The Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade (Dcn), Patrick Ochei, aka The Gentle Lion, has paid an emotional tribute to the late former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, describing his death as the end of an era.
Ochei, who recalled Uduaghan’s relationship with journalists, said the former governor was a compassionate and philanthropic leader who maintained personal connections with media practitioners and supported community newspaper publishing during his administration.
In a tribute titled “Uduaghan: End of an Era,” the NUJ vice chairman described the deceased as a people-oriented leader who recognised goodwill, appreciated support and related with Deltans without discrimination.
Recalling his personal experience, Ochei disclosed that he purchased his first and second cars while Uduaghan was governor, adding that the former governor’s monthly support and patronage for community newspapers enabled him to sustain the publication of his newspaper, Anioma Trust, as a fortnightly paper.
He said Uduaghan had a special relationship with journalists, noting that the former governor knew many media practitioners by their names and was always willing to assist them.
Ochei also recalled that Uduaghan enjoyed being addressed as “Asamaigor,” a name he said reflected the former governor’s affinity with the people and his appreciation of public goodwill.
Beyond his relationship with the media, the NUJ vice chairman highlighted what he described as people-centred policies and social interventions introduced during Uduaghan’s administration.
According to him, schoolchildren benefited from free transportation to and from school, while civil servants, business operators and other residents enjoyed affordable transportation through the City Bus scheme.
He further noted that house rents were relatively modest during the period and that government functions often provided opportunities for feeding members of the public.
Reflecting on the former governor’s lessons to journalists, Ochei recalled an illustration Uduaghan used to explain the importance of identity and public perception.
He said the former governor taught that the name people gave to something influenced how others identified it, using the example of a piece of clothing that could be called “Abananya” or “George of Hollandis.”
Ochei said the lesson remained a memorable part of his interactions with the former governor and the media community in Delta State.
He also recalled Uduaghan’s expression, “Juju wey dey go home no dey fear anything for road,” which he said the former governor used as he prepared to leave office.
Drawing a parallel between Uduaghan’s departure from government and his death, Ochei described the former governor as a courageous man who had completed his earthly journey without fear.
“Today, you have exited the earthly stage; and you were not afraid. You are a gallant soldier,” he said in the tribute.
Paying his final respects, Ochei described Uduaghan as the people’s delight and wished him a peaceful journey beyond.
“Safe journey and good night, the people’s delight Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
“Asamaigor!”
He signed off the tribute with the words: “Forever Love From: Comrade Patrick Ochei.”
