By Olugbenga Salami
The Senate on Wednesday paid tribute to former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose legacy in healthcare, infrastructure and Niger Delta development endures.
Uduaghan died on October 19, 2026, days to his 72nd birthday.
The tributes followed a motion by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (APC Delta South), co-sponsored by Senators Ned Nwoko (APC Delta North), Ede Dafinone (APC Delta Central) and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP Kogi Central).
Thomas said Uduaghan, governor from 2007 to 2015, was a medical doctor who served earlier as commissioner for health and secretary to the state government.
He said Uduaghan introduced free maternal and under-five healthcare, invested in the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, built roads and developed Asaba International Airport.
In his own, Dafinone said Uduaghan’s life was defined by humility and service, noting he touched many lives as commissioner, SSG and governor.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC Edo North) said Uduaghan championed South-South cooperation through the BRACED Commission to reduce dependence on oil and build a stronger economic bloc.
Oshiomhole said: “He may have been born Itsekiri by accident, but he was a proud son of Delta… His legacy was much taller than God gave him vertically.”
Senator Jide Ipinsagba (APC Ondo North) said he knew Uduaghan since the late 1980s in Warri Junior Chamber and the oil industry, describing him as transparent and down-to-earth.
Senator Francis Faduyile (APC Ondo South) hailed his medical legacy, recalling that Delta hosted the first NMA national health summit that shaped the National Health Act.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said the late governor was a compassionate father figure who offered quiet guidance and saw tasks through to the end.
Senator Nwoko described him as a silent operator who built Asaba Airport after seeking Nwoko’s earlier approval secured as a Reps member.
In his remarks, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio said Uduaghan overcame stiff political opposition and strengthened regional cooperation and stability in the Niger Delta.
Akpabio said their emergence as governors coincided, recalling Uduaghan’s resolve in pursuing development despite challenges.
The Senate resolved to convey condolences to his family and Delta State Government, urged preservation of records of his programmes, and prayed for repose of his soul.
