Late Former Governor Uduaghan Birthed Delta Beyond Oil As A Man of Vision Says Sheriff Mulade -----Asaba Airport, Road Projects, Economic Diversification Define Late Governor's Legacy

 













By Wilson Macaulay


WARRI


Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, demonstrated remarkable foresight by pursuing economic diversification and infrastructure development long before these issues became central to Nigeria's national economic debate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has said.


Mulade, Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) and National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency, made the assessment in a tribute following the death of the former governor on Monday, October 19, 2026.


He described late Former Governor Uduaghan as a development-minded leader whose administration sought to reduce the state's dependence on crude oil while expanding opportunities in other sectors.

According to Mulade, the late governor's Delta Beyond Oil initiative represented a strategic attempt to prepare the state for a future in which oil revenues could no longer be relied upon as the principal driver of economic growth.

The initiative encouraged investment in agriculture, tourism, entertainment, small and medium-scale enterprises, and industrialisation.
Mulade said the policy reflected an understanding that a sustainable economy required a broader productive base capable of generating jobs, supporting businesses and improving the living standards of residents.

He also highlighted Uduaghan's infrastructure programme, particularly the development of Asaba International Airport, which he described as an important gateway for business, travel and investment.

The former governor also expanded Osubi Airstrip and pursued road and drainage projects in Asaba and other parts of Delta State.
According to Mulade, road projects linking communities and major urban centres helped improve connectivity across the state, including routes between Warri, Asaba, Ughelli, Agbor, Sapele, Ozoro and Oleh.


He said such investments were intended to support commerce, improve access to communities and strengthen the movement of people and goods.
Uduaghan's administration, which lasted from 2007 to 2015, was anchored on a Three-Point Agenda covering peace and security, human capital development, and infrastructure development.


Mulade said the combination of infrastructure investment and economic diversification distinguished the former governor's development philosophy.
He added that infrastructure projects could deliver greater economic benefits when supported by policies that encourage private investment, strengthen local enterprises and create employment opportunities.


The CEPEJ coordinator urged successive administrations and political leaders to continue exploring sustainable ways to diversify Delta State's economy, improve public infrastructure and expand opportunities for young people.
He said the death of Uduaghan had deprived Delta State and the Niger Delta of an experienced statesman whose ideas and policies remained relevant to contemporary development challenges.

Mulade extended condolences to Uduaghan's family, the Itsekiri Nation, former Governor James Ibori and the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He prayed that God would grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort those mourning him.
For Mulade, the late governor's Delta Beyond Oil vision remains a reminder that the future prosperity of an oil-producing state depends on its ability to invest beyond oil and build a diversified economy.

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