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.

Your Re-election as NUJ Delta Chairman Speaks Volumes of Professionalism, Unity – NDP Candidate Hails Oyowe

By: Celestine Ukah 

The National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Comrade Chief Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has congratulated the re-elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, on his victory.

In a congratulatory message, Comrade Mulade described Oyowe’s re-election as a true reflection of his professionalism, integrity and commitment to unity within the union.

According to Mulade, Oyowe’s return reflects the overwhelming trust that journalists across Delta State have in his purposeful leadership style and capacity to reposition the NUJ for greater achievements.

He commended members of the NUJ Delta State Council for their peaceful conduct during the election, noting that the unity displayed is a positive signal for the growth of journalism in Delta’ state.

Mulade, who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, urged the re-elected chairman to sustain his efforts in promoting press freedom, ethical journalism and the welfare of journalists, while building bridges with critical stakeholders in the state.

He prayed for, God strength, wisdom and a successful second term tenure for Comrade Oyowe and his executive, assuring of his continued support for the NUJ in Delta State.

COMRADE MULADE MOURN TRANSITION OF A STATESMAN: TRIBUTE TO HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. EMMANUEL EWETA UDUAGHAN, CON (1954 – 2026)

COMRADE MULADE SHERIFF PhD, National Democratic Party NDP Candidate and Coordinator, CENTER FOR PEACE AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (CEPEJ)

It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Management, Staff and Volunteers of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), and on behalf of the peace-loving people of Warri Federal Constituency, the Niger Delta, received the sad news of the passing of our leader, father and elder statesman, *His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON*, former Governor of Delta State, who transited to glory in the early hours of *Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71*, just three days to his 72nd birthday.

This is not just the death of a former Governor. It is the fall of an Iroko, the exit of a political colossus, and a monumental loss to Delta State, the Itsekiri Nation, the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

A LIFE DEFINED BY SERVICE: FROM HOSPITAL TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Dr. Uduaghan was born on *October 22, 1954*, in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, to the Royal Uduaghan Family of Itsekiri extraction. He lived a life defined by uncommon service to humanity.

A brilliant medical scholar, he attended Federal Government College, Warri (1968-1974) and the University of Benin (1975-1980), where he obtained his MBBS and Diploma in Anaesthesia. He worked meritoriously as a Consultant Anaesthesiologist at the Delta Steel Company Medical Centre, Westend Hospital Warri, Benoni Hospital Benin City and Shell Hospital Ogunu, before establishing his own successful private practice in Warri in 1994.

His public service journey remains exemplary and a lesson in loyalty, diligence and competence:

– *1999 – 2003: Commissioner for Health, Delta State* under Chief James Onanefe Ibori, where he revolutionized healthcare delivery, improved the welfare of medical personnel and upgraded general hospitals across the state.

– *2003 – 2007: Secretary to the State Government (SSG)*, where he served as the engine room, the stabilizer and the bridge of the Ibori administration, mastering the art of governance and statecraft.

– *2007 – 2015: Executive Governor of Delta State* on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), serving two full terms before handing over to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on May 29, 2015.

THE TALK AND DO GOVERNOR: A LEGACY THAT SPEAKS

Dr. Uduaghan was not a governor who made noise; his projects made the noise for him. That was why Deltans fondly and unanimously christened him *”The Talk and Do Governor.”*

His administration was anchored on his famous *Three-Point Agenda: Peace and Security, Human Capital Development, and Infrastructure Development*, and his visionary *”Delta Beyond Oil” Initiative*.

Long before Nigeria began to debate economic diversification and energy transition, Dr. Uduaghan saw tomorrow. Through Delta Beyond Oil, he dared to dream of a Delta that could survive without crude oil by investing massively in Agriculture, Tourism, Entertainment, SMEs and Industrialization.

His achievements are too numerous to list, but history will forever remember him for:

1. PEACE AND SECURITY:

He was a major pillar behind the Federal Government’s Niger Delta Amnesty Programme under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. His peace-building model in Warri and the creeks restored lasting peace, ended militancy and directly led to the increase of Nigeria’s crude oil production from 700,000 barrels per day to over 2.4 million barrels per day. Without his peace, there would have been no development.

