Tributes As Ex-Delta Governor Uduaghan Dies At 71

By Jonathan Nda-Isaiah And Felix Igbekoyi, Igho Oyoyo, Samson Elijah

One can solely think about how former Governor James Ibori should really feel, having misplaced three distinguished members of his Executive Council inside only a few years. This demise is available in fast succession following these of Prof. Amos Agbe Utuama, Deputy Governor to Uduaghan, and Chief Sir Benjamin Sunday Elue, Deputy to former Governor James Ibori.

On Monday, Uduaghan died within the early hours. Aged 71, just a few days earlier than his 72nd birthday. He served as Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015. An announcement signed by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan, on behalf of the household mentioned the ex-governor died on Monday.

Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 earlier than turning into governor in May 2007. He served two phrases, leaving workplace in 2015.

His smiles weren’t hidden when he was referred to as “Asamaigor”. He beloved individuals, and he beloved life. He by no means discriminated. He was Governor. One who knew most journalists by title. He was all the time keen to help and admire goodwill assist. Very compassionate and philanthropic in nature.

READ ALSO: 10 Things Uduaghan Will Be Remembered For As Ex-Delta Governor Dies

In his time, kids loved free rides to and from faculties. Civil servants, enterprise individuals and day by day hustlers loved the most cost effective transportation – the City Bus. House rents have been modest. Every certainly one of his capabilities was a possibility to feed Deltans.

On a number of events, information filtered in that the previous Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, was lifeless, but it surely all the time turned out to be a hoax, prompting some observers to ask, “Who wants Uduaghan dead?” But on Monday, the household confirmed that the person largely addressed because the Asamaigo has handed on on the age of 71.

He got here into the limelight when he served as Commissioner for Health, earlier than he was appointed Secretary to the State Government, and the fast previous Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, took over from him.

If you will have ever travelled from Koko Port to Abigborodo by speedboat, canoe, or another means, you’ll all the time admire that Dr Uduaghan was Governor of Delta State. The former Governor hailed from Abigborodo, an island beforehand inaccessible by street. Dr Uduaghan deployed state assets to construct a number of bridges, enabling motor autos to drive straight into Abigborodo.

Most individuals are conscious that he assembled a top-tier Economic Team, which included Evelyn Ndali Oputu of the Bank of Industry and monetary knowledgeable Bismarck Rewane, to say however two. He had formidable programmes that he believed would rework Delta State, together with useful seaports in Koko and Warri, an industrial park in Warri, and parks in Udu and Ogwashi-Uku.

He believed that if the Warri Industrial Park have been useful, items may very well be moved seamlessly by means of the Warri Port, Osubi Airport, and the Asaba International Airport, which he initiated. To facilitate the sleek motion of products from the Warri Industrial Park to the airport, he commenced the dualisation of the Asaba–Ughelli Expressway, dividing it into Sections A, B, and C.

One would possibly overlook his free maternal healthcare scheme, his efforts to make sure Delta was secure from bandits, his administration’s automated scholarships for First Class graduates, the huge recruitment of academics, and different initiatives he described as “low-hanging fruit”. However, one factor is definite: he boldly opened up Warri.

Prof. Chike Okolocha, who served as Commissioner for Lands and Survey throughout Governor James Ibori’s administration, as soon as described Warri in an interview as an “urban slum”. Former Governor Uduaghan constructed twin carriageways on roads that had beforehand been thought of mere bypasses or entry tracks.

He put his status on the road to make sure that Shoprite was established in Asaba and Warri, that the brand new Government House complicated was accomplished and moved into, and that the primary flyovers in Asaba and Warri have been constructed, amongst different achievements.

Today, the Warri North APC, the place he hails from, had gathered in big numbers on the Council Chairman’s Quarters, the venue of the essential assembly referred to as by the social gathering to brainstorm and strategise to strengthen social gathering unity and collaborate to allow the social gathering within the space to realize larger success within the forthcoming common election in 2027.

It was in the intervening time of commencing the opening prayer on the assembly that Hon. Evangelist Prince Michael Diden, aka Ejele, rose and broke the unhappy information of the late governor’s passing, bringing all different proceedings on the assembly to a halt. A minute of absolute silence was then referred to as to honour the late primary citizen of the state.

Furthermore, within the wake of this unlucky growth, the state social gathering chairman of the APC, Chief Solomon (*71*), in his knowledge, introduced an abrupt finish to the assembly and referred to as for a movement of adjournment.

Uduaghan, former governor of Delta State, has been described as a frontrunner who revolutionised governance on the subregional stage by means of progressive insurance policies and programmes that demonstrated states’ capability to considerably influence residents’ lives.

Chike Ogeah, who served as Commissioner for Information throughout Dr Uduaghan’s second time period, made this assertion whereas reacting to the transition of the previous governor within the early hours of Monday.

“His main preoccupation was all the time what to do to enhance the standard of lifetime of the individuals and residents of Delta State. The late governor measured societal growth primarily by the dwelling requirements of the individuals, which drove him to develop progressive programmes to make life worthwhile for residents.

