FORMER DELTA STATE GOVERNOR EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN DIES AT 71

Former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Chief Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has passed away at the age of 71 following a brief illness.

His passing was officially confirmed in a family statement issued on behalf of the family by Toju Andre Uduaghan. The former governor died three days shy of his 72nd birthday.

“Rest well, our beloved Father, Brother, and Uncle. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,” the family stated.

POLITICAL CAREER AND MEDICAL BACKGROUND

A trained medical doctor and anesthesiologist by profession, Dr. Uduaghan held prominent political offices prior to assuming the governorship of Delta State:

• Tenure as Governor: He served two terms as the 3rd executive Governor of Delta State between May 29, 2007, and May 29, 2015.

• Prior Cabinet Roles: Before his election as governor, Uduaghan served as the Commissioner for Health in Delta State starting in 1999, and subsequently as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under former Governor James Ibori.

• Healthcare Initiatives: During his tenure as governor, he pioneered notable free maternal and under-five healthcare programs across Delta State to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates.

TRIBUTES POUR IN ACROSS POLITICAL LINES

News of his demise has drawn widespread condolences from federal lawmakers, state executives, and political leaders nationwide:

• Senate Condolences: The Senate observed a moment of reflection, expressing deep condolences to the government and people of Delta State over the loss of the elder statesman.

• Funeral Plans: The family noted that further details regarding burial arrangements will be formally communicated to the public in due course.

He is survived by his wife, Roli Uduaghan, and children.