By Admin
Ifiekporo Community Chairman Describes Late Ex-Governor as Father, Mentor and Man of the People
Dr. Monday Agbeyi, Chairman of Ifiekporo Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, has expressed profound grief over the passing of former Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his death as a painful personal loss and a monumental blow to Delta State and Nigeria. Agbeyi, who shared a close relationship with the late former governor, said Uduaghan was not merely a political leader but a father, mentor, confidant and detribalised statesman whose legacy of service, peace, unity and human empowerment would endure for generations.
Recounting his immediate reaction to the sad news, Agbeyi said he was deeply shocked and heartbroken when he learnt of Uduaghan’s death. He disclosed that he immediately abandoned whatever he was doing and proceeded straight to the former governor’s residence, overwhelmed by disbelief and sorrow at the loss of a man who had played such an important role in his life. According to him, the news was devastating, particularly because of the close bond and personal relationship they shared over the years.
In a condolence statement issued to newsmen, Agbeyi described Uduaghan as a true man of the people whose leadership transcended ethnic, political and religious boundaries. He said the late former governor believed in the unity of Delta State and Nigeria, consistently demonstrating that genuine leadership should be driven by compassion, inclusiveness and a commitment to the common good, rather than narrow ethnic or political interests.
Agbeyi noted that Uduaghan’s administration was guided by a three point agenda of peace and security, human capital development, and infrastructure, reflecting his determination to create a peaceful environment, empower citizens and improve the quality of life of Deltans. He also highlighted the former governor’s vision of a “Delta Beyond Oil” as evidence of his foresight and determination to build a sustainable economy that would reduce the state’s dependence on oil revenue and create opportunities for future generations.
According to Agbeyi, the late former governor understood that the true measure of leadership was not limited to physical infrastructure but extended to the lives touched, people empowered, opportunities created and futures transformed. He said Uduaghan’s contributions to governance and human development had earned him a special place in the hearts of countless Deltans and Nigerians, adding that the memories of his kindness, political maturity, inclusive leadership and commitment to humanity would remain indelible.
“Today, I mourn not just a former governor but a father, mentor and a man with whom I shared a close relationship. His passing is deeply painful, and the shock is difficult to put into words. When I heard the news, I immediately left everything I was doing and went straight to his house because I could hardly believe that a man of his stature, warmth and humanity was gone. Although his earthly journey has ended, his legacies will continue to speak for him. Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan was a detribalised Nigerian who believed in unity, peace and the empowerment of the people. I pray that Almighty God grants him eternal rest and gives his family, loved ones and the entire Delta State the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” Agbeyi stated.
While commiserating with the Uduaghan family, the government and people of Delta State, as well as his numerous associates and admirers across Nigeria, Agbeyi urged Deltans to preserve the values of peace, unity, selfless service and development that the late statesman championed. He stressed that the most fitting tribute to Uduaghan would be to sustain his positive legacies and continue working towards his vision of a peaceful, prosperous and united Delta State.
