Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan was born on October, 22nd, 1954 to Chief Edmund D. Uduaghan of Abigborodo in Warri North Local Government Area and Mrs. Cecilia Uduaghan of Ubiaja in Edo State.

He attended the United First Baptist Primary School, Ogharefe (1961-1966), Federal Government College, Warri (1968 – 1974), University of Benin between 1975 and 1980, where he graduated as a Medical Doctor having received the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree. In pursuance of higher academic and professional excellence he obtained a Diploma in Anaesthesia also from the University of Benin. He served in the NYSC Scheme in Kwara State between 1981 / 1982 where received the commendation of the State Director as the most outstanding Corper Doctor in Kwara State.

Dr. Uduaghan’s working career began in 1983 at the Delta Steel Company, DSC where in a span of 6 years he rose to the rank of SMO. He again earned the DSC General Manager’s commendation for outstanding performance.

In the intervening years between 1989 – 1994, he worked in various capacities in various hospitals including Westend Hospital, Warri, Benoni Hospitals, Benin City, Shell Hospital, Ogunu; where he served as a Consultant Anaesthesiologist, before retiring to private medical practice, naming his clinic “ABODE CLINIC” in memory of his grandmother ABODE with whom he grew up at her native town of Mosogar, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Dr. Uduaghan’s medical career did not hinder or restrict his active engagement in other field of endeavours. In the field of professional politics, Dr. Uduaghan at various times was 1st Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA Warri), Member, Executive Council (NMA Bendel State), 1st Secretary, Delta State (NMA Warri Zone), Past Secretary, Association of Private Medical and Dental Practitioners, Warri Zone.

Probably the greatest leadership influence in the life this Doctor, is his membership of the Junior Chambers International, a leadership development organization, JAYCEES.

In this again, he rose to the position of past president, Warri Jaycees, Host President of the 1989 National Convention of the Jaycee International, National Board Member, 1991 – 1993, Special Guest of the London Jaycees AGM of 1991, a delegate to the World Congress of Jaycees International, Hong Kong, 1993. A distinguished SENATOR of the Jaycees International, Dr. Uduaghan was awarded the “Most Outstanding President of Area “B” of the Nigeria Junior Chambers of Jaycees International 1989”.

Dr. Uduaghan’s political career started with grassroot politics. He was a founding member and Chairman of the All Nigeria Congress Association, Warri South Local Government Area, foundation and executive member, Grassroot Democratic Movement (GDM), Secretary of All Itsekiri Politicians Forum, foundation member, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and member, Ibori Campaign Organization.

It is against this background of a combination of very many sterling qualities that His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, the Governor of Delta State on August, 6th 1999 appointed Dr. Emmanuel E. Uduaghan, as Commissioner for Health, Delta State.

Briefly, his many achievements as Commissioner includes his establishment of remarkable industrial peace in the health sector through improved welfare package, 150% increase in call duty allowance for health workers, increment in health and nursing student’s allowance, establishment of a General Hospital in all Local Government Area headquarters. By far his greatest achievement within this period was the N1.5 billion special rehabilitation of the 12 hospitals across the State, which totally revolutionalized the whole concept of health care delivery. City people, we make bold to say that the health sector of Delta State ranks first amongst its contemporaries in Nigeria in terms of Infrastructure, the facility upgrade, in the period between 1999 to date. To buttress this point, Dr. Uduaghan was the only Commissioner in Delta State between 1999 – 2003 to receive an award as the most outstanding Commissioner in the South-South / South-East geopolitical zone from the most-critical National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) on March, 15th 2003.

Other great achievements of Dr. Uduaghan within this period was his role as the arrowhead in the success story of the famous IBORI VANGUARD, a non religious, detribalized organization that is committed to the struggle for resource and true federalism. He was also the arrowhead in the successful management of the PTI crisis which threatened the fragile political landscape of the State at that time. These strings of successes, the step-ladder progression, steadfastness, determination and commitment with the guidance of the Almighty, invariably and unavoidably led to the inevitable: Proverb Chapter 22 verse 29, “seest thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men”.

Our brother, friend and colleague, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, having distinguished himself was honourably invited by His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori to co-ordinate amongst others the activities of 16 Ministries and 10 Extra-Ministerial Departments which constitute the vibrant Delta State Public Service.

On 6th June, 2003, Dr. Uduaghan a medical doctor by profession was appointed the 5th (fifth) Secretary to the State Government. By this achievement, Dr. Uduaghan entered the Delta State Hall of Fame as the first non-career bureaucrat to become the Secretary to the State Government, and the first member of the Ibori 2003 – 2007 State Executive Council.

Again, since his appointment he has done his job creditably attracting to himself a number of honours among which are:

(i) City People Media Group - Award of Excellence in Administration, 2005

(ii) College of Medical Sciences, - Award for Excellence, University of Benin 2005

(iii) Rotary Club of Asaba - Hon. Rotarian Award, 2004

(iv) Nigeria Turning Point Prayer - Heroes of Faith Award, 2005  Movement

(v) Rotary International - Distinguished Paul Harris Fellow Award, 2000.

He is a distinguished Physician, Scholar, Philanthropist and a top ranking Politician with wide reach and support across all segments of the society.

A member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and a devout Christian of the Baptist extraction, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is happily married to Mrs. Roli Uduaghan and has two children.

Send mails to The Governor.