Uduaghan Was a Father to Delta Students, Says Former NADESTU President
By Spotnews Communications
A former National President of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESTU), Obinne Ralph Agbanashi, has paid tribute to the late former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing him as a fatherly leader who prioritised students’ welfare, education and leadership development.
Agbanashi, who led NADESTU in 2011, said Uduaghan’s support for student leaders and his willingness to address their concerns left lasting memories among members of the association and the wider student community.
In a tribute titled “The Governor Who Fathered Delta Students: Remembering Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan,” Agbanashi recalled how the former governor helped promote peaceful student elections by facilitating adequate security at the election venue at Dondon Migos Secondary School in Warri.
He said Uduaghan demonstrated patience and understanding during periods of tension in student politics, providing an opportunity for student leaders to express their concerns and participate in democratic processes without fear.
According to him, the former governor’s interventions went beyond security arrangements, reflecting his belief that young people needed guidance, support and a safe environment to develop leadership skills.
Agbanashi disclosed that Uduaghan approved an increase in the students’ bursary from ₦10,000 to ₦20,000 following engagements with the association, providing additional financial relief for students facing the cost of education.
He also recalled that the former governor donated two brand-new 18-seater Toyota buses to NADESTU to strengthen its operations and improve its capacity to coordinate activities across the state.
The former student leader described the interventions as practical demonstrations of Uduaghan’s commitment to student welfare, adding that the former governor made himself accessible to student representatives and treated their requests with importance.
Agbanashi further highlighted the former administration’s sponsorship of Delta State students for overseas studies, saying the initiative provided opportunities for young people to acquire knowledge and professional skills.
He also stated that more than 50 former student leaders were absorbed into the Delta State civil service during Uduaghan’s administration, while others secured political and administrative appointments, including positions at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
He said such opportunities reinforced the belief that student leadership could serve as a foundation for future contributions to public service and governance.
Beyond government policies and material support, Agbanashi described Uduaghan as a gentle, approachable and detribalised leader who valued dialogue, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
“As Delta State mourns his passing, I reflect not only on the projects and policies associated with his administration but also on the individual lives he touched,” he said.
He noted that the late governor’s legacy among students would be remembered through his support for student leadership, improved bursary payments, provision of resources for the association and opportunities created for young people.
Agbanashi also acknowledged the contributions of the incumbent Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to the development of the state, while paying tribute to his predecessor.
He said Uduaghan’s impact should be measured not only by infrastructure and public institutions but also by the number of people he encouraged, supported and prepared for future responsibilities.
“Leadership is often remembered through roads constructed, institutions established and policies implemented. But there is another measure that deserves equal attention: the number of people encouraged, supported and prepared to take their place in society,” he said.
Describing the late governor as a mentor whose influence would endure, Agbanashi said his passing represented a personal loss to those who benefited from his fatherly disposition and commitment to young people.
“He came, he served and, in his own way, he fathered a generation of Delta students. His influence will endure in the lives of those he supported and the opportunities he helped create,” he added.
Agbanashi concluded by expressing gratitude for the late governor’s support, saying the Delta student community would continue to remember his contributions.
“Delta students will remember you. I will remember you. May your soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.
