Delta has lost a distinguished statesman, compassionate leader — Ebie mourns Uduaghan

Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Chiedu Ebie, has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a painful loss to Delta State, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.

Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71. His passing has brought an end to a remarkable chapter in the political and developmental history of Delta State, leaving behind memories of public service, leadership and commitment to the welfare of his people.

According to the ,Media Aide to the Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Jerome-Mario Utomi, in a condolence message, Ebie described the late former Governor as an accomplished medical doctor, seasoned administrator and distinguished statesman whose contributions to the development of Delta State would remain an enduring part of the state’s history.

He noted that Uduaghan’s life represented a worthy example of service to humanity, having served Delta State in different capacities, including as Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government and, ultimately, Governor for two consecutive terms.

According to Ebie, the late former Governor’s professional background in medicine and extensive experience in public administration equipped him with a unique understanding of the challenges confronting the people and the responsibilities of leadership.

“The news of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan’s passing has deeply saddened me. His departure is a painful reminder that, no matter how distinguished a life may be, the loss of a loved one leaves a void that words can hardly fill. My heart goes out to his immediate family, friends, associates and the good people of Delta State at this difficult moment,” Ebie said.

The NDDC Board Chairman recalled that, in October 2024, he had the privilege of celebrating Uduaghan’s 70th birthday, when he described him as an accomplished public officer who had made appreciable contributions to the development of Delta State.

Ebie observed that it was particularly heartbreaking that, barely two years after celebrating the former Governor’s milestone birthday and wishing him many more years in good health and sound mind, the state and its people were now confronted with the painful reality of his passing.

He said the loss was made even more poignant by the fact that Uduaghan’s experience, wisdom and institutional knowledge remained valuable assets to Delta State and the Niger Delta region.

“Beyond the offices he occupied and the political milestones he recorded, Dr. Uduaghan was a son of Delta whose life was intertwined with the aspirations, challenges and development journey of his people. His passing is not merely a family tragedy; it is a moment of collective grief for all who valued his contributions to public life.

“While we mourn his departure, we must also find comfort in the enduring legacy of service he leaves behind. The true measure of a life is not simply the number of years lived, but the lives touched, the responsibilities discharged and the positive footprints left on the sands of time.

“On behalf of my family, members of the Governing Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Uduaghan family, the government and people of Delta State, and all who mourn this painful loss.

“I pray that Almighty God grants the family the strength to bear this irreparable loss, comforts everyone affected by his passing and grants our departed leader eternal rest.

“May his memory remain a blessing and may the contributions of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan continue to inspire future generations to serve with dedication, compassion and a genuine commitment to the common good,” Ebie stated.