2. INFRASTRUCTURAL GIANT:

He gave Delta the *Asaba International Airport*, which today connects Delta to the world. He expanded the Osubi Airstrip, opened up Asaba capital territory with dualized roads, massive drainage and the Asaba-Onitsha corridor, and constructed thousands of kilometers of roads from Warri to Asaba, Ughelli to Agbor, Sapele to Ozoro and Oleh.

3. HUMAN CAPITAL & HEALTH REVOLUTION:

As a medical doctor, his heart was with the people. He introduced *Free Maternal Healthcare for pregnant women and Free Healthcare for Children Under 5*, which reduced maternal mortality from 545 per 100,000 live births in 2007 to 241 in 2012. He built the world-class *Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara (DELSUTH)*, 13 Model Secondary Schools and 54 Model Primary Schools across the state.

4. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT:

He instituted the First-Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme of N5 Million per annum for postgraduate studies abroad. His deliberate investment in youth produced the Commissioners, Lawmakers and Leaders we see today.

He was honoured with the *Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)* and named Vanguard Man of the Year 2013.

*OUR FAREWELL*

At CEPEJ, we will forever remember Dr. Uduaghan as a peace-loving leader who always opened his doors to Civil Society Organizations and youth groups. He was a father to me personally and a strong supporter of environmental justice and peace advocacy in the Niger Delta.

To his beloved wife, *Her Excellency, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan*, his children, his brother and political father, *Chief James Onanefe Ibori*, the Governor of Delta State, *Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori*, the Uduaghan Royal Family of Abigborodo, and the entire Itsekiri Nation, we extend our deepest condolences.

You came, you saw, you touched lives, and you conquered. You fought a good fight. You finished your course. You kept the faith.

May Almighty God grant your noble soul eternal rest in His bosom and grant all of us the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

Goodnight, Your Excellency.
Goodnight, The Talk and Do Governor.
Goodnight, Ewo of Warri Kingdom!

ADIEU!

Signed:

Comrade Mulade Sheriff PhD
NDP, Candidate for Warri Federal Constituency and Coordinator, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ)
Warri, Delta State.

Tompolo Grieves As Uduaghan dies at 71,  Recalls Former Governor’s Role During Niger Delta Amnesty Era

High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has expressed sadness over the reported death of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

Tompolo, in a condolence message signed by his Media Consultant, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, on Monday, October 19, 2026, said he received the news of the former governor’s death with profound sadness, noting that it was an unexpected development.

The Ijaw leader recalled Uduaghan’s involvement in efforts to address militancy in the Niger Delta, particularly his support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme and pipeline surveillance arrangements during the administrations of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to Tompolo, the former governor’s role during that period remains a significant part of the history of engagements aimed at addressing unrest and promoting stability in the oil-producing region.

He said Uduaghan would be greatly missed, extending his condolences to the bereaved family, political associates and others affected by the loss.

Tompolo prayed that God would grant the family and all those mourning the former governor the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.

Chief Ekpemupolo Grieves Over Passing Of Former Delta Governor Uduaghan

High Chief Dr. Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has expressed grief over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

High Chief Ekpemupolo, who received the news of the death of the former two-term Governor Monday October 19, 2026, as announced by the family, said he received it with deep sadness, noting that he was not expecting the sad news at this time.

Tompolo recalled the role of the former governor during the days of militancy in the Niger Delta, and how he supported the Presidential Amnesty Programme and the pipeline surveillance job awarded during the administrations of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a press release made available to Newsmen through Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Media Consultant to High Chief Dr. Government Ekpemupolo, said former governor Uduaghan will be greatly missed.

High Chief Ekpemupolo prayed God to give the family and others the fortitude to bear this great loss.

It’s too sad to believe, Opuoru reacts to Former Governor Uduaghan’s passing

Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Environment, Hon. Matthew Poko Opuoru, has described the reported passing of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, as too sad to believe.

Reports of the ex – Delta State Governor’s death, started circulating in the media at about midday Monday October 19.

Hon. Opuoru, who represented Warri South Constituency II in Delta State House of Assembly between 2019 to 2023, in a statement Monday afternoon, recalled his political ascendency under Dr. Uduaghan as governor of Delta State.

” He appointed me as Special Assistant, Special Duties and later elevated me to the position of Hon. Commissioner, Special Duties, DESOPADEC.

” Since the creation of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has been the only governor, that has appointed two Commissioners from Warri South Local Government Area, one Itsekiri and the other Urhobo” Hon. Opuoru, stated.

