By Ovie Okpare
A one time Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Good Omo-Owho Akpolo (retd.) is dead.
Akpolo, who died on April 3, 2020 at the Candler Hospital in Savannah, Georgia, United States of America, was aged 67.
The late retired Real Admiral, who was regarded as one of the finest and brilliant military officers during his active years in service, hailed from Uzere Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, has expressed sadness and pain over the death of Rear Admiral Akpolo (retd.).
Bashorun Ogieh, in a statement on Wednesday, described the late Akpolo as a pillar of strength who assiduously worked for development of not only his hometown, Uzere Kingdom, but the entire Isoko nation and the Niger Delta region.
The DESOPADEC boss noted that despite his busy and successful career, the retired Rear Admiral remembered his roots.
The statement read, “I received the news of the death of Rear Admiral Good Omo-owho Akpolo (Retired), a thoroughly accomplished warrior sired by the Uzere Kingdom with a heavy, sad and painful heart.
“The Isoko Nation, Uzere Kingdom, Delta State, indeed Nigeria have lost a man of immeasurable competence and acuity.
“While we mourn his passing, we cannot but recall that Admiral Akpolo had an unblemished career in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, commanding critical units that spanned but not limited to Command Intelligence Officer, Eastern Naval Command; Flag Lieutnant to Chief of Naval Staff; Directing Staff, Command and staff College; Executive Officer, NNS Oloku; Commanding Officer NNS Damisa.”
Others include, “Executive Officer, NNS Okemini; Commanding Officer, Naval Unit Abuja; Director of Naval; Defense Adviser to the Nigeria High Commission, New Delhi India; Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command; Director of Administration And Logistics, Defense Intelligence Agency; Flag Officer Sea Training Command; Chief of Naval Logistics; Deputy Commandant Armed Forces Command And Staff College; and Chief of Administration, Defense Headquarters.
“Throughout his very busy career, Admiral Akpolo was ever conscious of his roots and was a pillar of support for the development and upliftment of the Uzere Kingdom, unobtrusively ensuring that the Isoko Nation is protected, and also worked consciously to defend the interests of Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
“For these and other innumerable contributions to humanity, we will forever remain indebted to our gentleman and gallant Officer, who has left us to reside in eternity.
“We will miss his wise counsel in communal matters, we will always cherish Admiral Akpolo’s forthrightness in dealing with issues that seemed insurmountable, but which he always believed were resolvable.
“We are consoled that he is now sailing in the wings of the Comforter, the all knowing God, who has decided that He needs him now in His comfortable abode. We are thankful because we cannot question God’s wisdom.
“I pray that God will give our dear wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Charity Akpolo, the children and grandchildren the fortitude to bear the loss of a doting father who had an enviable affection for his family and loved ones.
“May the soul of our smooth and gentle sailor rest in the bosom of the Lord. Amen.”