Oborevwori, Dafinone, others pay  tributes

Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District and Delta State House of Assembly (DSHA), Speaker and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria, Hon. Dennis Guwor,  have expressed unhappiness over the demise of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, describing him as a detribalised chief whose contributions to the event of the state wouldn’t be forgotten.

In a condolence message issued by Oborowori’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor sympathised with the late governor’s spouse, Roli, his kids, all the Uduaghan household, the Itsekiri nation and Deltans over the painful loss.

The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years in workplace, noting that he made important contributions to the state’s infrastructure growth. He described the previous governor as a frontrunner who appeared past ethnic variations and labored for the general growth of Delta State.

Oborevwori mentioned Uduaghan’s years in public service had left mark on the state, including that his demise was a loss to Delta and the nation at massive. He prayed for the peaceable repose of the previous governor’s soul and requested God to consolation his spouse, kids, relations, the Itsekiri nation and all these grieving his demise.

Senator Ede Dafinone additionally mourned the demise of Uduaghan, describing him as a distinguished statesman whose contributions to the event of the state will stay indelible. Dafinone, in a condolence assertion issued on Monday, expressed profound unhappiness over the previous governor’s demise, describing it as an awesome loss to Delta State and Nigeria.

He famous that Uduaghan’s years of service as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and two-term governor mirrored his dedication to public service and good governance. According to the senator, the previous governor shall be remembered for his inclusive management, infrastructural growth and efforts to advertise unity and peaceable coexistence among the many numerous ethnic teams in Delta State.

Dafinone mentioned Uduaghan’s legacy of service transcended political and ethnic boundaries, including that his contributions to the state’s growth would proceed to be remembered.

“His years as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and two-term Governor reflected his commitment to public service and good governance,” the senator mentioned.

The lawmaker prolonged his condolences, on behalf of his household and the individuals of Delta Central Senatorial District, to Uduaghan’s spouse, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his kids and all the Uduaghan household. He additionally commiserated with Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the Delta State Government and the Itsekiri nation over the loss.

Dafinone prayed that Almighty God would grant the bereaved household and the individuals of Delta State the power to bear the loss and grant the deceased everlasting relaxation.

Also, Guwor has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, Guwor mentioned the demise is a good and painful loss to Delta State and the nation, significantly at a time when his expertise and counsel as an elder statesman stay invaluable.

“His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan was a passionate leader whose vision and policies contributed to the development of Delta State and positively affected the lives of many people. His passing is a great loss to the state and the nation,” he mentioned. Guwor, on behalf of his household, the individuals of Warri South-West Constituency and the Delta State House of Assembly, prolonged heartfelt condolences to his spouse, Mrs Roli Uduaghan, his kids, all the Uduaghan household, his buddies, political associates and the individuals of Delta State.

He urged them to take solace within the enduring legacies he left behind.

“On behalf of the Delta State House of Assembly, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of our departed former governor and the entire people of Delta State. We share in their grief over the loss of this distinguished elder statesman and pray that God grants the family and all those mourning the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Guwor mentioned.

The Speaker famous that Uduaghan’s place in Delta’s political historical past is safe, having served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, and Governor from 2007 to 2015. He prayed for the peaceable repose of the previous governor’s soul.

 Tinubu, Governors Mourn Uduaghan, Commiserate With Family, Deltans

President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have mourned the passing of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, extending condolences to his household and the individuals of Delta State.

Uduaghan reportedly died on the age of 71 following a quick sickness.

In a condolence message on Monday, President Tinubu described the late former governor as a public servant whose management was dedicated to the event of Delta State and repair to Nigeria.

The President recalled that Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the Delta State Government earlier than he was elected governor in 2007.

He mentioned Uduaghan’s two-term tenure, which resulted in 2015, positioned him on the centre of the state’s political and developmental journey.

According to Tinubu, the previous governor pursued initiatives to enhance infrastructure, healthcare supply, and the general welfare of the individuals of Delta State throughout his tenure.

The President added that Uduaghan remained energetic within the state’s political and socio-economic panorama after leaving workplace, contributing to democratic governance and public service in Nigeria.

“His passing is a great loss to his family, his community, Delta State, and the nation at large,” Tinubu mentioned.

He urged the individuals of Delta State to attract power from the late governor’s years of service and the enduring relationships he constructed throughout the nation’s political and social panorama.

On behalf of his household, the Federal Government and the individuals of Nigeria, Tinubu prolonged his condolences to Uduaghan’s spouse, Roli; his kids; his cousin and former Delta State Governor, James Ibori; in addition to his buddies and political associates.

He prayed that God would grant the deceased everlasting relaxation and luxury all these mourning him.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed deep sorrow over Uduaghan’s demise, acknowledging his years of public service and his function within the administration of Delta State.

In an announcement issued on Monday and signed by Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, the Director of Media and Strategic Communications of the NGF Secretariat, the discussion board mentioned Uduaghan’s years in workplace represented a major chapter within the state’s governance historical past.

