NUJ Delta Mourns Former Health Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Otumara

ASABA — The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has expressed profound shock and sadness over the passing of Chief Dr. Joseph Otumara, describing him as a selfless servant of the people whose life was dedicated to public service and the development of Delta State.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and Acting Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, the union said Dr. Otumara’s death has deprived Delta State of an experienced administrator, visionary leader and compassionate public servant whose contributions left lasting impacts across several sectors.

The Council noted that Dr. Otumara distinguished himself through decades of dedicated service, serving as the first and only three-time Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council in Nigeria. He also served as Commissioner for Housing during the administration of former Governor James Ibori, Commissioner for Health throughout the eight-year administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, and pioneer Chairman of the Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA), a position he held until his demise under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

According to the NUJ, Dr. Otumara made some of his most remarkable contributions while serving as Commissioner for Health, where he played a pivotal role in the conception, implementation and success of several landmark healthcare programmes that transformed access to medical services in the state.

Among the initiatives highlighted by the Council were the Free Under-Five Healthcare Programme, which provided medical care for children below five years of age; the Free Maternal Healthcare Programme, which catered for pregnant women from antenatal care through delivery, including caesarean sections; and the annual Free Rural Healthcare Programme, through which thousands of residents benefitted from free medical consultations, surgeries and treatment of various ailments.

The union further recalled his immense contributions to the development of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara, which grew into one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary healthcare institutions during his years of service. Under his stewardship, the hospital recorded notable achievements, including successful kidney transplant procedures, hip replacement surgeries and corrective surgeries for knocked knees.

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Beyond his public service accomplishments, the NUJ described Dr. Otumara as a humble, accessible and compassionate leader who remained committed to the welfare of others and embodied the true essence of service to humanity.

“His life was a testament to the belief that leadership is most meaningful when anchored on service to the people. He will be remembered as a bridge-builder, a development-oriented administrator and a patriot whose contributions positively impacted countless lives across Delta State and beyond,” the statement said.

While mourning his passing, the Council said it takes solace in the enduring legacies he left behind through the institutions he strengthened, the policies he championed and the lives he touched.

The NUJ Delta State Council extended its heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late statesman, the palace and people of Warri Kingdom, the Delta State Government, associates, friends and all those grieving the monumental loss.

The Council prayed that the Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.