The Senate on Wednesday paid tribute to former Delta governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, acknowledging his contributions to healthcare, infrastructure, economic development, and peacebuilding in the Niger Delta.
The tribute formed part of a motion sponsored by Sen. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South) and co-sponsored by Sen. Ned Nwoko (Delta North), Sen. Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) and Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central).
Uduaghan, who governed Delta from 2007 to 2015, died on Oct. 19, three days before his 72nd birthday.
Moving the motion, Thomas described his death as a significant loss to Delta and Nigeria, while recalling his contributions to healthcare, education and infrastructure.
He noted with profound grief the death of Uduaghan, a medical practitioner and statesman who was born on Oct. 22, 1954, in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta.
“Uduaghan obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from the University of Benin.”
The lawmaker noted that his public service career included serving as Delta Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, and governor from 2007 to 2015.
Thomas also noted that his administration pursued peace and reconciliation in the Niger Delta through engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders.
Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) recalled collaborating with other South-South governors to establish the BRACED Commission to promote regional economic cooperation.
Oshiomhole said Uduaghan’s commitment to regional development extended beyond social engagements, noting that the initiative sought to harness the region’s natural resources and human capital for economic growth.
Sen. Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) said Uduaghan would be remembered for his humility and service, adding that his years in public office touched many lives.
Sen. Francis Faduyile (Ondo South) described the deceased as a role model in the medical profession, recalling his contributions to healthcare institutions and health-sector discussions.
Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central), who described the deceased as her in-law, said he was compassionate, patient and always willing to offer wise counsel.
She said his death was a significant loss to the family and all those who benefited from his guidance and support.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recalled their collaboration as governors in promoting regional cooperation, economic diversification and peace in the Niger Delta.
Akpabio said Uduaghan was among the leaders who supported initiatives to strengthen the region’s economy beyond its dependence on crude oil.
He also recalled their collective efforts, alongside the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, to address militancy in the Niger Delta through the presidential amnesty programme.
Akpabio said the amnesty initiative helped restore relative peace, creating a more favourable environment for investment and economic activities in the region.
He described Uduaghan as a leader who made sacrifices for Delta through his service as commissioner, secretary to the state government and governor.
The Senate, in its resolution, observed a minute of silence in honour of the deceased and commiserated with his family, the Itsekiri nation, the Delta State Government and the people of the state.
It also urged the Delta State Government to preserve records of significant programmes and development initiatives implemented during his administration as part of the state’s institutional history.
Discussion0