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The Nigerian Senate has paid tribute to former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, recognizing his contribution to peacebuilding in the Niger Delta, health development and regional economic cooperation.
Uduaghan, who served as governor of Delta State between 2007 and 2015, died on Monday, October 19, 2026, just three days before his 72nd birthday.
During Wednesday’s plenary session in Abuja, lawmakers remembered him as a doctor, public servant and political leader whose influence extended beyond Delta State.
The Senate honors Uduaghan’s legacy
The tribute followed a motion tabled by Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, representing Delta South, and seconded by Senators Ned Nwoko, Ede Dafinone and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Presenting the motion, Thomas described Uduaghan’s death as a great loss to Delta State and Nigeria.
He highlighted the former governor’s work in health, education, infrastructure and public administration, stressing that his years in government helped shape development policies in the state.
Born on October 22, 1954 in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, Uduaghan studied medicine at the University of Benin, where he obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery.
Before becoming governor, he served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007.
He subsequently governed the oil-producing state for eight years, completing two terms in 2015.
Akpabio recalls Uduaghan’s role in the Niger Delta amnesty
Senate President Godswill Akpabio recalled working with Uduaghan and other governors in the South-South region to address insecurity and promote economic development.
Akpabio particularly highlighted their involvement in efforts to support the presidential amnesty program introduced under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
The programme, launched in 2009, was designed to encourage Niger Delta militants to hand over their weapons and participate in rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives.
According to Akpabio, the intervention helped reduce militant activities and created more favorable conditions for investment and business operations across the region.
He also praised Uduaghan’s support for economic diversification, stressing that the former governor believed that the Niger Delta should develop opportunities beyond crude oil production.
Lawmakers recall regional economic cooperation
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, recalled Uduaghan’s involvement in the creation of the BRACED Commission.
The initiative brought together Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta states to strengthen economic cooperation and pursue shared development priorities.
Oshiomhole said Uduaghan recognized the importance of harnessing the region’s natural resources, workforce and economic potential through collaboration.
He described the former governor’s contributions to regional development as an example of leadership that extends beyond state borders.
Senators pay personal tributes to former governor
Senator Ede Dafinone of Delta Central praised Uduaghan’s humility and commitment to public service.
He said the former governor’s years in office had left a lasting impression on many residents of Delta State.
Senator Francis Faduyile, representing Ondo South, reflected on Uduaghan’s background as a doctor.
Faduyile described him as an influential figure in the medical profession who contributed to health institutions and discussions on improving health services.
Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also paid an emotional tribute, describing the former governor, who was her son-in-law, as a compassionate and patient man.
She recalled his willingness to offer guidance and support to relatives and others who sought his advice.
According to her, his death represents a painful loss not only for the family but also for the people who benefited from his experience and advice.
The Senate observes a minute’s silence
After the tributes, the Senate observed a minute’s silence in honor of the former governor of Delta State.
The lawmakers expressed their condolences to his family, the Itsekiri nation, the Delta State government and residents of the state.
The upper legislative house also urged the Delta State government to preserve important documents of development projects, policies and programs implemented during the Uduaghan administration.
The Senate said documenting these findings would help protect the state’s institutional history and provide useful references for future administrations.
Uduaghan’s death marks the passing of a prominent South-South political figure whose career spanned healthcare administration, state government and regional peace initiatives.
