Tinubu expresses sorrow over Uduaghan's death

President Bola Tinubu has called the death of former Delta State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, a big loss to his family, his community, Delta State, and Nigeria as a whole.

Mr Uduaghan, who was governor from 2007 to 2015, passed away on Monday at the age of 71, as stated by his family.

In a condolence message he signed personally, President Tinubu described Uduaghan as “a public servant whose leadership was devoted to Delta State’s development and service to our nation.”

He noted that during Mr Uduaghan's time as commissioner, secretary to the state government, and governor, he worked hard to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and the overall welfare of Deltans.

Remembering Uduaghan's Contributions

President Tinubu asked the people of Delta State to find strength in the late governor’s years of service and the valuable connections he made across Nigeria’s political and social landscape.

It is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences to the Uduaghan family, the government, and the people of Delta State on the passing of former Governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, at 71.

Dr Uduaghan was a dedicated public servant whose leadership focused on Delta State’s growth and national service.

He was Commissioner for Health, Secretary to the State Government, and became the governor of Delta State in 2007. His two terms, which ended in 2015, positioned him at the forefront of the state’s political and developmental progress.

During his time in office, he made efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and the overall welfare of Deltans.

Uduaghan's Lasting Impact

After leaving office, Dr Uduaghan remained an important figure in Delta State’s politics and economy, helping to maintain democratic governance and public service in Nigeria. His death is a big loss to his family, his community, Delta State, and Nigeria.

At this hard time, I encourage the people of Delta State to draw strength from the late governor’s years of service and the lasting relationships he built across our country’s political and social scene.

On behalf of my family, the Government, and the people of Nigeria, I send my deepest sympathies to his wife, Roli; his children; his cousin, former Governor James Ibori; and all friends and political associates whose lives he touched.

May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
October 19, 2026