TheNewsGuru

Tag: UPU

  • Urhobo, Omene and the affliction of adult delinquency – By Happy Oharisi

    Urhobo, Omene and the affliction of adult delinquency – By Happy Oharisi

    By Happy Oharisi

    The Urhobo people are a self-respecting people who have over the years secured a pride of place for themselves not just in Nigeria, but across the world. The Urhobo pride themselves as republicans and they embrace some unwritten ethics about how life should be lived and that life should be lived with dignity clothed with integrity. This is mainstream Urhobo philosophy of life. Despite this slant which advocates “a good life”, there are occasions where a few become deviants and breach the code of good living. These deviants abound in every community, but the mainstream preferences for “good life” often overwhelm them. This deviant case which mutates from juvenile delinquency to its mature and virulent variant known as adult delinquency has been afflicting Chief Joe Omene the self-styled Ejorhofo of Mosogar. The Urhobo people suffered the mistake and misfortune of having Omene as President-General of the revered Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) for a brief period and like the acute deviant that he is, he nearly grounded the organization.

    Thankfully, the Urhobo are not docile and have never been repressed in their long history. So when Omene was trying to turn the UPU into an object that will suit his delinquent fancy, the Urhobo people came together and relieved him of the office of the President-General, an office that was too elevated for him. The Urhobo kings led the way in one accord and showed Omene the door. He was swept away with his moral baggage and the UPU was sanitized and a new leadership under Chief Moses Oghenerume Taiga came on board to redirect the Urhobo people with a new vision and mission.

    As President-General for that unfortunate moment, Omene turned the UPU into a trading post and his compound in Mosogar became a bazaar. Instead of focusing on how to reposition the Urhobo nation he made isiagware an instrument of self-enrichment and collected bags and bags of money from unsuspecting political aspirants. The more money he collected the deeper he sank into morass. In the end he traded off the Urhobo project and began plans on how to run the UPU in perpetuity. That was when the kings and the people said “enough is enough” and Omene became history. His moment as President-General thus became the lowest in the annals of the Urhobo people.

    Since being ejected and rejected five years ago, Omene has refused to wake up from his daydream as President-General of the UPU. He still calls himself President-General despite the fact that the train left a long time ago. For five years running, nobody has done anything with Omene as President-General of the UPU. Ask any Urhobo or even non-Urhobo who the President-General of UPU is and the answer will be Chief Moses Taiga. But Omene’s delusion makes him to still awkwardly clothe himself in borrowed robes, a classic case of adult delinquency.

    Omene’s recent antics manifested in his castigating the Chief Moses Taiga led UPU for endorsing Olorogun David Edevbie as the Urhobo candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Delta State Governorship come 2023. While the vast majority of the Urhobo people were jubilating over the UPU’s choice of Edevbie, Omene did a video recording claiming to be the President-General of the UPU. He comically argued that what the Chief Taiga UPU did was illegitimate and that he was the only one empowered to do so. Omene cut a pitiable picture of a victim of adult delinquency without antidote.

    For the records and for the purpose of clarity and emphasis, Omene ceased being President-General of the UPU five years ago. He has since then been banished from all UPU events and buildings. Although, he occasionally calls his boon companions to eat ukodo and drink ogogoro in Mosogar, he has since 2015 not been in any UPU gathering. He is more or less an outlaw. The Chief Taiga leadership of the UPU has been organizing the annual conventions of the Union in the last five years. The Chief Taiga led leadership also organized the highly successful ninetieth anniversary of the UPU. Where has Omene been in the scheme of things in the last five years?

    Omene is back to his old antics of making the UPU a trading post where he collects money from politicians in the name of supporting them. For him it is ukpebitere, time to extort political office seekers. He should be told that that era was long gone. The Urhobo will not go that way again. Omene deserves help. Juvenile delinquency does have a cure. But who knows the cure for adult delinquency? The Urhobo and non-Urhobo must avoid and ignore Omene. He is an impostor suffering from high delusion.

