…Says former Gov’s passing marks end of a visionary chapter
Former Nigerian Envoy to Thailand, Ambassador Oma Djebah has expressed profound grief over the demise of former governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, who passed on Monday October 19, 2026.
Oma Djebah who voiced great shock over the news of the demise of the former governor, said the sad development is a huge loss to Delta State, Nigeria, and indeed, all loved ones across various international jurisdictions, adding that the late former governor left a legacy of a huge positive impact.
The former Nigerian envoy described the late former Governor as a visionary statesman and a detribalized leader whose huge legacies of peacebuilding, Human Capital development and infrastructural development in Delta State and Nigeria would remain evergreen in the minds of all.
He added: “I am deeply shocked and saddened over the sad demise of this great leader, a patriot, and a very compassionate administrator who gave his all in his service to Delta State and Nigeria.
“His death has created a void that would be very difficult to fill. I’m still short of words to convey my feelings over this sad loss.”
Amb. Djebah recalled that the late former Governor contributed immensely to the sustainable peace and security in the Niger Delta region, especially in helping to broker enduring peace during the volatile Niger Delta crisis.
“He was resilient, forthright, educated and visionary. He was a great boss, friend, leader and astute administrator. His politics was highly refined. He led from the front, and with his heart”, Djebah said.
He further recalled that late Governor Uduaghan as a trained medical doctor, worked at the Delta Steel Company, Ovwian-Aladja before venturing into politics following his appointment as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, and later as Secretary to the Delta State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He was elected Delta State Governor from 2007 to 2011, and re-elected from 2011 to 2015. Throughout his years in public service, he evinced the great attributes of a public-spirited administrator with visionary commitment to peace and security, human capital development and infrastructural development of Delta State.
Late Gov. Uduaghan envisioned and fostered a Delta beyond Oil by seeking to diversify the State’s overdependence on oil receipts from the federation account. He passed on at the age of 82 on Monday, October 19, according to a statement by his family signed by Toju Anire Uduaghan.
“I’m still short of words to convey my deep condolences. He was a leader with a unique sense of compassion, and a highly detribalized statesman. My condolences and prayers to his family, Delta State, and Nigeria. May God Almighty grant unto him, eternal rest. And may the family, all loved ones have the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss, ” he added.
