The Coordinator of the Delta State Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his passing as a painful loss to Delta State and Nigeria.
Uduaghan, who died at the age of 71, was just three days away from his 72nd birthday, a circumstance Solomon said made the news of his death even more heartbreaking.
Funkekeme, who served as Commissioner for Works during the Uduaghan administration, said the late governor was not just a leader he had the privilege of serving under but a man whose leadership, vision and commitment to the development of Delta State would remain indelible in the memories of those who worked with him.
He described Uduaghan as a leader and who elder brother, who believed in the progress of the state and worked to improve the lives of its people, adding that his death had left a painful void in the political and developmental history of Delta State.
According to him, the news of Uduaghan’s passing came with profound sadness, particularly for those who shared in his administration’s efforts to build infrastructure, strengthen institutions and advance the welfare of Deltans.
Funkekeme said his years of service under the former governor afforded him the opportunity to witness his leadership style, his sense of responsibility and his determination to leave Delta State better than he met it.
“Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s death is a deeply painful loss. It is difficult to accept that a man who gave so much of himself to the service of our people is gone, especially when he was only three days away from celebrating his 72nd birthday.
“For those of us who had the privilege of serving in his administration, this loss is deeply personal. We shared a common commitment to the development of Delta State, and I will always remember him with gratitude and respect for the opportunity he gave me to serve our people under his leadership,” Solomon said.
He extended his condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the Itsekiri nation, the people of Delta State and all those who mourn the former governor.
Funkekeme prayed that God would grant the family the strength to bear the loss and give the departed eternal rest.
He said Uduaghan’s contributions to Delta State would remain part of the state’s history, adding that his memory would endure through the lives he touched and the legacy of service he left behind.
