Former Governor of Delta state, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is dead.
His death which comes three days before his 72nd birthday, was announced in a statement issued by the family and signed by Toju Andre Uduaghan.
Uduaghan, born on October 22, 1954, died early hours of Monday, October 19, after a prolonged ailment.
The former governor served as Commissioner for Health from 1999 to 2003, Secretary to the State Government from 2003 to 2007, and governor from 2007 to 2015.
The family described his death as a devastating loss, saying his life and public service touched many people across Delta State and Nigeria.
‘His passing has left us devastated. Words can hardly express the depth of our sorrow at the loss of a man who meant so much to our family and whose life and service touched countless others across Delta State and Nigeria,’ the statement said.
It described Uduaghan as ‘a source of strength, a father figure, a beloved brother and uncle, and a respected elder,’ adding that his legacy would endure in the lives of those he touched.
The family acknowledged his contributions to the human and infrastructural development of Delta State and prayed for God’s comfort for relatives, friends, associates, former colleagues and others mourning him.
‘Rest well, our beloved Father, Brother, and Uncle. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts, and your legacy will endure in the lives of those you touched,’ the statement added.