An elder statesman and former military governor of
South-Eastern State (now Cross River and Akwa Ibom States), General Paul Ufuoma
Omu, is dead.
He was also a former president of the influential Isoko socio-cultural group,
Isoko Development Union (IDU) between 2014 to 2015, and course mate to
Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Bello and Garba Duba at the Nigeria Military Training
College.
General Omu, who hailed from Igbide in Isoko South Local Government Area of
Delta State, died at the age of 84.
He died on Wednesday, April 29, 2025, according to a statement by the family
announcing the passing of the military general.
The statement signed by the eldest son of the deceased, Oghenekome Ufuoma Omu,
said their departed father lived a fulfilled life and served Nigeria with his
best.
The statement read, “With gratitude to God for a life of distinguished service
and accomplishments, the family of General Paul Ufuoma Omu (Rtd), of Igbide,
Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, announces his passing on
April 29, 2025, at the age of 84.
“Maj-General Paul Ufuoma Omu was a family man, patriot, statesman, soldier, and
community leader whose life was marked by unwavering commitment to the service
of Nigeria and his beloved Isoko Nation.
“A distinguished career Military Officer, General Omu rose through the ranks of
the Nigerian Army, serving with honor and distinction.
“He held various strategic command and administrative positions, including
serving as Military Governor of the South-Eastern State (now Cross River and
Akwa Ibom States) from July 1975 to July 1978. During his tenure, he initiated
and implemented critical infrastructural and policy reforms that laid the
foundation for the region’s growth.
“In 1985, Gen. Omu was appointed Commnader Command and Staff College and a
member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, the highest ruling body in Nigeria
as at then.
“In the political landscape, General Omu played a key role in Nigeria’s
transition to democracy. He was appointed Chairman of the Constitutional
Conference Commission in 1994, helping shape the constitutional discourse that
would influence Nigeria’s return to civil rule. His leadership, insight, and
patriotism earned him national respect and admiration.
“In September 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed Gen. Omu
Chairman of the 10-member Governing Board of the National Institute of Policy
and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
“Beyond his military and political service, General Omu remained deeply
committed to developing his homeland, Isoko Nation.
“As President of the Isoko Development Union (IDU) between 2014 to 2015, he
championed unity, education, and economic advancement, leaving behind a legacy
of community empowerment and inclusive development. His tenure was marked by
diplomacy, visionary leadership, and relentless advocacy for the rights and
progress of the Isoko people.”
Meanwhile, the passage of General Omu has also thrown the people of Isoko into
mourning with many indigenes taking to social media platforms to pay tributes
to the former military governor.
Omu is survived by his wife, Senator Chief (Mrs) Stella Omu, six children,
beloved siblings, numerous and grandchildren.
The statement noted that burial arrangements would be announced in due course.
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