Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has condoled the people of Olomu Kingdom in the state on the passing of former Chairman, Ughelli South Local Government Council, Chief Collins Omonemu.

Omonemu reportedly passed on at the early hours of Saturday at an undisclosed hospital at Ughelli after a brief illness.

He was aged 70.

The deceased was elected Chairman, Ughelli South Local Government Council under the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) from 1997 to1998.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Ovwodokpokpor town, Olomu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area on the death of the septuagenarian grassroots-politician and community leader.

He noted that the departed Omonemu was a worthy statesman and grassroots-focussed, who excelled in public and community service.

The governor noted that the deceased was an accomplished geologist, who contributed immensely to the development of the water sector in the state through his many consultancy services.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a grassroots-oriented politician and an accomplished geologist, Chief Collins Omonemu, who passed on Saturday after a brief illness.

“I am saddened by the news of his demise, but I am quite convinced that he lived a life of great accomplishments.

“He was a gentleman, who distinguished himself in the service of his people, especially as a former Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council under the defunct United Nigeria Congress Party UNCP.

“As a renowned geologist and a former council chairman, Omonemu contributed immensly to the development of Ughelli South through his passionate involvement in the development of the water sector in Delta,” Okowa said.

He prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.