DOPF Mourns Dr. Uduaghan, Recalls Late Governor’s Contribution To Annual Lecture Series On Niger Delta Economy

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has recalled the contribution of the late former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, to its Annual Lecture Series, highlighting his participation in the 2021 forum that examined pathways to economic transformation in the Niger Delta.

In a condolence statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and jointly signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, and Secretary, Shedrack Onitsha, DOPF expressed sympathy with the Uduaghan family and described the former governor’s death as a loss to Delta State and the wider region.

The Forum identified Uduaghan’s appearance at its annual lecture in October 2021 as a notable moment in its institutional history. He delivered the third lecture in the series under the theme, “Niger Delta Economy: Building a New Face for the Region.”

The lecture focused on the need to diversify the Niger Delta economy and strengthen the foundations for sustainable development beyond dependence on crude oil. In his address, Uduaghan advocated greater investment in industrialisation, infrastructure and human capital, alongside efforts to create a more favourable environment for businesses and investors.

DOPF said his participation reflected the value of bringing experienced public officeholders and other stakeholders into discussions about the region’s economic challenges and development prospects.

The Forum noted that such conversations remain important to the Niger Delta, where questions of economic diversification, employment, infrastructure and the effective use of natural resources continue to shape public debate.

Beyond its tribute to the former governor, DOPF reaffirmed the role of professional journalism in encouraging informed discussion, holding institutions accountable and giving public-interest issues sustained attention.

Uduaghan served Delta State as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, and Governor from 2007 to 2015. He died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, according to an announcement by his family.

The Forum extended condolences to his wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children, the wider Uduaghan family, political associates and the people of Delta State, particularly the Itsekiri nation.

It prayed that God would comfort the bereaved family and grant the late former governor eternal rest.

DOPF said it would continue to promote responsible journalism and constructive public engagement on governance, accountability and sustainable development across Delta State and the Niger Delta.

**Says Its Implications For Coastal Communities Must Be Considered

By: Celestine Ukah

The Member representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, has moved a motion calling for the need to review the proposed realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and its implications for coastal communities.

The House noted that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a strategic Federal Government infrastructure project intended to strengthen connectivity along Nigeria’s coastline, facilitate interstate commerce, promote economic integration and unlock the development potential of coastal communities.

According to Chief Ereyitomi, the House is aware that the Federal Government has identified difficult geotechnical and environmental conditions, including swampy terrain, weak subgrades and challenging subsoil conditions, as reasons informing the proposed realignment of portions of the highway.

The House is also concerned that the proposed realignment may compromise the project’s original connectivity and economic development objectives if its comparative engineering requirements, environmental consequences, socio-economic implications and total lifecycle costs are not independently assessed.

It further raised concern that the proposed realignment bypasses the riverine communities of Delta State, particularly the Ogheye-Orere-Ugborodo-Escravos corridor, which hosts the Chevron tank farm and Escravos Gas-to-Liquids (EGTL) plant, and other coastal communities hosting strategic oil and gas infrastructure and vital domestic flow stations that contribute significantly to Nigeria’s crude oil exports, foreign exchange earnings, energy supply and national economic development.

The House expressed that retaining the original coastal alignment would strengthen access to critical economic hubs, improve the movement of personnel, equipment and commercial goods, support the development of connecting roads and related infrastructure, and broaden the highway’s potential economic benefits, thereby reinforcing the case for preserving its coastal character.

It also noted that any assessment of alternative alignments should consider the full costs of construction, including additional road distance, bridges, ground improvement, environmental mitigation, compensation, flood resilience and long-term maintenance, while recognizing that specialized engineering solutions, including soil stabilization, geosynthetics, piled foundations, reinforced embankments and elevated viaducts, may offer potential options for addressing difficult terrain, subject to site-specific technical and environmental assessments.

Desirous of ensuring that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway retains its intended coastal connectivity and developmental purpose, while ensuring that engineering feasibility, environmental sustainability, financial prudence, value for money and the interests of affected coastal communities are adequately addressed through a transparent, evidence-based and independently reviewed process, the House resolves to:

(i) Urge the Federal Ministry of Works to review the proposed realignment and retain the originally conceptualized Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway alignment through the Ondo, Escravos-Ogheye-Ugborodo corridor; and

(ii) Mandate the Committee on Works to ensure implementation and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

Abigborodo Youth President, Kpenosen, Others Mourn Former Governor Uduaghan

The National President of Abigborodo Youth Worldwide, Comrade Engr. Great Kpenosen, alongside his executive and members, has expressed shock over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, at the age of 71.

