Niger Delta activist, Tony Uranta is Dead

Niger Delta activist, Tony Uranta has passed on.

The former Executive Secretary of United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS), died on Wednesday afternoon.

Actress, Regina Askia Williams also confirmed the news, announcing his death in a Facebook post.

She wrote, “On your behalf, we announce the passage of Tony Uranta (TIU) at 1:32 pm this afternoon.

“Tony has gone home to rest, after a long medical battle.

“He fought a good fight while here, but we believe God needs him now, to continue from the other side, and to perhaps conquer on his strong believe on Justice, Equity, Peace and Unity for Nigeria.

“Burial will be announced by family.”

The activist was the Executive Secretary of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).

In an interview with Vanguard in 2013, Uranta spoke of battling with colon cancer.

“I had cancer of the colon which is one of those cancers that is rarely detected. Since I was freed from the incurable disease, (HIV) (arun ti o gboogun), I have become very conscious about my health.

“So, I carried out what was called extensive health check at least twice a year within and outside the country. The check was done and it was detected that I had developed some polyps (smaller vessels called tumour) in my colon and they confirmed at the National Hospital that these tumours were malignant.

“I was then left with the option of undergoing surgery to remove the polyps in the hope that malignancy had not spread beyond them. I went to the American Hospital in Dubai. A surgery was carried out and it was successful,” he had said.

He also spoke about being tested positive for HIV some time ago, saying, “At one time, I was the spokesperson for people living with HIV and AIDS. But today, I have been tested in those places all over again and reported negative.”