Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has described the late former Military Administrator of the state, Navy Capt. Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd), as an indigene due to his love for the state and its people.
Gov. Diri also said the retired naval officer and former minister of special duties, who died on May 15, 2025 at the age of 71, served the state and Nigeria with a lot of dedication and selflessness.
Olubolade was appointed as the third military administrator of Bayelsa.State from June 27, 1997 – July 9, 1998 after the state was created by the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, on October 1, 1996.
Speaking during a service of songs held in his honour at the St. John Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday, the Bayelsa governor stated that Olubolade’s achievements, which included construction of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex at Ovom, the motor park at Ekeki and the civil servants quarters at Ovom, were proof that he loved the people of the state and considered himself a part of Bayelsa.
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Recalling how he celebrated his 70th birthday last year in Yenagoa, the state capital, Gov. Diri said Olubolade’s association with the state many years after his meritorious service was very exemplary as he saw Bayelsa as his home.
He disclosed that due to his diligent service to Bayelsa, the state government had concluded plans to honour him as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the state’s creation, stressing that as the state mourns, his life of impact was also being celebrated.
As a way of immortalising him, the Bayelsa helmsman said the civil servants quarters built during his administration would now be known as Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade Civil Servants Quarters.
In his tribute, Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, who was represented by Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode, said Olubolade’s death was not only a loss to the family but also to the military and the country at large.
Describing him as a diligent officer, he prayed God to accept his soul and grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Speaking on behalf of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the National Chairman, Amb. Boladei Igali, said the forum was saddened by the demise of Olubolade, describing him as a man of many parts who will be missed.