Engr. Kpenosen, while mourning the demise of the former governor, described him as an illustrious son of Abigborodo in Warri North Local Government Area who distinguished himself as one of the most peaceful and detribalised Deltans.

According to him, the death of Dr. Uduaghan is a great loss not only to Abigborodo community but to Delta State and Nigeria at large, given his immense contributions to peace, development and unity during and after his tenure as governor.

He prayed for the repose of Dr. Uduaghan’s soul and for God to grant the family, the people of Abigborodo and the entire state the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of the most peaceful and detribalised governor of Delta State.

World Public Relations Forum 2026:: Delta NIPR Presents Outfits to State Contingent

The Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has presented outfits to the state contingent participating in the 2026 World Public Relations Forum (WPRF), with Chief Patrick Ukah, a member of the chapter and the institute’s Governing Council, receiving the items on behalf of the contingent.

The presentation was made on Monday, October 19, 2026, by the chapter chairman, Mr Godfrey C. Osakwe, on behalf of the executive, at Chief Ukah’s office at the Delta State Secretariat Annex.

Ukah, a former chairman of the Delta State NIPR Chapter and member of the WPRF National Planning Committee, expressed appreciation to the chapter for the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of support and commitment to the successful participation of the state contingent.

He commended Osakwe and members of the chapter’s executive for their thoughtfulness, noting that the initiative would help promote a strong and professional identity for Delta State at the international forum.

“I am truly touched by the thoughtful gesture of the Delta State NIPR Chapter in presenting outfits to our state contingent ahead of the World Public Relations Forum 2026.

“My sincere appreciation goes to the Chapter Chairman, Mr Godfrey C. Osakwe, and the entire executive for this show of support and commitment.

“As we prepare for the forum in Abuja from November 15 to 21, 2026, let us work together to showcase the best of Delta State and project our identity, potential and achievements to the world,” he said.

Ukah said the week-long international gathering would provide Delta State with an important platform to enhance its visibility, showcase its developmental achievements and highlight its potential before a global audience.

The WPRF is expected to bring together public relations practitioners and communication experts from different parts of the world, providing opportunities for professional networking, knowledge exchange and discussions on emerging trends in the public relations industry.

The presentation underscores the Delta State NIPR Chapter’s commitment to ensuring that the state contingent is appropriately represented at the forum while projecting a positive image of Delta State on the international stage.

The chapter is expected to leverage the gathering to strengthen professional relationships, exchange ideas with industry practitioners and promote the state’s identity and achievements to the global public relations community.

Uduaghan’s Legacies Will Not Be Forgotten- Oborevwori As he Pays Condolence Visit To Family

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has visited the family of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON to offer his condolences, following the death of the former governor on Monday at the age of 71.

Oborevwori, who was accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, and top government functionaries, described the late Uduaghan as a great leader whose contributions to the development of Delta State would remain indelible.

The governor had earlier joined family members and other dignitaries, including Uduaghan’s daughter, Orode, and former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, to receive the former governor’s remains at Osubi Airport.

Speaking during the condolence visit to Uduaghan’s widow, Mrs Roli Uduaghan and family members, Oborevwori said the outpouring of grief and the large number of people who gathered to mourn the former governor reflected the impact he had made on many lives.

He recalled his relationship with the deceased, describing him as his former boss and a man who played a significant role in his political journey.

“He was my boss. He gave me the highest political appointment, Special Adviser, in 2007. That is something that really touches my heart. You are all aware that he supported me throughout this journey,” the governor said.

Oborevwori described Uduaghan as a calm, articulate and thoughtful leader who made significant contributions to the development of the state.

According to him, the number of people who turned out to receive the late governor’s remains and those who visited his family was evidence of the lives he had touched through public service and political appointments.

The governor particularly commended Uduaghan for building the Asaba International Airport, noting that the Airport has become one of the deceased former Governor’s legacies and an enduring asset to the state.

He said Uduaghan’s decision to build development projects beyond narrow ethnic considerations demonstrated his commitment to the overall progress of Delta State.

Oborevwori said his administration would continue to recognise and preserve worthy projects inherited from previous administrations.

He cited the ongoing modification of the Effurun Roundabout Flyover as examples of the need to sustain existing infrastructure while making improvements where necessary.

“He has gone, but he can never be forgotten by Deltans,” Oborevwori said.

Earlier, the governor had signed the condolence register, expressing sadness over former Governor Uduaghan’s death and commiserated with the bereaved family and people of Delta State.

In his tribute, Oborevwori wrote: “I am saddened by the demise of the former Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. He was a great boss. I commiserate with his beloved wife, children, family members and Deltans over this great loss.

