Niger Delta

Gen. Omu Buried Amid Full Military Honours

Published

6 months ago

December 5, 2025

The remains of former Military Governor of the defunct South-Eastern State (now Cross River and Akwa Ibom), Major-General Paul Ufuoma Omu (rtd.), was on Saturday laid to rest in his hometown, Igbide, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, amid full military honours and glowing tributes.

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.

His burial attracted an impressive gathering of dignitaries from the military, political and traditional institutions, all united in celebrating a man widely regarded as a symbol of patriotism, discipline and leadership.

The solemn funeral service at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Igbide, 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.

Archbishop Odutemu noted that 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.

A high-powered delegation from the Delta State Government graced the ceremony, including 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.

The President General of the Isoko Development Union, Prof. Chris Akpotu, also led an IDU delegation to honour the late icon. Senior military officers and leaders from various sectors were also in attendance.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Major-General Oluwafemi Williams described the late Omu as “an exceptionally well-informed senior officer” who maintained a positive disposition in all circumstances.

He said 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 added.

The interment ceremony featured full military rites, including a ceremonial guard, slow march procession, and the symbolic presentation of the national flag to the family.

Soldiers also fired the traditional 21-gun salute reserved for distinguished military officers, marking a dignified farewell to one of Nigeria’s finest.

Family members, community leaders and clerics paid emotional tributes, remembering 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 recalled his mentorship of younger generations and his unwavering support for development initiatives across Isoko land.

Maj.-Gen. Paul Ufuoma Omu is survived by his wife, Senator Stella Omu, children, grandchildren and an extended family.

With his burial, Igbide, the Isoko Nation and Nigeria have bid farewell to a distinguished soldier, statesman and patriot whose legacy of service, unity and integrity will endure for generations.

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Niger Delta

850-bed UCTH overstretched, services 5m patients – CMD

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, has said the 850-bed hospital is overstretched, as it currently serves over five million patients.

He disclosed this on Friday during a media tour of the facility to showcase ongoing renovations and facelift in the hospital.

The CMD noted that, aside being the only tertiary healthcare facility servicing the state, UCTH also serviced neighbouring states of Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi.

He said the hospital also received referrals from neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic.

According to him, the 850-bed hospital faced persistent space constraints because of increasing patients inflow and expanding healthcare demands.

“This hospital currently operates 62 clinical and non-clinical departments as well as between 30 and 38 wards covering medical, surgical, paediatric, orthopaedic and specialised services.

“Most wards have undergone facelift, remodelling, or complete renovation to improve patient care and working conditions for healthcare professionals”, he said.

He disclosed that the hospital was constructing a new 106-bed emergency medicine facility to address the rising demand for healthcare services.

According to him, the facility will include trauma bays, intensive care units, neonatal wards, and three fully equipped trauma theatres.

Speaking on the remodeled wards, Ikpeme explained that they followed modern nursing principles, allowing one nurse to attend to a maximum of 10 patients.

He said relatives would be restricted to designated waiting areas to reduce interference with medical procedures and improve emergency response efficiency.

The CMD noted that the hospital had strengthened specialist services in orthopaedics, neurosurgery, obstetrics, radiology, and minimally invasive surgery.

“UCTH now performs hip and knee replacements, arthroscopy, sports medicine, and complex brain tumour surgeries.

“Our surgeons also conduct keyhole procedures for appendectomy, hysterectomy and other conditions with faster patient recovery periods,” he said

In power, the CMD said the hospital relied on solar power from a seven-megawatt plant, constructed by the Federal Government at the University of Calabar, as well as public power supply, and generators to sustain its operations.

He appealed to governments, organisations, and philanthropists to support infrastructure expansion, equipment procurement, and specialised healthcare projects.

The CMD said the hospital required additional incubators, ward expansions, and a stand-alone amenity facility for private healthcare services.

He used the opportunity to dismiss allegations of ethnic discrimination, insisting that the hospital does not reject workers or patients based on tribe or origin.

According to him, the institution recently honoured an Igbo pioneer physician by naming a ward after him in recognition of decades of service.

The CMD said the hospital maintained strict disciplinary procedures to address negligence, poor attitude, and unethical conduct among staff.

The Tide’s source reports that some of the units visited include, intensive care unit, Department of Radiology, Urology Clinic, and Opthalmology Clinic.

Niger Delta

Police Burst Child Trafficking Syndicate In A’Ibom … Nab 3 Suspects

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State says it has busted a child trafficking syndicate and arrested three suspects for conspiracy and unlawful sale of a newborn baby in the State.

The State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfom John, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Friday, said the three female suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1900hrs.

She said a complainant reported that his wife gave birth to a baby boy on May 7 and shockingly, shortly after delivery sold the newborn child to one of the suspects for N145, 000.

“Upon receipt of the report, operatives immediately swung into action, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the successful recovery of the baby boy.

“The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation, while investigation has been expanded to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the trafficking syndicate”, John said.

She said the State’s Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led policing in the state.

Niger Delta

A’Ibom Launches Operation Crack Down Scrap Dealers

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Akwa-Ibom State Government has launched a statewide crackdown on unregistered scrap dealers and scavengers, shutting down illegal operations and arresting operators accused of violating environmental and public safety regulations.

The enforcement operation, led by the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA), followed the implementation of the state’s Waste Metal Scrap Law 2026, officials said.

AKSEPWMA Chairman, Obong Prince Ikim, said the exercise was aimed at regulating the scrap sector, protect the environment, and prevent criminal groups from operating under the guise of waste collection and metal trading.

“If you want to do scrap business, you must register,” Mr. Ikim said during the operation in Uyo, the state capital.

“Many people now hide under scrap trading to perpetrate nefarious activities”, he said.

According to him, dump site operators and scrap dealers who failed to register with the government risked closure and prosecution.

Authorities accused some operators of involvement in vandalism of public infrastructure and indiscriminate waste disposal, adding that investigations had uncovered criminal activities linked to several dump sites across the state.

“Some people vandalise government facilities in the name of scrap business and encourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” Mr. Ikim said.

He added that the state government and security agencies would continue efforts to enforce compliance and maintain public order.

“The Commissioner of Police has zero tolerance for criminality, and the Governor wants Akwa Ibom people to sleep with their eyes closed. We will fish out every defaulter”, he said.

Police officials involved in the operation said investigations showed that some criminal suspects used scrap yards and refuse dump sites as cover for illegal activities.

CSP Okwuzulike Vincent of the Itam Police Station said some suspects pretended to be mentally unstable while hiding ammunition and other suspicious items in makeshift shelters around dump locations.

The police officer praised the environmental agency for what he described as proactive efforts to sanitise the sector and pledged continued cooperation between law enforcement and the agency.

Officials said some first-time offenders arrested during the operation were released after profiling and signing undertakings, while repeat offenders would face prosecution.