Nelson Utip
Major General Paul Omu, Rtd, a former Military Governor of the defunct South-Eastern State (now Cross River and Akwa Ibom States) has been laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown, Igbide, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, amid full military honours and glowing tributes.
Maj.-Gen. Omu, a respected elder statesman, former President General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), and one of Nigeria’s notable military administrators, died at the age of 84.
Dignitaries from all works of life gathered to give the retired General a befitting burial.
The funeral service was at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Igbide, it featured hymns, prayers and scriptural readings, including John 11:25–26, reflecting the Christian hope of resurrection. Officiating clerics, led by the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Most Revd Cyril Odutemu, praised the late General for living a life rooted in integrity and national devotion.
In his sermon, Archbishop Odutemu stated that General Omu “lived well and chose the path of integrity,” he described him as one of the rare Nigerians who believed the nation was truly worth dying for.
The funeral was attended by a high-powered delegation from the Delta State Government , these included Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore; former Governors Chief James Ibori and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa with his wife, Edith; former Deputy Governor Chief Benjamin Elue; Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Rear Admiral Mike Onah; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.
Prof. Chris Akpotu, The President General of the Isoko Development Union, led an IDU delegation to honour the late icon. Senior military officers and leaders from various sectors were also in attendance.
The Chief of Army Staff, was represented by Major-General Oluwafemi Williams who described the late Omu as “an exceptionally well-informed senior officer” who maintained a positive disposition in all circumstances.
He further said that the former Military Governor displayed exemplary leadership during his service in Cross River State, noting his diligence, commitment and professionalism.
“In every appointment he held, he demonstrated unwavering determination in achieving set objectives. He was disciplined, confident and endowed with impeccable integrity.” The Army Chief said.
During the interment, full military rites, including a ceremonial guard, slow march procession, and the symbolic presentation of the national flag to the family were accorded the departed General.Soldiers also fired the traditional 21-gun salute reserved for distinguished military officers, marking a dignified farewell to one of Nigeria’s finest.
Tribute poured in from family members, community leaders and clerics, they remembered Omu as a humble leader, philanthropist and community pillar who remained deeply connected to Igbide and the Isoko Nation long after retiring from active service.
They also recalled his mentorship of younger generations and his unwavering support for development initiatives across Isoko land.
The diseased is survived by his wife, Senator Stella Omu, children, grandchildren and an extended family.
