The first woman to rise to the rank of Major-General in the Nigerian Army, Aderonke Kale, has died at the age of 84.

Kale’s death was confirmed by the president of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), E. O. Okafor, in a statement on Thursday.

Okafor described her passing as an “irreparable loss” as he said the public should look forward to burial arrangements to be announced by her family. 

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Describing her person, a statement issued by former army spokesperson, S.K. Usman said Kale was a trailblazer in the medical and military history of the country.

“AANI and indeed the nation will continue to remember the remarkable legacy of the iconic Major General Aderonke Kale (rtd) mni, who had been a trailblazer in Nigeria’s medical and military history. May her gentle soul continue to rest in peace, Amen,” the statement read.

The statement did not reveal the cause of her demise but said she passed away in London on Wednesday.