The NGF famous that the previous governor was concerned in advancing Delta State’s growth priorities and public administration throughout his tenure from 2007 to 2015.

The discussion board acknowledged the duties he undertook in main the state, saying his demise was a second of grief for his household, associates and the broader neighborhood.

It prolonged heartfelt condolences to his household and family members, in addition to to others mourning his passing, and expressed solidarity with the individuals of Delta State throughout this troublesome interval.

The NGF additionally expressed hope that recollections of Uduaghan’s life and repair would carry consolation to these affected by his demise.

The discussion board honoured his reminiscence and recognised his place within the historical past of governance in Delta State, and wished these grieving his loss power and fortitude in the course of the interval of mourning.

CAN Mourns Uduaghan, Hails His Role In National Unity

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has mourned former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, and recommended his efforts to advertise dialogue, construct confidence, and protect nationwide unity throughout a interval of political rigidity within the nation.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed the affiliation’s condolences to Uduaghan’s household, the Delta State Government and other people, in addition to others grieving his demise.

In an announcement launched on Monday, Okoh mentioned the previous governor made notable contributions to public service and nation-building, significantly by means of his dedication to dialogue and to selling peaceable engagement.

He mentioned Uduaghan’s function in fostering understanding throughout a interval of heightened political rigidity remained worthy of recognition.

“His commitment to dialogue, confidence-building and the preservation of national unity remains worthy of commendation,” Okoh mentioned.

The CAN president described the previous governor’s demise as a loss to his household and those that valued his contributions to the nation.

He prayed that God would consolation the bereaved household and all these mourning the deceased, and grant him everlasting relaxation.

Natasha Mourns Former Delta Governor Uduaghan, Describes Death As Profound Loss

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has expressed profound grief over the reported demise of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a painful loss to his household, the individuals of Delta State and the nation.

Uduaghan reportedly died on Monday, 19 October 2026, in response to info contained within the condolence assertion.

In an announcement issued to journalists on Monday in Abuja, the senator described the deceased as a revered patriarch, elder statesman and public servant whose life was marked by devotion to his household and contributions to the event of Delta State.

She mentioned his demise had created an irreplaceable void within the lives of his family members and others who had the privilege of understanding him.

“Words are painfully inadequate to express the depth of my sorrow at the passing of His Excellency, Dr Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. His death is a profound loss, and my heart goes out to the entire Uduaghan family at this incredibly difficult moment,” she mentioned.

The senator famous that shedding a household patriarch was significantly painful, because it meant saying goodbye to a beloved determine whose presence, counsel and recollections had turn into an integral a part of the household’s historical past.

“Today, we mourn not merely the passing of a distinguished former governor, but the loss of a father figure, a revered elder and a man whose presence meant so much to those privileged to know him,” she added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan mentioned the ache of such a loss was troublesome to precise in phrases, significantly for a household confronted with the departure of somebody whose life and affect had been woven into its historical past.

The senator additionally acknowledged Uduaghan’s contributions to public administration and governance, noting that his profession positioned him on the centre of Delta State’s political and developmental affairs for a number of years.

Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 earlier than turning into governor in 2007.

He ruled the state for 2 consecutive phrases, leaving workplace in 2015 after eight years on the helm.

Reflecting on his years in public service, Akpoti-Uduaghan mentioned the importance of a public determine’s life prolonged past the interval spent in workplace to incorporate the relationships, recollections and contributions left behind.

“Public office eventually comes to an end, but the memories of a life devoted to service endure. As we grieve his departure, we must also give thanks to God for the years He granted him, the responsibilities he discharged and the legacy he leaves behind,” she mentioned.

She expressed hope that his legacy would stay a supply of power and comfort to his household and others mourning his demise.

The senator prolonged her condolences to the deceased’s relations, buddies, associates, former colleagues and different Nigerians affected by the loss.

She urged the bereaved household to attract power from their cherished recollections of the previous governor, whereas praying for divine consolation and the fortitude to endure the troublesome interval.

“To the Uduaghan family, I pray that the Almighty God will grant you the fortitude to bear this painful loss. May He give you the strength to endure the days of grief, the peace to find comfort in cherished memories, and the grace to celebrate a life that has left an indelible mark on those who knew him,” she mentioned.

She concluded with a prayer for the peaceable repose of the deceased’s soul.

“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” the senator added.

The announcement of the previous governor’s demise was reportedly made on behalf of the household by Toju Anire Uduaghan, who described him as a beloved father, brother, uncle and patriarch.

According to the household assertion, his passing had left relations devastated, with the deceased remembered as a supply of power and a revered elder whose presence can be deeply missed.

The household additionally expressed gratitude to Almighty God for his life and years of service, whereas in search of divine consolation for relations, buddies, associates, former colleagues and others mourning his demise.

For the Uduaghan household, his reported passing represents not solely the lack of a distinguished public determine but additionally the departure of a beloved patriarch whose recollections, values and affect will stay cherished.