Ukodhiko Extols Gen. Paul Omu at 82

By Ajiri-Oghene Oreh

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives Candidate for Isoko Federal Constituency, Pastor Ukodhiko Jonathan has felicitated with former Governor of defunct Southeastern State, Major General Paul Ufuoma Omu (OFR) on his attaining the age of 82 years.

In a message of felicitation on Friday, at his Otor-Igho country home, Ukodhiko extolled General Omu for his patriotic zeal and visionary acumen, describing him as “a soldier’s soldier“

For him, “our leader, General Paul Omu, stouthearted, ever persevering and foresighted, commissioned on July 25, 1963 through hardwork and merit rose to the pinnacle of the nation’s military profession”

“Displaying a highly commendable military ability, retired but not tired General Omu served our nation and our state with all his strength, intelligence and zeal”

“A committed federalist and nationalist, he was military Governor of Southeastern State (1975-1978), Commandant, Command and Staff College, Jaji (1985-1988), member of the Armed Force Ruling Council (AFRC), and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS”

“As a visionary he was associated with footprints among which were the Margaret Ekpo International Airport and the University of Calabar (UNICAL) that were built and established during when he was a governor of the Southeastern State”

The former Delta Energy Commissioner, Ukodhiko stated that, General Omu’s remarkable military career climaxed in the 1990s but never stopped serving the nation Nigeria and his Delta State.

“It was General Omu who headed the AFRC’s sub-commmittee that gave the recommendations that saw to the establishment of the defunct Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) in 1993 and, much later he was appointed as the chairman of the Governing Council of NIPSS”

“Visionary and dynamic he was appointed as a member of the 2020 Delta State Vision Committee, and he was a member of the 2014 National Conference at Abuja”

“In partisan politics, he contributed to the growth and stability of our party, the PDP, most significantly as the Chairman of the South-South Reconciliation Commitee in 2008”

“Being a patriot, the lot to ensure the unity and advancement of the Isoko ethnic nationality saw him becoming the President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU)”

“My leader, in thinking of the roles you have played in the development of our nation, your sacrifice and commitment then it would not be out of place to celebrate you on the occasion of your 82nd birth anniversary “

Engr Jonathan Ukodhiko wished General Paul Ufuoma Omu good health, sound mind and more opportunity to serve God and humanity.