  • UPU and Delta State 2023: To be or not to be – By Abraham Ogbodo

    UPU and Delta State 2023: To be or not to be – By Abraham Ogbodo

    By Abraham Ogbodo

    It is like the Urhobo have been wired to agonise instead of getting organized. Instead of seeking information and be informed, we have chosen to be impulsive and create a staccato around Delta State governorship election in 2023 with baseless commentaries. Last week, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) came out boldly to announce David Edevwie as the Urhobo’s choice in the PDP governorship primaries. Immediately after, hell was let loose as all kinds of uninformed commentaries rained down in condemnation of the UPU’s decision.

    My only quarrel with the UPU’s endorsement is that there could have been a meeting of minds and made to come after the debate by Urhobo advocacy group, *Ojar’Urhobo* , on the 2023 politics of Delta State. The debate which had been scheduled to hold on April 17 was hurriedly called off after the announcement by the UPU. That way, the UPU would have been further strengthened to act. Outside that, the endorsement remains the most assertive and audacious move by Urhobo leadership in recent times and in this season of anomie. This is not like past endorsements that were loaded with selfish motives. Every objective assessor of the intra-Urhobo contentions within the PDP for the governorship position in 2023, would agree that the endorsement is well considered. What are we actually saying? That in the line-up of PDP aspirants as it is currently, some person comes before David Edevwie in capacity and preparedness to govern Delta State? Come on, let’s be serious for once and make development to drive our politics and not the reverse.

    Now let me give a background. Last December during the UPU @90 celebrations at Uvwiamuge, Agbarho, something happened. And this is it: Governor Okowa, while responding to sundry issues raised in Olorogun Moses Taiga’s address, key of which was the need for the next Governor of the State to come from Urhobo, did specifically charge the UPU to do more and present a united front for the contest of the PDP governorship ticket in 2023. He stressed that if that was done, his hand would be strengthened to discharge any affirmative consideration in favour of Delta Central concerning who becomes the next governor of the state. This is not to say the in-house arrangement of the State PDP to rotate the governorship among the three senatorial zones has become obsolete. It is only becoming an issue because of the seeming desire of the incumbent governor, a beneficiary of the arrangement, to chart his own course.

    But Okowa’s charge to UPU at Uvwiamuge was what triggered the DC23 initiative to attempt an assessment with a view to narrowing down the colony of Urhobo governorship aspirants within the PDP. The DC23 did what it could do and settled for three names – Sheriff Oborevwori, David Edevwie and Kenneth Gbagi. I want to believe that it was from this caned list that the UPU invoked its own parameters to arrive at David Edevwie.

    Now, tell me, what more consultation was needed for the UPU to do what it did? I can however say for free that, it is neither heroism nor ingenuity to engage in deliberate mischief to lower the collective stake in anticipation of personal benefits. I mean, must the Urhobo crave and drive overboard to make a point about their republicanism, or more appropriately, bellicosity, especially when there is absolutely no point to make?

    Soon, and really very soon, we will be stranded in our cold corner and pointing with shameful envy at the glorious standing of our Itsekiri brothers and sisters. While we act like crabs, perpetually stuck in self-cancellation and less able to gain meaningful height, our brothers are like the termites, acting in concert to feed their queen and defend their colony. They deserve their place and peace.

    By our own actions and inactions, we have become so little and boxed into underdogs in a theatre where we should be roaring as champions! This is one endorsement that is not cash and carry and for me, it will not matter even if the UPU’s choice fails to fly in the end. Every good move must not end in success but must end in honour and that is even far more important. We are the same people that always accuse the UPU of inaction when action is required. In fact, the Urhobo Renaissance Society and other advocacy platforms like Ojar’Urhobo are largely operating to incite talking points that will push the UPU into doing something. The Union has shown courage for once done something most honourable.

    Truly, the events in the last few days have exposed the hollowness of some of the people parading elite status in Urhobo land. No sense of history, no sense of pride in their determination to be counted for official patronage. They have successfully painted themselves as persons who would insist on hypocritically raising the lantern in broad day light to differentiate between white and black. Shame! Why are some of us always pushed by hunger to eat in coven?

