The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chiedu Ebie, has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a major loss to Delta State, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.
Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71.
In a condolence message issued on Monday, Ebie described the late former governor as an accomplished medical doctor, seasoned administrator and distinguished statesman whose contributions to the development of Delta State would remain part of the state’s history.
He said Uduaghan’s public service career, which included serving as Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government before becoming governor for two consecutive terms, reflected his commitment to the welfare of the people.
According to Ebie, the deceased’s background in medicine and experience in public administration gave him an understanding of the challenges facing the people and the demands of leadership.
“The news of Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan’s passing has deeply saddened me. His departure is a painful reminder that, no matter how distinguished a life may be, the loss of a loved one leaves a void that words can hardly fill,” he said.
Ebie extended his condolences to the immediate family, friends, associates and people of Delta State, noting that the former governor’s death was a painful moment for all those who valued his contributions to public life.
The NDDC board chairman recalled celebrating Uduaghan’s 70th birthday in October 2024, when he described him as an accomplished public officer who had made appreciable contributions to the development of Delta State.
He said it was particularly heartbreaking that barely two years after celebrating the milestone and wishing the former governor many more years in good health, the state had been confronted with the reality of his death.
Ebie noted that Uduaghan’s experience, wisdom and institutional knowledge remained valuable to Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
“Beyond the offices he occupied and the political milestones he recorded, Dr Uduaghan was a son of Delta whose life was intertwined with the aspirations, challenges and development journey of his people,” he said.
He added that the former governor’s death was not merely a family tragedy but a moment of collective grief for those who appreciated his contributions to public service.
While urging the people to take solace in Uduaghan’s legacy, Ebie said the true measure of a life lay in the lives touched, responsibilities discharged and positive contributions made to society.
“While we mourn his departure, we must also find comfort in the enduring legacy of service he leaves behind,” he said.
On behalf of his family, the NDDC Governing Board and management, Ebie extended condolences to the Uduaghan family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state.
He prayed that God would grant the family the strength to bear the loss, comfort all those affected by the former governor’s death and grant him eternal rest.
Ebie also expressed hope that Uduaghan’s contributions would continue to inspire future generations to serve with dedication, compassion and commitment to the common good.
The condolence message was signed by Jerome-Mario Utomi, media aide to the chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, and dated October 19, 2026.