Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd) has mourned the passing of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his death as a painful loss.
Nesiama, who paid a condolence visit to the late governor’s residence, extended his sympathies to his wife, Roli Uduaghan, children and the entire Uduaghan family.
Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, and his remains arrived in Delta State on Tuesday.
Speaking with journalists during the visit, Nesiama said he had expected the former governor to live longer, despite his health challenges.
“It is a painful loss because we expected him to live longer. But death is something everyone must face. He is now resting, but we are left to mourn his passing,” he said.
He added, “All I can say is that God will bless his soul and comfort his family.”
Nesiama recalled his longstanding relationship with Uduaghan, noting that they had known each other for many years, even before the latter became governor.
He said their relationship dated back to when Uduaghan practised as a medical doctor at Westend Clinic, where he worked alongside Nesiama’s younger sister. He added that their children also attended the same school.
The retired commodore, popularly known as the “Commodore of Hope,” said Uduaghan had mentored him on the importance of being actively involved in his children’s upbringing, particularly during their school years.
According to him, the former governor demonstrated this commitment even while in office, making time to attend his children’s school visiting days despite his demanding schedule.
“I remember when he was a sitting governor; he would come to the visiting day of his children and sit down there till the very end, when they would say parents should be going home.
“When we met there sometimes and I wanted to leave, he would just say, ‘No, where are you going? This is one time you have for your children. Stay,’” Nesiama recalled.
He said the experience changed his own approach to parenting, making him realise that if a sitting governor could sacrifice his busy schedule to spend time with his children, he had no reason to miss such opportunities.
“So, I ended up staying. Eventually, I said to myself, if a governor could sacrifice his busy schedule and attend his children’s visiting day, I would have no reason to miss mine. Today, my children also recognise that fact,” he said.
Nesiama described the lesson as one of the significant ways Uduaghan influenced his life, adding that he would continue to appreciate the former governor for the example he set.
He said although they might have had differences on some issues, they shared a common understanding of the importance of responsible parenting.
“That is one area that I learnt from him, and I naturally applaud him for it, even as he has departed us,” he added.