ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House), Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, has paid tribute to former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, recalling the leadership qualities and commitment to development he witnessed while serving in the late governor’s administration.
In a condolence statement personally signed on Monday, October 19, 2026, the commissioner described Uduaghan as a compassionate administrator whose death represented a personal loss to him and many others who worked closely with the former governor.
Osuoza, who served as Commissioner for Special Duties (Project Monitoring) during Uduaghan’s administration, said the appointment gave him an opportunity to observe the former governor’s approach to governance, decision-making and the implementation of development programmes.
He noted that his experience working under Uduaghan provided valuable insight into the responsibilities of leadership and the importance the former governor attached to public service.
The commissioner particularly recalled the Delta Beyond Oil initiative, an economic diversification policy introduced during Uduaghan’s administration to encourage development beyond the state’s dependence on petroleum revenue.
He also identified infrastructure development, healthcare delivery and peaceful coexistence among communities as areas in which the former governor sought to make an impact during his eight years in office.
According to Osuoza, Uduaghan combined administrative experience with concern for the welfare of the people, qualities he said shaped his personal assessment of the former governor.
The commissioner described his former boss as a man whose humility and approach to public administration left a lasting impression on those who served under him.
Uduaghan, who governed Delta State from 2007 to 2015, died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, three days before his 72nd birthday.
Before becoming governor, he served as Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
Osuoza said the former governor’s death was particularly painful because of the professional relationship they shared and the opportunity he had to participate in his administration.
He extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children, the wider Uduaghan family and the people of Delta State.
The commissioner prayed that Almighty God would grant the former governor eternal rest and provide comfort to his family, friends and former colleagues during the period of mourning.
