by our mother, Chief Mrs Margaret Ataguba, Iyeoma Onu-Ife and former National Treasurer of the National Council of Women’s Societies, their 6 children, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.”
Late Mr Joseph Ejima Ataguba MON
“Our father lived an impactful life dedicated to the service of humanity, country and community. He worshipped God and lived quietly after he voluntarily retired from public service in 1979.” He added.
“He was a man well regarded by our people who lived to a ripe old age and will be sorely missed.”
Joseph Ejima Ataguba M.O.N was born on 31 January 1934 in the Biraidu District of Dekina in the then Northern Region of Nigeria. His early education was at CMML School in Anyigba and he progressed through Elementary Teachers College, Okene and Gindiri Higher Teachers Training College. Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Man O War Bay Training Centre, Victoria and the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London.
Our father lived an impactful life dedicated to the service of humanity, country and community. He worshipped God and lived quietly after he voluntarily retired from public service in 1979
He started his professional career as a school teacher in 1949 eventually becoming a headmaster. He joined the Northern Nigeria civil service in 1959 and was an Assistant Divisional Officer in Zuru of the then Niger Province. He became the Divisional Officer in charge of Minna Division in 1961 and by 1962 was in charge of Kontagora Division.
In 1964, he was Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning in Kaduna and the Ministry of Water Resources and Community Development in 1965. He was the Chief Community Development Inspector for Northern Nigeria in 1967 based in Kaduna when states were created by the government of General Yakubu Gowon and he found himself in Kwara State among its pioneer set of civil servants. Some of his colleagues and friends in the government of Northern Nigeria included Yahaya Kwande, Idris Gidado, Liman Ciroma, Julius Aje and Simon Onekutu.
Late Mr Joseph Ejima Ataguba MON
Joseph Ataguba was Secretary, Public Service Commission, Ilorin in 1968 and later, Under Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Ilorin. He would be appointed Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Ilorin and subsequently at the Military Governors Office, Ilorin.
He became Resident in charge of Borgu Division in New Bussa returning to Ilorin in 1975 as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources until more states were created by the military government of General Murtala Mohammed in 1976, and he found himself moving to help set up the new civil service in Benue State.
The government of President Shehu Shagari conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (M.O.N) in 1980
He was the pioneer Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Makurdi initiating and commissioning the landmark World Bank assisted Anyigba Agricultural Development Project (AADP) and many other projects across Benue State. He would move on to the Ministry of Health and Social Development, Makurdi in 1978 leading many impactful health service projects until he retired voluntarily from the civil service in 1979 at age 45.
For his meritorious service to his fatherland, the government of President Shehu Shagari conferred on him the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (M.O.N) in 1980. Also appointing him as Chairman of the Nigerian Coal Corporation.
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