Itsekiri Interest Group Pays Tribute to Former Delta State Governor, Highlights His Legacy of Development

Comrade Gbubemi Awala, Chairman of the Itsekiri Interest Group (IIG), has celebrated the life and times of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, highlighting numerous projects, policies, and initiatives associated with his administration.

According to Awala, Dr. Uduaghan’s years in office left a significant mark on Delta State, particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, traditional institutions, and economic development.

“Indeed, Dr. Uduaghan was one of the defining leaders in the history of Delta State. His administration introduced projects and initiatives that made lasting contributions to the state and its people,” Awala said.

In honour of the former governor, Awala listed 27 achievements and initiatives that he believes formed an important part of Dr. Uduaghan’s legacy:

1. Delta Mall.
2. Asaba Mall.
3. Asaba Stadium.
4. Warri Stadium.
5. Delta City Parks, buses, and affordable transportation services.
6. Modern primary and secondary schools.
7. Modern magistrate and High Court complexes.
8. Full implementation of the DESOPADEC Law.
9. Free healthcare for children aged zero to five years.
10. Free WAEC and JAMB registration.
11. The Koko Express Road from Warri to the Coast Road junction.
12. Bridges along the Sapele–Abigborodo axis.
13. Bridges from Ubeji to the Ifiekporo riverbank.
14. The DESOPADEC bursary scheme for university students.
15. Early payment of pensions and gratuities.
16. Support for traditional rulers through the provision of official vehicles to members of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers.
17. Support for judges and magistrates through the provision of official vehicles.
18. State and joint-venture partnerships with organisations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, the World Bank, and Chevron through the EGTL project.
19. Efforts to increase the state’s internally generated revenue.
20. Victories in inter-state litigations relating to oil-well disputes.
21. Extensive state road construction projects across the Niger Delta, as highlighted by Awala.
22. Employment opportunities in the state civil service, which Awala described as substantial during Uduaghan’s administration.
23. Support for the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
24. The Delta Beyond Oil initiative, which promoted commercial agriculture and contributed to the establishment of a state-owned farmers’ market in Mosogar.
25. The Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.
26. The remodelling of Eku General Hospital.
27. An approach to governance that, according to Awala, encouraged freedom of expression and welcomed criticism.

“71 Years of Glory”

Reflecting on the former governor’s life, Awala described his 71 years as a life of service and significant contributions to the development of Delta State.

“Seventy-one years of glory is all I can see in the life of this great leader. His contributions to the development of Delta State will remain part of the conversations surrounding his legacy,” he stated.

The IIG chairman also emphasised that the Itsekiri Nation was well represented during Dr. Uduaghan’s administration, noting the importance of acknowledging the role of Itsekiri people in the political and developmental history of Delta State.

As tributes continue to honour the former governor, the Itsekiri Interest Group extends its condolences and celebrates the life, public service, and legacy of Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.

Rest in Peace, Sir. Your contributions will be remembered.

Signed:

Comr. Gbubemi Awala
Chairman, Itsekiri Interest Group (IIG)

Eyitemi Atake
Secretary, Itsekiri Interest Group (IIG)