24/09/2025
Tribute to an Iroko: Rear Admiral David Onoja, Idoma’s First Navy Two-Star General, Passes On
It is with a heavy heart and deep sense of loss that we join countless others across Benue South, Nigeria, and beyond to mourn the passing of an illustrious son of Otukpa.
Likened to an Iroko Tree, the Distinguished Navigator and Elder Statesman, a mentor to many of today’s "young" Rear Admirals of Idoma heritage who were inspired by the first Idoma-born Nigerian Navy two-star General in the person of Rear Admiral David Anthony Onoja. A mentor and teacher to many.
Born in the heart of Ipari Otukpa in the prestigious Agada-Onyewu Family to Chief Onoja-Oto Agada in 1948, Rear Admiral Onoja was a beloved son who attended the Local Authority Primary School, Otukpa. He was selected amongst other brilliant young men in the North Central to head on to Government College Kaduna for his secondary education.
The young impressionable Tony Onoja was baptized with leadership qualities that made him stand out and was recruited as a young man to serve in Nigeria's Military, with the Navy being the choice he was drafted into.
For a young boy who said he had no water in his village, no "Okpa" for kilometres, and no major water bodies in the steep Plateau of Otukpa as at the 1940s, Admiral Onoja thrived as a Navy Seaman, acquiring mastery in swimming skills while in training and stood out amongst his peers as a skillful swimmer, going on to become a Seaman, Navy Diver, and Navigator.
In his early career, he was involved in multiple diving rescues which prompted commendations from then President, President Shehu Shagari of blessed memory.
As an educator in service, Admiral Onoja made enduring contributions to nation-building from his leadership at sea, commanding ships to the Maritime Academy in Oron and in his Chief Instructor role and duties at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, and subsequently his mentorship and public service during his time as Deputy Commandant of the Command and Staff College Jaji.
He distinguished himself mentoring young officers and establishing Navy Training Schools while in service as the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Apapa, and also giving back to the system and country that made him in his post-service activities in the Armed Forces through delivering lectures in which he combined deep knowledge with practical action in shaping Nigeria’s military training.
A well-travelled national asset who believed in the cause and growth of Nigeria, Rear Admiral Onoja remained a loyal son of Ipari, Otukpa, and chose to return home in his final years to take on the role of a distinguished personality, elder statesman, family head, and illustrious son who chose to give back to his roots to inspire and educate and also enjoy a quiet rest in his beloved Ipari amongst the revered palm trees.
Admiral Onoja was a proud father who himself birthed distinguished children, two of whom are also trailblazers in their fields.
It is with deep sorrow that we received the news of his passing, a loss of a sound, productive mind, a mentor to many, a man of many parts who had so much more to give in his skills and talent. He was an elder statesman who we will describe as "retired but never tired." He was admired for his intellect, principle, and patriotism to his country.
His death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in his life's book, the life of a distinguished sailor, navigator, and author who lived a quiet but impactful life 25 years after his service to the nation. His legacy will continue to live on in our hearts, in our thoughts, and in the minds of the great people of Otukpa and Idomaland.
We extend our sincere condolences to his immediate family, the good people of the Otukpa Chiefdom in Ogbadibo LGA, and to Benue State as a whole.
May the good Lord forgive all his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal rest. May the good Lord in His infinite mercies give his family comfort in these times of grief and give them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
Adieu, Admiral. We are proud to have met you and to have been impacted by your presence.
May your soul find rest.
Your legacy lives on always in the hearts of those you loved.
Chief Mrs. Enaya Apeh writes from Northampton, England...
