The Urhobo Progress Union Worldwide has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as “a compassionate leader whose human-centred policies touched lives”.
Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71.
In a condolence message signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kehinde Taiga, the UPU, led by its President-General, Olorogun Ese Gam Owe, extended its sympathies to the deceased’s wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri Nation, and the government and people of Delta State.
“The late former governor was a distinguished medical doctor, statesman and public servant who understood the importance of placing human welfare at the centre of governance,” the union stated.
It recalled that before becoming governor, Uduaghan served as Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government before governing Delta State from 2007 to 2015.
The union highlighted some of the programmes introduced during his administration, including free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five, the mass transit scheme popularly known as Uduaghan Buses, and initiatives aimed at improving education, infrastructure and human capital development.
It also acknowledged his Delta Beyond Oil vision, which sought to diversify the state’s economy through agriculture, tourism, investment and other productive sectors.
While noting that history would continue to assess the achievements and challenges of his administration, the UPU said his contributions to healthcare, transportation and economic development remained part of Delta State’s political history.
The union also called on Deltans, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations, to support the bereaved family and sustain the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence.
It prayed to God to grant the family, the Itsekiri Nation and the people of Delta State the strength to bear the loss, while praying for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul.