The Senate has mourned the death of former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, who died on October 19, 2026, three days before his 72nd birthday.
The Senate urged the Delta State Government to preserve records of major programmes and development initiatives implemented during Uduaghan’s administration from 2007 to 2015, describing them as an important part of the state’s institutional and developmental history.
The Senate adopted the resolutions on Wednesday during plenary following a motion titled “Demise of His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, Former Governor of Delta State (2007–2015).”
The motion was sponsored by Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas (APC, Delta South) and co-sponsored by Senators Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central) and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central).
The lawmakers expressed condolences to the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation, the Delta State Government and people, as well as all those affected by his death.
They also observed a minute of silence in honour of the former governor, in recognition of his years of service to Delta State and Nigeria, while praying to Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, friends and the people of Delta State the strength to bear the loss.
Presenting the motion, Onowakpo described Uduaghan as a distinguished medical practitioner, statesman and public servant whose contributions spanned healthcare, education, infrastructure, economic diversification, sports development and peacebuilding.
The Senate recalled that Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954, in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.
He studied medicine at the University of Benin before venturing into public administration.
His public service career included his appointment as Delta State Commissioner for Health in 1999, a position he held until 2003, before serving as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently served as governor from May 29, 2007, to May 29, 2015.
According to the motion, “his medical background influenced his approach to governance, particularly his emphasis on healthcare delivery and access to essential medical services for vulnerable groups.”
The Senate highlighted the introduction of free maternal and under-five healthcare programmes during his administration, saying “the initiatives were designed to reduce the financial burden of medical treatment on pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children.”
It also acknowledged investments in the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara, including the development of medical infrastructure and specialised services to improve access to advanced healthcare within the state.
On education, the lawmakers cited the rehabilitation and remodelling of public primary and secondary schools, the construction and renovation of classrooms, and efforts to expand educational opportunities for children and young people.
The motion also highlighted initiatives such as the EDUMARSHAL programme, educational support measures, assistance with public examination costs and scholarship opportunities for outstanding students.
In the area of infrastructure, the Senate recognised road construction and rehabilitation projects, improvements in transportation facilities and the development of Asaba International Airport as key elements of Uduaghan’s administration.
The lawmakers further recalled his Delta Beyond Oil agenda, which sought to diversify the state’s economy by promoting agriculture, tourism, small and medium-scale enterprises, investment and other productive sectors to reduce dependence on crude oil revenue.
The motion also praised his administration’s support for youth empowerment and sports development, noting that Team Delta emerged overall champion at the 2009 National Sports Festival in Kaduna and the 2012 edition in Lagos, while finishing second at the 2011 festival hosted by Rivers State.
On peace and security, the Senate noted that the late Uduaghan governed during a challenging period in the Niger Delta, marked by militancy, insecurity and disruptions to economic activities.
It acknowledged his efforts to promote dialogue and reconciliation through engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
The lawmakers also recalled his use of football and public viewing centres to encourage social interaction and peaceful coexistence among residents.
According to the motion, “Uduaghan’s leadership style, associated with humility, accessibility and a practical approach to governance, earned him the popular nickname, “The Talk and Do Governor.”
The Senate observed that his eight years in office placed healthcare, education, infrastructure, economic diversification, youth development, sports and peacebuilding prominently on the state’s development agenda.
While acknowledging his contributions, the lawmakers noted that preserving records of public programmes and projects was essential to institutional continuity and the assessment of their long-term impact.
The Senate said his death was a significant loss to his family, the Itsekiri people, Delta State, the medical profession, the political community and Nigeria at large.
