Born October 22, 1954, Emmanual Eweta Uduaghan was the 3rd governor of the Delta State, holding office from 2007 until 2015. Assuming office amidst an inconclusive election on May 29, 2007, Uduaghan is regarded as an active member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Before he earned the title of governor, Uduaghan was a medical doctor by profession, subsequently elected as the Commissioner for Health, Delta State. He was also the Secretary to the State Government. Uduaghan ran for the gubernatorial position in the April 2011 election cycle and was successfully re-elected to his position by close to more than 100,000 votes. He ran a successful campaign against contender Chief Great Ogboru of the DPP.
Background of Emmanuel Uduaghan
Emmanual Eweta Uduaghan was born in the Warri North Local Government region of the Delta State, in the Itsekiri origin. Interested in medical development and advancements at a young age, he attended the Federal Government College, Warri, from 1968 until 1974. He then attended the University of Benin from 1975 until 1980, earning himself a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree and a diploma in Anesthesia. During this time, he married his wife, Roli, who is the daughter of Brig. General Sunny E. Tuoyo – also a one-time Military Administrator of Ondo State. To date, Uduaghan has two children. In 1983, Uduaghan began work at the Delta Steel Company, working as a medical officer and commissioner. Starting in 1989 until 1994, he worked in various hospitals, including Westend Hospital, Warri; Benoni Hospitals, Benin City, and Shell Hospital, Ogunu. It was there that we worked as Consultant Anesthesiologist. By 1994, Uduaghan set out to open his own private medical practice, owned and operated. Since then, he has held positions in the Nigerian Medical Association in Warri, Bendel State, and Delta State. He is also still active in the Junior Chamber International leadership development organization.
Politically
Uduaghan was able to make his political jump following his medical tenure. He is the founding member and Chairman of the All Nigeria Congress Association for the Warri South Local Government Area. He is also a founder and executive member of the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM) and a foundation member of the PDP. Uduaghan’s political career took off in 1999 when Delta State Governor James Onanefe Ibori appointed Uduaghan as the Commissioner for Health, Delta State. During his time as the Commissioner, Uduaghan improved the medical staff compensation structure while significantly improving the region’s medical infrastructure. On June 6, 2003, Uduaghan was appointed Secretary to the Delta State Government. By 2008, Udaughan and State Chief Justice Rosaline Bozimo approved the crated sanitation mobile courts that would deal with the State’s sanitation offenders. In April 2011, Uduaghan ran again for governor in the elections, following his first successful bid, and was successfully reelected. He won with 525,793 votes, compared to contender Chief Great Ogboru of the DPP with 433,834 votes.