In an engaging conversation with Chike C. Ogeah, former Delta State Commissioner for Information, we explore a transformative period in his career, specifically during the tenure of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan as governor.

Ogeah joined Uduaghan’s cabinet at the beginning of his second term in 2011, a time when Nigeria was experiencing what many considered an economic boom. However, Uduaghan was not swayed by the prevailing optimism. “He was acutely aware that this situation wouldn’t last forever,” Ogeah reflects. “As he often said, conditions change quickly.” This foresight drove Uduaghan to prioritize long-term planning, particularly in addressing the state’s reliance on crude oil. His motto, “Delta Beyond Oil,” encapsulated his vision for a more sustainable future, a sentiment that, unfortunately, was not widely embraced by other administrations.

Dr. Uduaghan, a well-respected medical doctor, took office during a critical juncture for Delta State, which was only 16 years old at the time. He initiated the Mother/Child Healthcare Scheme to improve healthcare delivery in the state. Ogeah emphasizes the profound impact of this program: “From the moment they reached out to Delta health services, pregnant women and their unborn children received free medical care throughout the pregnancy and delivery.” The program didn’t stop there; mothers benefited from six weeks of free post-natal care, while newborns enjoyed medical coverage for the first five years of life.

In the realm of tertiary healthcare, Uduaghan pursued ambitious initiatives to perform complex surgeries at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) in Oghara. Under his leadership, DELSUTH upgraded its facilities and entered a five-year partnership with UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. This collaboration not only enhanced infrastructure but also built local capacity, resulting in significant medical achievements, including successful kidney transplants and orthopedic procedures.

The outcomes of Uduaghan’s health programs were remarkable, with Delta State’s infant mortality rate plummeting from 545 per 100,000 births in 2007 to 241 per 100,000 in 2012, marking the lowest rate in Nigeria. His commitment to human capital development led him to support a variety of projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Delta residents. Ogeah recalls Uduaghan’s firm belief: “He often reminded us that leadership goes beyond infrastructure; real development thrives on empowering the people.”

When Ogeah presented a proposal for journalist training at the renowned Reuters Institute in London, Uduaghan embraced the idea wholeheartedly. “He insisted that all Delta-based journalists should benefit from this opportunity,” Ogeah states. Over two years, more than 50 journalists received valuable training as a result.

Uduaghan’s endeavors extended into various sectors including education and transportation. He implemented a robust rehabilitation program that led to the commissioning of over 13 model secondary schools and 54 model primary schools. His administration also transformed more than 18,000 classrooms and established the Asaba International Airport, a state-of-the-art facility.

Under Uduaghan’s three-point agenda, which evolved into “Delta Beyond Oil” during his second term, the focus was never on self-promotion or propaganda. Ogeah reflects, “He was not your typical Nigerian politician. For Uduaghan, the real testament of success lay in the number of lives improved through his initiatives.”

Notably, Uduaghan introduced scholarships for gifted students achieving First Class honors, enabling them to pursue postgraduate studies anywhere in the world with a generous N5 million package each. While he may not have received all the accolades he deserved during his tenure, Ogeah points out that his contributions did not go unnoticed. He earned significant recognition, being voted Man of the Year by Vanguard Newspapers, Governor of the Year by Sun Newspapers, and other prestigious accolades.

However, it is the gratitude of the Delta State citizens that resonates most deeply with Ogeah. As Uduaghan celebrates his 70th birthday, Ogeah reflects on him as a “fulfilled man, blessed as a physician, leader, and visionary.” He concludes, “A leader with a heart of gold, he continues to be an inspiration to many. Happy birthday, Your Excellency.”