Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, was a medical doctor and former governor of Delta State, served two terms as the state’s chief executive from 2007 to 2015.
He died after an undisclosed illness at the age of 71.
Here are seven facts about his life and career
He was born in Warri North, Delta State
Uduaghan was born on 22 October 1954 in Warri North Local Government Area of present-day Delta State. He was of Itsekiri origin.
He studied medicine at the University of Benin
He attended Federal Government College, Warri, from 1968 to 1974 before proceeding to the University of Benin, where he studied medicine from 1975 to 1980. He obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree and a Diploma in Anaesthesia.
Read also: Former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan is dead
He worked as a medical doctor before entering politics
Uduaghan began his professional career as a medical officer at Delta Steel Company in 1983. Between 1989 and 1994, he worked at hospitals including Westend Hospital in Warri, Benoni Hospitals in Benin City and Shell Hospital in Ogunu, where he worked as a consultant anaesthesiologist. He established a private medical practice in 1994.
He served as Delta State Commissioner for Health
Before becoming governor, Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health under Governor James Ibori. He was subsequently appointed Secretary to the State Government in 2003.
He governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015
Uduaghan assumed office as governor on 29 May 2007 and was re-elected in 2011. He served two terms under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leaving office on 29 May 2015. He was succeeded by Ifeanyi Okowa.
His political career included a move to the APC and a return to the PDP
Uduaghan was associated with the PDP before joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018. In 2020, he returned to the PDP.
His career spanned medicine and public service
Before his eight years as governor, Uduaghan worked in medical practice and held public office as Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government. His career brought together healthcare and state-level political leadership.
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