Brigadier General Stephen Anthony Ukpo was born on 16 July 1947 in Okpoma in Yala Local Government Area of present day Cross River State. His early years shaped a disciplined and determined personality that later defined his long career in the Nigerian Army. He joined the force as a young man and quickly advanced through a series of confirmed command and instructional roles.
During the Nigerian Civil War and the years that followed, Ukpo served as Company Commander in 1968. He was appointed Battalion Commander in 1969 and again from 1971 to 1973. In 1970, he served as Brigade Major, a role that highlighted his growing administrative and operational responsibilities.
From 1973 to 1974, he was an instructor at the Nigeria Defence Academy in Kaduna, where he helped train the next generation of Nigerian military officers. His performance during this period solidified his reputation as a disciplined and capable officer.
Some media reports note that Ukpo attended military related training in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Israel and Lebanon. While these accounts appear in obituary and profile publications, official documentation of the specific institutions or course names is not publicly available. These reports are therefore treated as widely circulated but not formally recorded.
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A Central Role in National Change
One of the most defining moments of Ukpo’s military service came on 27 August 1985. He was among the circle of officers who participated in the palace coup that removed General Muhammadu Buhari and brought General Ibrahim Babangida to power.
Following the success of the change in government, Ukpo was appointed to the Armed Forces Ruling Council, the leadership body guiding the direction of the country. Shortly afterward, on 12 September 1985, he became Minister of Information and Culture. His appointment placed him at the heart of national messaging and public communication during the early years of the Babangida administration.
Military Governor of Rivers State
On 26 August 1986, Stephen Ukpo was appointed Military Governor of Rivers State. He succeeded Fidelis Oyakhilome and assumed responsibility for one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil producing states.
One of his documented administrative achievements was the inauguration of the provisional council for the Rivers State Polytechnic located in Bori, an important step in strengthening technical and vocational education in the state.
He served in the role until July 1988 when he handed over to Ernest Olawunmi Adelaye. Ukpo’s time in Rivers State is often remembered for its orderliness and administrative structure, though detailed developmental records from the period are not extensively preserved in public archives. Some later commentaries credit his administration with stability and institutional strengthening, and such views reflect retrospective perspectives on his tenure.
Senior Role in the Presidency
After leaving his position as state governor, Ukpo was appointed Principal Staff Officer to President Babangida in July 1988. The role placed him at the center of federal coordination and executive operations.
In April 1990, following the attempted coup led by Gideon Orkar, Ukpo publicly announced the arrest of ten officers and more than one hundred and fifty soldiers accused of involvement in the uprising. This announcement became one of the most widely reported moments of his public service.
Ukpo eventually retired from the army with the rank of Brigadier, bringing to an end a long career marked by loyalty, discipline and national engagement.
Ventures in the Private Sector
After his retirement, Ukpo became active in the private sector. His most publicly documented roles include serving on the board of Skye Bank and leading TSI Property and Investments Holdings. TSI became associated with the proposed Port Harcourt mono rail project, a major infrastructural vision that later faced scrutiny.
A Rivers State judicial commission of inquiry examined the project and alleged that TSI received significant funds without delivering the completed work. These findings remain part of the public record. Responses from the company or Ukpo regarding the allegations are not widely documented.
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Some obituary sources suggest that Ukpo also maintained interests in hospitality, agriculture, real estate and related ventures. These characterizations appear in media reports but lack the detailed public documentation that exists for Skye Bank and TSI Holdings.
Final Years and Legacy
Brigadier General Ukpo passed away on 6 September 2021 at Asi Ukpo Hospital in Calabar following a prolonged illness. His death drew tributes from across Cross River State and among those who served with him. Leaders such as former Governor Liyel Imoke described him as a patriotic Nigerian and a respected voice in matters of public life.
Across military, political and business spheres, Ukpo left a legacy of discipline and national service. His life reflects the complexity of Nigeria’s military era and the transition of several officers from the battlefield to governance and state administration.
Author’s Note
Brigadier General Stephen Anthony Ukpo lived a life shaped by service to Nigeria. From his early years in the barracks to his responsibilities in public office, his career carried him through some of the nation’s most significant political and military moments. His journey shows how individual duty can intersect with national history, and how leadership can evolve from command in the field to decision making in government. Readers may find in his story a portrait of discipline, patriotism and commitment to national responsibility.
References
Vanguard News
The Tide
CrossRiverWatch
Sahara Reporters
Voice of Nigeria
