Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has died at the age of 71 after a brief illness, bringing to an end a political career that spanned several key positions in the state’s government.
The Uduaghan family announced his death in a statement signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan on Monday saying the former governor died earlier that morning.
The family described his death as a devastating loss, remembering him as a father figure, respected elder and public servant whose contributions touched many lives across Delta State and Nigeria.
Uduaghan served as governor of Delta State from 2007 to 2015, overseeing eight years of administration during which his government pursued human and infrastructural development initiatives.
Before becoming governor, he served as the state’s Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 and later as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007. These positions placed him at the centre of Delta State’s political and administrative affairs for more than a decade.
His emergence as governor followed years of involvement in the state’s public service, giving him experience in both policy implementation and government administration before assuming the state’s highest executive office.
In their statement, the family said his years in public service reflected a commitment to the development of Delta State, adding that his death would be deeply felt by relatives, associates, former colleagues and residents of the state.
“We are grateful to Almighty God for his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind,” the statement said.
The family also prayed for the repose of his soul and for strength for those mourning his death, describing him as a man whose memory would remain in the hearts of those he touched.
Uduaghan’s death marks the loss of a former state chief executive who occupied several influential government positions during a significant period in Delta State’s political history.
As tributes are expected to follow, his years in public office are likely to remain a central part of the assessment of his contribution to the state and its people.