“May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Your impact in Delta can never be forgotten. Asamaigor, RIP.”

The governor’s visit came amidst widespread expressions of grief over the death of Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015.

Umeh Declares Friday October 23, Mourning Day for Uduaghan, Bans Trading, Farming

The Regent-elect of Umeh Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, HRH Meshack Rockson Owhe, has declared Friday, October 23, a day of mourning in honour of the late former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

Owhe, who announced the decision in a condolence tribute on behalf of the people of Umeh, said the community would suspend trading, farming and all ceremonies from dawn to dusk in recognition of Uduaghan’s contributions to its development.

He described the late former governor, who died on October 19 at the age of 71, as a patriot, distinguished Deltan and one of the most illustrious sons of the Itsekiri nation, whose legacy of service would remain indelible in Delta State and beyond.

The traditional ruler-elect recalled Uduaghan’s special relationship with Umeh, noting that the former governor’s visit to the community on August 24, 2011, following the Umeh Need Road Facebook advocacy, marked a turning point in its history.

According to him, Umeh was then a largely undeveloped agrarian community that had remained without a road despite years of appeals to successive governments, dating back to the former Bendel State.

He said Uduaghan’s decision to embark on the construction of the Umeh Road ended decades of frustration and opened a new chapter in the community’s development.

“Uduaghan came, saw and became our prince in shining armour,” Owhe said, recalling that the road was completed in 2015 and commissioned on February 14 of that year.

He described the project as a dream come true for the people, who had long yearned for a motorable road to connect their community with other parts of Isoko land.

Owhe disclosed that during the commissioning of the road, his father and immediate past king of Umeh Kingdom, HRM Ambrose Odiri Owhe, adopted Uduaghan as a son of the community and conferred on him the traditional title of Ovie-Elo of Umeh Kingdom.

He said Uduaghan’s contributions to Umeh went beyond road construction, adding that the former governor also facilitated the upgrading and rehabilitation of a primary school in the community.

The late governor, he added, further demonstrated his commitment to the traditional institution by appointing the late monarch, Ambrose Odiri Owhe, to the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, thereby strengthening his role as custodian of the kingdom’s culture and traditions.

Describing Uduaghan’s death as a painful loss, the regent-elect said the people of Umeh would remain grateful for the development projects and personal relationship the former governor established with the community.

He said the kingdom would also observe the three-day mourning period declared by the Delta State Government from October 19, with flags flown at half-mast, while extending its own mourning observance to Friday.

Owhe noted that Uduaghan’s death marked the end of an era in Delta State, the South-South region and Nigeria, recalling his years of service as a medical doctor, commissioner for health, secretary to the state government and two-term governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015.

He extended the community’s condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, grandchildren, siblings and the entire Uduaghan family of Abigborodo.

“May you find solace in the extraordinary legacy of honour and service that our Ovie-Elo bequeathed,” he said.

He signed off the tribute with the words, “Adieu, Asaimagor,” in honour of the late former governor.

Delta APC To Inaugurate Campaign Council, Thursday

The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will on Thursday, October 22, inaugurate its campaign council at The Dome Event Centre, Asaba, as the party strengthens its campaign structure ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party in a notice issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Valentine Onojeghuo, Tuesday, said the inauguration, scheduled for 11am, will be presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who is the Chairman of the Campaign Council, naming Senator James Manager as the Director-General.

The event is expected to bring together party leaders, stakeholders, members of the campaign council and other invited guests.

It called on members of the campaign council, party leaders, stakeholders and invited guests to attend the inauguration and be punctual.

The notice described the event as an important step towards strengthening the party’s campaign machinery and advancing its objectives.

Delta Has Lost a Great Leader, Ukah, Mourns Former Governor Uduaghan 

The Director-General of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, Chief Patrick Ukah, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a painful loss to the state and the people he served.

Ukah, a former Commissioner for Information and Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, as well as former Secretary to the State Government, said the news of Uduaghan’s death was deeply saddening and a personal loss, noting that his thoughts and prayers were with the bereaved family at this difficult time.

He said Uduaghan devoted many years to serving Delta State, adding that his contributions to the growth and development of the state would remain an enduring part of its history.

According to him, the former governor’s death was a great loss, not only to his immediate family but also to Delta State and the many people whose lives were touched by his years of public service.

Ukah extended his heartfelt condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children, the entire Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and Deltans in general.

He prayed that God would grant the family the strength and comfort to bear the irreparable loss, while asking the Almighty to grant the late former governor eternal rest.

“Rest in peace, Dr Uduaghan. You will be remembered for your service to our dear state,” Ukah said.