According to him, Dr. Uduaghan, sacrificed everything to ensure peaceful coexistence amongst the three major ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency, apart from his achievements in terms of healthcare delivery, transportation, human capital and educational developments as well as execution of strategic infrastructures across Delta State.

Hon. Opuoru, a prominent Chief in Okere – Urhobo Kingdom, Warri, condoled members of the Uduaghan family and Deltans as a whole, saying Dr. Uduaghan’s legacy of peaceful coexistence, should serve as template to people of different tribes, region and religion across the country.

Warri Federal Rep Member, Ereyitomi Mourns Demise of Former Governor Uduaghan

By: Celestine Ukah

The member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, has mourned the demise of former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.

Dr. Uduaghan, who served as Governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died in the early hours of Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, three days to his 72nd birthday. His death was announced by his family in Warri.

In a condolence message, Hon. Chief Ereyitomi described the late former governor as an elder statesman, Medical Doctor and father figure whose years in public service left lasting marks on Delta State.

Rep Ereyitomi said Uduaghan was a proud son of Warri North and the Itsekiri nation, who rose from Commissioner for Health in (1999-2003), to Secretary to the State Government SSG (2003-2007), before becoming Governor.

He noted that the former governor’s “Delta Beyond Oil” agenda and his commitment to human and infrastructural development will be remembered.

The Federal lawmaker commiserated with the Uduaghan family, his wife, children, the Itsekiri nation, the Delta State Government and all Deltans, praying God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort to those mourning him.

Dr. Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954 in Warri North Local Government Area.

Rt. Hon. Ereyitomi prayed God to grant the Soul of the departed former governor Uduaghan eternal rest.

Oborevwori Mourns Passage of Uduaghan, Says He Was A Detribalised Leader

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed sadness over the death of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, describing him as a detribalised leader whose contributions to the development of the state would not be forgotten.

Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, according to a statement issued by his family.

In a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori sympathised with the late governor’s wife, Roli, his children, the entire Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation and Deltans over the painful loss.

The governor recalled Uduaghan’s years in office, noting that he made significant contributions to infrastructure development in the state.

He described the former governor as a leader who looked beyond ethnic differences and worked for the overall development of Delta State.

Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007 before becoming governor in May 2007. He served two terms, leaving office in 2015.

Oborevwori said Uduaghan’s years in public service had left a good mark on the state, adding that his death was a loss to Delta and the country at large.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul and asked God to comfort his wife, children, family members, the Itsekiri nation and all those grieving his death.

Delta Targets 100,000 Small Scale Businesses with N5bn Grassroots Empowerment Across 500 Wards

The Delta State Government has commenced a N5 billion grassroots empowerment programme targeting no fewer than 100,000 small-scale business owners and other beneficiaries across the state’s 500 wards.

Under the scheme, which is intended to stimulate economic activities and improve living conditions in families and communities, each beneficiary is expected to receive N50,000, with distribution channelled through local government councillors.

Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment(Projects and Policies), Mr Olisa Ifeajika, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Asaba, and said that the initiative was designed to complement the administration’s investments in infrastructure with direct financial support for residents.

Ifeajika explained that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori considered direct economic assistance to the people necessary, after providing roads, bridges, schools, healthcare facilities and other critical infrastructure across the state.

“Having provided critical infrastructure across the state, the governor realised that the people are yearning for something more that touches their lives directly.

“He understands that, as much as the people need airports, flyovers and roads, they also need some money in their pockets,” he said.

According to him, the governor directed councillors across the state to empower at least 200 people in each ward, leveraging their proximity to communities to reach beneficiaries at the grassroots.

With 500 wards in Delta, the programme targets 100,000 beneficiaries and total financial outlay of N5 billion.

Ifeajika said the intervention would help small-scale entrepreneurs to sustain their businesses while providing additional financial support for households and their extended families.

He added that the scheme reflected the administration’s determination to make the impact of governance felt beyond physical infrastructure, noting that further empowerment initiatives would be introduced in the months and years ahead.

“The lives of Deltans matter to the governor. He tells us that all the time, and he describes himself as the servant of everybody,” he said.

He urged residents to continue supporting the administration as it pursued its development agenda, combining infrastructure delivery with initiatives intended to improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities across the state.