BREAKING: Former military governor dies at 84

DDM News

Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu (Rtd), a respected Nigerian military officer and statesman, has passed away at the age of 84.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) his death occurred on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, and was formally announced by his family in a statement released on Wednesday, April 30.

The statement, signed by Oghenekome Omu on behalf of the family, described the late general as a dedicated patriot, father, and community leader.

He hailed from Igbide, a community in the Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria.

Throughout his lifetime, Omu served the nation in various capacities, both in military and civilian roles.

His career in the Nigerian military began in the post-independence era, where he quickly rose through the ranks during a time of national change.

He was appointed the military governor of the then South-Eastern State in July 1975.

At the time, the South-Eastern State covered what is now Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

Omu governed the region until July 1978, implementing several development projects during his tenure.

His administration focused on rehabilitating and expanding key infrastructure such as roads, health facilities, and public institutions.

He also laid the groundwork for important policy and governance reforms in the region.

These efforts helped improve government efficiency and contributed to future state development after the creation of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

In 1985, Omu was appointed Commander of the Command and Staff College, Jaji, a prominent military training institution in Nigeria.

That same year, he was named a member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC), the country’s highest decision-making body during military rule.

This appointment placed him at the core of national leadership during a crucial period in Nigeria’s governance.

He was later selected to head the Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994.

This commission was formed under General Sani Abacha’s regime.

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