Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, Monday, earned huge commendations for inspiring the people, creating a paradigm shift in humanitarian activism in Nigeria, and maintaining cordial relationships with traditional institutions across the country.
“You are a man of great integrity and a rare gift to the fatherland.”
He was also applauded for promoting the rights and welfare of minors, encouraging women’s participation in politics, and building bridges of hope.
“As a governor, you created an enabling environment for sustainable development and showed uncommon commitment and patriotism on issues bordering on the Niger Delta region and its development, opened a new vista for the commercial and economic prosperity of the state, demonstrated unusual knack in the pursuit of education, expanded the frontiers of the dividend of democracy to the people, encouraged citizens to embrace entrepreneurship skills, invested in electricity and housing and provided cheap, comfortable and affordable means of transportation.”
In a statement on the joyous occasion of the ex-governor’s 70th birthday and his achievements, the Alema of Warri, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, described the former governor as “a peace promoter and a bridge builder.”
“You delivered in your three-point agenda: peace and security, human capital, and infrastructural development of the state.”
He also described his 8-year tenure as the executive governor of Delta State as glorious and memorable.
“You pursued the unity and development of Delta State with all sense of patriotism and passion, embarked on massive construction of roads in the three senatorial zones, created special economic zones and industrial clusters, touched on the lives of several Deltans, especially by your free maternal health care program for all pregnant women in the state, free health service for children, scholarship scheme for students, micro-credit and agricultural schemes.”
“In areas like tourism, sports, and housing, you stamped your feet and left legacies that would continue to bear up in many years to come.”
The Alema of Warri who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Webster Group of Companies highlighted the ex-governor’s impact as Commissioner for Health.
“As Commissioner for Health, you made a mark that cannot be rivaled. You constructed and upgraded several health centers, provided special rehabilitation funds for hospitals across the state, and established remarkable industrial peace in the sector through improved welfare packages. No progress-loving person can deny your character of discipline, integrity, and passionate commitment to the sector.”
The Warri High Chief emphasized Uduaghan’s administrative experience and political sagacity.
“As Secretary to the State Government, you left your name in gold. You brought your vision and vast experience to bear on the purpose-driven administration of Chief James Onanefe Ibori. Indeed, you did the job with dignity, grace, and generosity of spirit.”
He also underscored the ex-governor’s natural tendency for open-door policy and participatory management style.
“You deserve to be honored for your unique ability, uncommon administrative ingenuity, the work that you did for the people of Delta State, and the example you set for the Itsekiri Nation. You also deserve to be celebrated for your vision, forthrightness, sophisticated bearing, a knack for solving the most complicated problems, exemplary leadership, immense contributions to humanity, and the good name that you built for the family through your excellent conduct in the private and public sector.”
Ending the statement, Uduaghan said, “On behalf of myself, my family, and the good people of Abigborodo, I join all well-meaning Nigerians to felicitate with an astute and upright leader on the joyous occasion of his 70th birthday and I pray to Almighty God to protect him, grant him more wisdom, strength and good health to continue to serve mankind.”
Credit: Henry Ovie
