BOZIMO MOURNS FORMER DELTA GOVERNOR UDUAGHAN: SAYS DELTA HAS LOST A DEDICATED SERVANT AND PEACEMAKER
Elder statesman describes late Governor as a brilliant medical doctor turned exceptional leader who gave his all to Delta State
Eminent elder statesman, legal luminary and former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, has expressed deep shock and profound sorrow over the death of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
Dr. Uduaghan, 71, passed on Monday, October 19, 2026, just three days to his 72nd birthday, according to a statement issued by his son, Toju Anire Uduaghan. His remains arrived at Osubi Airport, Warri on Tuesday.
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In a condolence message issued on Friday, Alaowei Bozimo, on behalf of his family and the Ijaw nation, said he received the news of Uduaghan’s demise with total shock and disbelief.
Alaowei Bozimo, who has served the nation in various capacities including as a former health Commissioner in the defunct Midwest Region and later as Minister of Police Affairs from 2003 to 2007, said Delta State and the entire Niger Delta have lost one of their finest sons.
“Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan was a distinguished medical doctor, a gentleman, a bridge-builder and a committed public servant who devoted his entire adult life to the service of Delta State and Nigeria,” Alaowei Bozimo said.
The elder statesman recalled that the late Uduaghan first served as Commissioner for Health in Delta State from 1999 to 2003 under Governor James Ibori, and as Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, before serving as Governor from 2007 to 2015.
Alaowei Bozimo noted that Uduaghan’s background as a medical doctor shaped his administration’s human-face policies, especially the introduction of free maternal healthcare and free healthcare for children under five, the development of the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, and the construction of the Asaba International Airport.
He also praised Uduaghan’s role in promoting peace and stability in the Niger Delta during a period of heightened militancy, and his efforts in fostering regional economic cooperation through the BRACED Commission.
“As a leader who has seen the evolution of our region from the Midwest State to Bendel and now Edo and Delta States, I can say with pride that Dr. Uduaghan upheld the finest traditions of selfless leadership. He was calm, articulate, accessible and deeply passionate about the unity and development of Delta State,” Alaowei Bozimo stated.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to his widow, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, his children, the Uduaghan family of Abigborodo in Warri North, the Itsekiri nation, and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the people of Delta State.
He prayed that Almighty God grant his gentle soul eternal rest and grant his family and the people of Delta State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 23rd, 2026