    All kinds of revisionism has been pushed into the discourse to create fraudulent premise. Some say the UPU is not “political”; whatever that means! They seem unable to tell the difference between being politically responsive and being partisan! I have asked a few persons to explain to me what exactly was on the minds of the founding fathers when they assembled at Okpara Waterside in 1931 to birth the Urhobo Brotherly Society that later became the UPU? Was it to form a group of *oghwo* / *usi* and *ukodo* eaters? For the records, the UPU was formed for the all-round liberation of the Urhobo, especially political liberation at a time the Urhobo nation was faced with existential threats from all sides and the Urhobo needed to act in self preservation. The point that the UPU had suffered morally bankrupt leadership in the recent past and had been intimidated by self-serving political actors to sleep on its role or perform same more in breach should not be pushed into mainstream thinking in Urhobo land.

    Let me not delve into deep history. The UPU under then Chief Benjamin Okumagba had even supported Ibori against Ogboru in 2003. And when the stakes changed in 2007, the same UPU, still under Chief Okumagba did not only endorse Ogboru but supported his campaigns with funding against Uduaghan. Let us be properly guided! It was good politics when the Anoima nation endorsed Senator Arthur Okowa against Uduaghan’s choice in 2015 but an abomination when the UPU does same in 2022 to push the Urhobo view point against a rampaging incumbent! I genuinely advise that Okowa, a beneficiary of justice, equity, good conscience and fairness should not be seen as acting at cross-purposes with these virtues. A man who hides behind a finger cannot claim to be comprehensively insured. Let’s also be reminded that the chest thumping of the gorilla does not make him the ruler of the jungle. The lion is there! The tiger is there! And the elephant is also there before we can even talk of submitting all powers to the Almighty!

    The UPU has not said other Urhobo sons that are in contention in the PDP scheme are not useful. It is only saying that only one governor is required and it has applied objective parameters to settle for David Edevwie. If we are questioning the parameters, it automatically becomes a point to interrogate. Otherwise, we should close ranks and push for the best for Urhobo and the state as a whole.

  • Delta Guber: PDP kicks against UPU’s endorsement of Edevbie

    Delta Guber: PDP kicks against UPU’s endorsement of Edevbie

    The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Delta Central Senatorial District, has kicked against the endorsement of Olorogun David Edevbie, a governorship aspirant for the 2023 election, by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).

    The Party, in a statement signed by the PDP Delta Central Chairman, Chief Patrick Fovie, and 30 members on Monday in Asaba, appealed to the UPU Apex decision-making body of Urhobo nation, to withdraw the endorsement with immediate effect.

    The party said that endorsement of one of the governorship aspirants by UPU, a socio-cultural body, amounts to usurping the functions of the party in the ongoing electioneering process, leading to the primaries.

    The statement reads in parts, “It has come to our notice that the leadership of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, on Sunday, April 17, 2022, via a press statement, announced the endorsement of a governorship aspirant under the PDP, Olorogun David Edebvie, as the Union’s preferred aspirant.

    “And in the same token, urged our party delegates to vote enmass for him.

    “UPU efforts in the affairs of Urhobo nation of Delta Central Senatorial District will always be appreciated if and only such efforts or interest are not in conflict with the duties and regulations of our party, PDP, and its organs.

    “And in the instant case, we found out that the purported endorsement of our party member who is a governorship aspirant, usurped the functions of our party in the ongoing electioneering process leading to the party primaries.

    “This obvious external interference by UPU and its leadership cannot in any way be encouraged.

    “This subtle appeal to the leadership of this great socio-cultural organization is to immediately repudiate and/or nullify the endorsement via another press statement, please”.

    It, however, recalls that similar endorsement played out in 2014 and 2015 wherein UPU came in with “Urhobo Governor Agenda”.

    “This singular act not only caused acute internal crisis in our great party but also created factions in UPU with two President Generals giving orders and counter orders.

    “The grave incursion of the UPU in active politics via Urhobo Governor Agenda fractured the sensibility of our amiable governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, who greatly suffered the negative of the Union’s ethnic political activities in 2014 and 2015.

    “However, we were able to overcome the storm within a short period of time in our party but unfortunately, Urhobo Union suffered a great deal which led to a series of legal actions.

    “This kind of unpleasant situation must be avoided, hence it is very necessary for UPU to stay away from the internal affairs of PDP and partisan politics generally,” it said.

