Late Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Put Human Welfare at the Centre of Governance Says Sheriff Mulade -------Recalls His Free Maternal Care Health Legacy

 

By Wilson Macaulay

WARRI

The late former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, will be remembered for placing healthcare and human capital development among the priorities of his administration, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has said.

Mulade, National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency and Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), made the observation while mourning the death of the former governor, who passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71.

In a tribute issued on behalf of CEPEJ's leadership, staff and volunteers, Mulade described Uduaghan as a compassionate leader whose professional background as a medical doctor influenced his approach to public administration.

He recalled that before entering the highest political office in Delta State, Uduaghan had built a career in medicine, working at several hospitals before establishing a private medical practice in Warri in 1994.

Uduaghan attended the University of Benin, where he obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree and a Diploma in Anaesthesia.

His experience in healthcare, Mulade said, provided him with an understanding of the challenges facing patients, medical personnel and healthcare institutions.

As Delta State Commissioner for Health between 1999 and 2003, Uduaghan pursued initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery, upgrading general hospitals and enhancing the welfare of medical workers.

His administration later introduced free maternal healthcare for pregnant women and free healthcare for children under five, measures intended to reduce the financial burden of accessing essential medical services.

Mulade's tribute cited a reduction in maternal mortality from 545 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2007 to 241 in 2012 as part of the reported progress during Uduaghan's administration.

The former governor also established the Delta State University Teaching Hospital in Oghara, popularly known as DELSUTH, as part of efforts to strengthen specialist medical services in the state.

Beyond healthcare, Mulade highlighted Uduaghan's investment in education through the establishment of 13 model secondary schools and 54 model primary schools across Delta State.

He also recalled the First-Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme, which supported postgraduate studies abroad and was designed to encourage academic excellence and develop future leaders.

According to Mulade, these initiatives reflected the late governor's belief that the development of a state depended on the health, education and productive capacity of its people.

He said Uduaghan's record in human capital development should remain part of the broader assessment of his eight-year administration.

The CEPEJ coordinator added that public policies focused on maternal and child health, quality education and youth empowerment could deliver lasting benefits when sustained by successive administrations.

He described the former governor's death as a painful loss to Delta State, the Itsekiri Nation and the Niger Delta.

Mulade also expressed condolences to Uduaghan's wife, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan, his children, former Governor James Ibori, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Uduaghan Royal Family of Abigborodo.

He prayed for God's comfort for the bereaved family and eternal rest for the deceased.

He said Uduaghan's contributions to healthcare, education and youth development would remain important elements of his public service legacy.