RITA Enemuru, Reporting
THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, has called on the Delta State Government to sustain and strengthen the welfare programmes introduced by the late former governor, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
The chapel made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of its congress held on Friday, October 23, 2026, in which it expressed condolences to the family of the former governor, who died on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The congress recalled Uduaghan’s contributions to journalists’ welfare and professional development during his eight-year administration, particularly his sponsorship of journalists for professional training programmes in the United Kingdom.
It also acknowledged his provision of working tools for journalists, especially members of the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, describing the initiatives as significant contributions to the journalism profession.
Beyond the media sector, the chapel highlighted the impact of the free maternal and child healthcare programme introduced by the Uduaghan administration.
According to the communiqué, the programme operated throughout his eight years in office, providing essential healthcare support for mothers and children and leading to the establishment of the Mother and Child Care Centre at the Central Hospital, Warri.
The congress also recalled the former governor’s introduction of free bus rides for pupils and students across Delta State, subsidised intra-city and inter-city transportation, and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) initiative.
It said the programmes were designed to reduce transportation costs and improve access to essential services for residents.
The chapel further identified the Edu-Marshall programme, which addressed the problem of out-of-school children, as one of the initiatives through which the former governor’s administration sought to improve social welfare and reach communities at the grassroots.
In view of the benefits associated with these programmes, the NUJ Warri Correspondents’ Chapel urged the state government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure their continuation and strengthen them where necessary for the benefit of Deltans.
The congress also prayed to God to grant the deceased’s family, the Delta State Government, the people of the state and others mourning his death the fortitude to bear the loss.
It further prayed for the peaceful repose of the former governor’s soul.
The communiqué was signed by Elo Edremoda, Success Okuchemiya and Samuel Ogude, members of the communiqué drafting committee.
