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Akpabio mourns ex-Delta governor Uduaghan, hails public service legacy

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mourned former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing his death at 71 as a major loss to Delta State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

By Babatunde Ademola Fadewo

2 min read 2 views Updated Oct 22, 2026
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed shock over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria and the Niger Delta. Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, three days before his 72nd birthday.

Akpabio, in a condolence statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, described the former governor as a distinguished medical doctor and statesman who devoted much of his life to public service. He recalled serving as Akwa Ibom State governor during part of Uduaghan’s tenure in neighbouring Delta State.

The Senate President praised Uduaghan’s contributions to infrastructure, healthcare delivery and human capital development in Delta, describing him as a leader who also worked to strengthen relations across the Niger Delta and beyond.

Before becoming governor, Uduaghan served as Delta State Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003 and Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007. He subsequently governed the state for two terms between 2007 and 2015.

Akpabio, on behalf of the Senate, extended condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, the wider family, the Delta State Government, the Itsekiri nation and the Niger Delta, while praying for comfort for those mourning the former governor.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mourned former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing his death at 71 as a major loss to Delta State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed shock over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria and...

Key takeaways
  • Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mourned former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing his death at 71 as a major loss to Delta State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
  • Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed shock over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria and the Niger Delta.
  • Uduaghan died on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, three days before his 72nd birthday.Akpabio, in a condolence statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, described the former governor as a distinguished medical doctor and statesman who devoted much of his life to public service.
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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has mourned former Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, describing his death at 71 as a major loss to Delta State, the Niger Delta and Nigeria. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has expressed shock over the death of former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria and...

Who published this story?

Glow 99.1 FM published this story with Babatunde Ademola Fadewo listed as author.

When was it published?

October 20, 2026

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