Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has revealed how the idea for the Asaba International Airport was conceived and how the late former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, helped bring the project to fruition.
Nwoko disclosed this while paying tribute to Uduaghan on the floor of the Senate, recounting his role in initiating the airport project during his time in the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003.
According to the senator, he recognised the need for an airport in Asaba, the Delta State capital, and began pursuing the initiative with the then Minister of Aviation, Kema Chikwe.
He said he accompanied Chikwe to meet former President Olusegun Obasanjo, where approval for the airport project was secured.
Nwoko explained that although the initiative began years before Uduaghan became governor, a subsequent conversation with the former governor during the governorship primaries helped set the stage for its implementation.
He recalled telling Uduaghan about the importance of the airport, stressing that the facility would serve not only Delta State but also neighbouring states, particularly Anambra.
According to Nwoko, Uduaghan remembered their discussion after assuming office and demonstrated his commitment to the project by personally visiting his residence to request a copy of the original approval.
The senator further disclosed that when Uduaghan asked whether he had a contractor in mind for the project, he recommended the late Uche Okpunor of ULO, after which the airport project received the necessary attention and was eventually constructed.
Nwoko said the experience reflected Uduaghan’s leadership style, describing him as a leader who listened to people, remembered commitments and took practical steps to translate ideas into projects that benefited the public.
Beyond his role in the airport project, the senator praised the late governor for his humility, accessibility and dedication to public service, noting that Uduaghan remained approachable despite his achievements as a medical doctor and public servant.
He described the former governor as one of the most accessible leaders Delta State had produced, adding that his approach to leadership demonstrated that public office should be defined by service rather than personal pride.
Nwoko said Uduaghan’s legacy would endure through the projects he helped deliver and the lives he touched, adding that his passing was a significant loss to Delta State and Nigeria.
He also extended his condolences to Uduaghan’s family, the Delta State Government and the people of the state, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
The tribute highlights the historical efforts behind the establishment of Asaba Airport and the contributions of political leaders whose engagements helped advance the project.
