Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has described the death of Ambassador Ralph Uwechue as a big loss to Federal Government and Delta State, saying that they would miss his sincere advice on developmental issues.

Dr. Uduaghan stated this yesterday when the Federal Government delegation paid him a condolence visit in Asaba before proceeding to Ogwashi-Uku for Ambassador Ralph Uwechue’s burial. He said Delta State was proud of the meritorious service rendered by the deceased to the nation, international community and his own community of Ogwashi-Uku.

The governor thanked the Federal Government for its concern for a decent burial for the late Ambassador Uwechue and advised the family to be consoled by the legacies left behind by their illustrious son.

President Goodluck Jonathan expressed his condolences through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who led a high-powered delegation to condole the government and people of Delta State over the death of Ambassador Uwechue.

The President described Ambassador Uwechue as a quintessential diplomat and an accomplished journalist whose career traversed the entire globe.

He said the late Ambassador Uwechue was a gentleman who faithfully served humanity, adding that his death was a big blow to the nation.

The President noted that the deceased was his personal friend and appealed to all elder statesmen to emulate his virtues of patriotism and selfless service to the nation.

According to him, “Ambassador Uwechue is a personal friend. l know him very well. He was a patriotic and selfless Nigerian. He rendered selfless service to this nation and l appeal to all elder statesmen to emulate his virtues.”

In the Federal Government delegation were the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Nwogu, Special Adviser to the President on Inter Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, and Eze Ignatius llomuanya, who is the Chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Forum.

•Photo shows the late Ambassador Uwechue.