ABUJA (BN24) — President Bola Tinubu expressed deep condolences to the Delta State Government and the All Progressives Congress following the death of Air Vice Marshal Terry O. Okorodudu, a prominent party chieftain who passed away September 9 at age 70.
The president extended sympathies to Okorodudu’s wife, children, extended family, associates and friends in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.
President Tinubu recognized the significant contributions Okorodudu made to APC’s political fortunes at both state and national levels, including his service as a member of the security committee for Tinubu’s 2023 Presidential Campaign Council. The president described the deceased as “my political ally for many years” who worked diligently and selflessly for Nigeria.
Air Vice Marshal Okorodudu, born August 27, 1955, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, traced his heritage to Warri in Delta State through the Itsekiri, Okpe and Ijaw ethnic groups. He began his distinguished military career after earning his commission as a Nigerian Air Force pilot officer on January 5, 1976, following his graduation from the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy.
The retired officer’s military service spanned over three decades, during which he held numerous significant positions including operational pilot duties on multiple aircraft types, staff positions at various command levels, and leadership roles in specialized units. His career progression reflected steady advancement built on exemplary service and professional competence.
From 1979 to 1983, Okorodudu served as an operational pilot on the Dornier 28-D-2 aircraft before transitioning to fly the G-222 aircraft as an operational officer from 1984 to 1988. His expertise led to assignments including Staff Officer 2 Training at Military Airlift Headquarters in Ibadan and Military Assistant to the Air Officer Commanding, Military Airlift Command.
One of his most prestigious assignments came from 1991 to 1998 when he served as Operations Officer with the Presidential Air Fleet, a position requiring the highest levels of security clearance and professional competence. This role was followed by an appointment as Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji from 1998 to 2000.
Okorodudu’s international service included a notable deployment as Nigeria’s Defence Attaché to Moscow, Russia, from February 2006 to July 2009, with concurrent accreditation to Ukraine, Belarus and Georgia. During this diplomatic assignment, he represented Nigeria’s defense interests in these strategically important regions.
His educational achievements complemented his military service, including a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan and professional military education at institutions including the Junior Staff College, Jaji, and the Naval War College in Rhode Island, where he studied Military and Peacekeeping Operations in accordance with international law.
International colleagues recognized Okorodudu’s leadership qualities during his studies at the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies in Newport. Roy Kevin, International Military Student Officer, praised him as “a tremendously articulate and skilled officer and a consummate professional” whose contributions enriched fellow students from 19 countries.
In 2009, Okorodudu was appointed Chief Executive of Aeronautical Engineering and Technical Services Limited, a subsidiary of the Nigerian Air Force focused on aircraft maintenance and technical services. His leadership at the company strengthened Nigeria’s local capacity in aeronautical maintenance while reducing dependence on expensive foreign contractors.
The late Air Vice Marshal pioneered innovative approaches to military procurement and maintenance that became foundations for what developed into a multi-billion-naira defense entity. His vision for direct procurement of aircraft parts and local servicing of military hardware represented significant cost savings for the Nigerian government.
Beyond military service, Okorodudu founded the Grassroots Initiatives for Transformation, a platform designed to mobilize citizens toward mindset change, peacebuilding, security and economic development. After his voluntary retirement in October 2010, he established Centurion Security Company Limited, an integrated technology and defense security firm.
President Tinubu noted Okorodudu’s meritorious military career and his rise “to the peak of his career” while mentoring countless officers throughout his service. The president emphasized the deceased officer’s dedication to national service and his role in Nigeria’s security architecture.
The Air Vice Marshal served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Harry’s Friends Club, described as a think-tank for good governance, demonstrating his continued commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development even after retirement.
Okorodudu’s personal interests extended beyond military and political affairs to include music, sports, astronomy, poetry and literature, reflecting the breadth of his intellectual curiosity and cultural engagement.
He is survived by his wife, one son and four grandchildren who carry forward his legacy of integrity, resilience and service to Nigeria.
“He rose to the peak of his career and mentored countless officers. He worked diligently and selflessly for our country. I pray that Almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest and comfort his family,” President Tinubu stated in his tribute.
The death of Air Vice Marshal Okorodudu represents a significant loss for both the All Progressives Congress and Nigeria’s military community, removing a figure who bridged professional military service with active political engagement in support of democratic governance.
His passing comes as the APC continues building its organizational strength across Nigeria’s 36 states, making the loss of such an experienced and committed party stalwart particularly significant for the party’s activities in Delta State and the broader South-South geopolitical zone.
