Teacher, Major-General
Major-General Charles Beleye Ndiomu was one of the finest education corps officers the Nigerian military has ever had. He was best known for his resourcefulness and zeal at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) and the National War College.
Who was Charles Beleye Ndiomu?
Charles Beleye Ndiomu (1934 – 2002) hailed from Odoni in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He graduated from the University College Ibadan in 1962 and joined the military in 1966. Charles, as he was fondly called, left a lasting legacy at the Nigerian Military School (NMS), National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and the War College. Major-General Charles Beleye Ndiomu was a recipient of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR). He retired from the military in 2002, having left it better than he found it. A godly man, he was happily married with seven children. Major-General Charles Beleye Ndiomu passed away in 2002 in the United Kingdom at the age of 68.
His Birth and Parents
Charles Ndiomu was born on December 20, 1934, in Odoni community (now in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State). His parents were Chief Glasgow Ndiomu Ekussah of Odoni and Mrs. Mary Metoru Ndiomu (née Okah) of Onogboko, an Isoko town in the Indosimili Local Government Area of Delta State. He grew up in a polygamous household; his father, a well-respected gentleman, had a good relationship with the colonial masters and was instrumental in spreading Christianity in Odoni. His mother, a devout Christian, passed away in 1968.
Education
In 1940, Charles enrolled in St. Peters Primary School in Odoni and later attended Sacred Heart Primary School in Oguta in late 1943. However, his education was interrupted by illness and personal loss. He returned to Odoni and, in 1945, enrolled at Christ the King Primary School in Aba. Charles later moved to Aseh in Ndokwa LGA, Delta State, where he completed his primary education in 1947 and obtained the First School Leaving Certificate.
As a Teacher
Charles began his teaching career in Agbere, in the western Ijaw division of the then Western Nigeria, in 1948. He attended the Preliminary Training College in Sapele, Delta State, from 1949 to 1950, and later went on to St. Thomas’ College in Ibusa, where he earned his Grade II Teacher’s Certificate in 1954. He rose to become Headmaster at St. Peter’s Agbere and eventually worked as a tutor at St. Thomas Teacher’s Training College, Ibusa, until 1959.
At University College Ibadan
In 1959, Charles gained admission to the University College Ibadan to study Humanities under the sponsorship of the Catholic Mission and graduated in 1963. He was among the top three students in his department. Following graduation, he was employed as a teacher in Bomadi, Delta State.
In October 1962, Charles applied and was selected for the Nigerian Army, and in February 1964, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Education Corps.
Military Promotions
Charles’ military career was marked by consistent promotions:
- Lieutenant, Nigerian Army Education Corps (February 1964)
- Captain (February 1966)
- Major (August 1969)
- Lieutenant-Colonel (October 1972)
- Colonel (August 1978)
- Brigadier-General (June 1980)
- Major-General (June 1984)
He retired meritoriously in December 1989.
Courses Attended
Charles attended several courses both within and outside the country, including:
- Administrative Staff College (ASCON) Badagry, 1977
- National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, 1981
- Defense Management Course, USA, 1982
His Military Honors
Charles received several medals, including:
- Force Service Star (FSS)
- Defense Service Medal (DSM)
- National Service Medal (NSM)
- Republic Medal (RM)
- General Service Medal (GSM)
- 25th Anniversary Medal (TAM)
In 1986, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Ibrahim Babangida.
Extra Regimental Assignments
Charles held numerous significant positions, including:
- Member of the Rebel Activities Tribunal (1969)
- Head of Ibadan Zone, Special Military Tribunal on the Recovery of Public Property (1983)
- Chairman, Treason and Other Offences Tribunal (1986-1987)
He also served in key roles such as:
- Officer Instructor at NMS Zaria (1964–1966)
- Commandant of Nigerian Military School Zaria (1979–1982)
- Director-General of NIPSS (1984)
Legacy at NMS Zaria
As Commandant of NMS, Charles made significant improvements in the school’s performance, including upgrading the status of Education Corps officers, improving staff punctuality, and addressing academic issues. Under his leadership, NMS achieved excellent results in the West African Examination Certificate.
As a Philanthropist
Charles was a silent philanthropist who contributed to education and religious causes. He awarded scholarships and bursaries to the needy and launched a 5.5 million Naira development fund for his community, Odoni, in 1991.
Chieftaincy Titles
Charles was awarded several chieftaincy titles, including:
- Subolou Da Owei (“The Commander in the Warfront”) by the Pere of Kabowei clan in 1990
- Izonebidou Owei (“The Man Who Has the Interest of the Izon People at Heart”) by the Pere of Tarakiri clan in 1992
Board Appointments
Charles held various board positions, including:
- Member of the Board of the National Library of Nigeria (1976–1977)
- Member of the University of Ibadan Council (1984)
- President, Nigerian International Tourism Expo (1987–1989)
- Member of the Commonwealth Observer Mission to South Africa (1994)
Faith
Charles was a devout Roman Catholic and a Knight of St. Mulumba (KSM). He took his faith seriously, despite his busy schedule, and was a regular worshipper at the Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Abuja, and Church of Assumption, Fallomo, Lagos.
Family
Charles was married to Mrs. Grace Akenawerikumu Ndiomu (née Nuanyeke) in 1960. They had eight children, who are successful in various fields such as the military, law, and customs. Tragically, their son, Mr. Valentine Woyinenangasuo Ndiomu, passed away on December 31, 2016.
His Death
Charles fell ill and was flown to the United Kingdom for treatment, where he passed away. He was buried in Odoni on April 12, 2002.
Major-General Charles Beleye Ndiomu was an exceptional Nigerian Army officer who brought pride to the Niger Delta people. His legacy lives on through his service to the military, his philanthropic efforts, and his commitment to education and integrity.
