Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu, a former military governor of the old South-Eastern State, which later became Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, has died at the age of 84.
His family announced his passing on Tuesday, April 29, in a message released to the public from Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday.
Omu, who hailed from Igbide in the Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, served Nigeria in different capacities over the decades.
He was known for his time as a military governor from July 1975 to July 1978, during which he led development efforts in the region and oversaw several reforms that supported the area’s growth.
He also played a central role in the country’s military and political systems during critical moments in Nigeria’s history.
In 1985, he became Commander of the Command and Staff College and was part of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, which was the highest decision-making body in the country at the time.
His involvement in Nigeria’s return to democratic rule was also important. In 1994, he was made chairman of the Constitutional Conference Commission, where he worked with others to shape discussions that influenced the country’s political future.
Years later, in 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua appointed him to lead the governing board of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), an institution focused on training top public servants and policymakers.
Outside government, Omu remained active in community development, especially in his hometown.
As president of the Isoko Development Union between 2014 and 2015, he promoted education and local progress and was widely respected for his leadership style and dedication to the people.
He is survived by his wife, former senator Chief Stella Omu, six children, siblings, and grandchildren.
The family has promised to release details of his burial at a later date.
