By Norbert Chiazor
My earliest memory of ex-governor Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan dates to the 1990s, while in Delta Broadcasting Service, DBS, as host of one of the most colourful News and Current Affairs, personality programmes, “FOCUS,” in the Niger Niger Delta.
As host of “ FOCUS” TV talk show, Dr. Uduaghan was a regular guest, joining other participants to dissect contemporary local and international issues.
Even as a private Warri- based medical doctor, he was exceptional in appearance- brilliant, eloquent, analytical and didactic. He took every discourse whether health, human rights, public utilities, politics, social conflict and more with a firm grasp. He was profound in perspective and logical in delivery.
I met Uduaghan again in another podium of my phenomenal journalistic voyage. The most defining encounter so far. By 2011, I had emerged as Chairman of Nigeria union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council. Uduaghan was on seat as Delta State Governor.
Who Uduaghan help? I, frankly speaking. Journalists of course! I did not make millions, but I made a unique mark under the governor. Call it enviable, you are right.
Ideas rule the world. I sold a novel idea conceived through sleepless nights to Uduaghan and he bought it pronto!
Working with one of the finest Information Commissioners ever appointed in Delta, Chike Ogeah, I unwrapped a huge envelope from Uduaghan! The content was better than money. Amazing approval. About 60 journalists, practising in Delta State were flown to London, in two batches (2012 and 2013) for a life-changing professional training.
A feat unrivalled, frozen in all time memory.
Today, the beneficiaries are proud alumni of Reuters, the Harvard School of journalism.
Under uduaghan administration, Delta State NUJ got land for its permanent Press Centre, first time in history and with his help the building got to roof level.
Now, there is a functioning state NUJ Secretariat, consummated by the Ifeanyi Okowa regime and brightened by the Government of Rt.Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and standing as a timeless reminder of a solid seed sowed by Uduaghan. Two brand new vehicles (not “Tokunbo”) ,a Toyota Bus and Toyota Corolla car were presented to the union by the Uduaghan administration sometime in 2013. The vehicles are still treasured properties of the state NUJ till date.
Alas! I sought more than gold under Uduaghan administration. Glory more than gift. All glory to God. Grace so gratifying, making me a wonder unto many- fantastic friends and furious foes.
Kpomiose! (Thank God) What is in a name!
The former Delta State Governor attained a glorious milestone this week. Uduaghan is 70 years old! Tuesday 22, October 2024.
A septuagenarian, Uduaghan is lucky in life! 70, by biblical symbolism, is the fullness of existence, the culmination of human beneficence. So good, Uduaghan has virtually fulfilled his destiny with so much blessings.
From 1954 till date, an enigmatic Ewetan had evolved, step by step into a star, shining to the world.
In terms of governance, he led Delta State with the best of his ability, worthy of congratulations. Uduaghan as governor, built one of the finest airports in sub Saharan Africa, changing forever the face of Asaba. He made efforts to develop Delta with infrastructure. His social welfare policies, Delta Micro Credit Programme, DMCP, free maternal/children health care scheme and scholarships to gifted Deltans, will outlive him as noble acts of a compassionate leader enthused with public good.
In a complex state where ethnicity and hatred thrive with reckless abandon, Uduaghan bore his Governorship cross with stoicism, embracing his dangerous traducers and bitter conspirators. A sage once warned that you do not empower your enemies. Uduaghan loves to be at peace with everyone, including his supposed enemies, to the bewilderment of persecutors and even sycophants.
Like every mortal, Uduaghan has his flaws, but majority will submit that he is a man with good breeding, humane hue and modest ego.
He has many quivers in his arrow, including VANGUARD MAN OF THE YEAR, SUN NEWSPAPER MAN OF THE YEAR, LEADERSHIP NEWSPAPER GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR, SILVERBIRD GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR, IRISH METRO EIREAN NEWSPAPER DISTINGUISHED PERSONALITY and more feats from yesteryears.
Generally by pedigree, the Itsekiri Statesman has good reason to show off. But he lives quietly like a dove. Let God remain gentle on him.
As Uduaghan marks his 70th birthday, we will continue to remember the man who doctored our sensibilities in diverse ways.
Chiazor,is a former Chairman , Nigeria Union of Journalists ,NUJ, Delta state Council .