    It urged UPU to strictly adhere to the Union’s Constitutional provisions and play mere advisory roles for Urhobo political actors and to some extent political parties where the need arises.

    “It is no longer expedient for socio-cultural organizations and town Unions to as a group indulge in political party affairs or endorsements of governorship and other categories of aspirants.

    “In the light of the above, we strongly appeal to the President General of UPU, Olorogun Moses Taiga, and his entire Exco worldwide, to kindly withdraw the purported endorsement of Olorogun David Edebvie as the Union’s preferred aspirant,” it advised.

  • The UPU endorsement and the essence of Urhobo ‘tanure’ – By Williams Ilerhijele

    The UPU endorsement and the essence of Urhobo ‘tanure’ – By Williams Ilerhijele

    By Williams Ilerhijele

    When the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) was founded in 1931 as the Urhobo Brotherly Society, the founders wanted to advance Urhobo interest in the emergent order evolving from the experience of colonialism. The founders looked around them and saw that the Urhobo were frustrated, disorganized, confused and not reckoned with in the new scheme of things. They saw a bleak future for the Urhobo people and felt the need to intervene and redirect their course. It was that intervention that gave birth to the Urhobo Brotherly Society which blossomed into the UPU. Once it got traction, the UPU spoke and acted for the Urhobo nation in all matters. Of necessity, the UPU got involved in politics when it was expedient for her to do so just like other socio-cultural organizations.

    It has been said in some quarters that the UPU has never been partisan. This has been misunderstood to mean that the UPU has never intervened in politics. That the UPU has never intervened in politics is not true. Perhaps an explanation will suffice. The essence of the non-partisanship of the UPU has been that she has never supported one party over another where Urhobo are involved in the parties concerned. The UPU always supported qualified and capable Urhobo sons and daughters irrespective of political parties. Hence, the UPU will have in her fold sons and daughters running for the same office in different political parties and support them with prayers and mobilization. However, when the UPU senses a threat to Urhobo political interest she would wade in, intervene and ensure a collective alignment with most the qualified and capable Urhobo aspirant or candidate. That was why the UPU successfully mobilized for Chief Daniel Okumagba, Chief Felix Ibru and others in time past. It is no aberration.

    As pointed out in the opening paragraph, the UPU primarily sets out to project and advance Urhobo interest. The question to follow is, what constitutes Urhobo interest, how is it defined and identified? The answer is simple. The most important of Urhobo interest is politics. This is because every good thing will come when we get it right politically. Urhobo interest is defined by politics because contemporary development is tied to politics. So, if politics defines and directs everything and it is core to the advancement of Urhobo interest, why should the UPU get insulated from politics? Insisting that the UPU should not intervene politically is a sure recipe for disaster for the Urhobo nation and this is the standpoint and antics of those who do not wish us well. There is no reason why the UPU should not intervene even if she is not directly involved in politics.

    The foregoing background is necessary in view of a few negative, but unwarranted comments flying around criticizing the endorsement of the governorship aspirations of Chief David Edevbie by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU). Certain points need to be made. The UPU acted wisely and decisively. The UPU in settling for Edevbie has chosen the best Urhobo governorship material in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). The publication endorsing Edevbie also made it clear that the UPU will also interface with other political parties and endorse the best Urhobo aspirants on board those parties. The general understanding in Delta State is that it is the turn of the Urhobo to produce the Governor come 2023. Therefore, endorsing the most qualified Urhobo aspirants across the political parties is a win-win situation.

    Some of those taking the UPU to task over the endorsement were also the ones castigating the UPU for doing nothing as recent as a month ago. Now the UPU has spoken and acted wisely and the same elements are taking up arms. In whose interest are these few people acting? Who are their paymasters? Who is propping them to destroy the Urhobo nation? Why have they chosen to play the enemy within (ivwreghen uwevwi)?

    The UPU has been rightly described as the umbrella socio-cultural body, revered organization, foremost group and in other such enduring and endearing terms. Above all the UPU is not just over ninety years old, but the oldest socio-cultural organization in Nigeria and probably all of Africa. Why can’t these misguided few see the UPU in her reverential essence and say Urhobotanure (Urhobo has spoken) and fall in line. No, they must kick and pull one another down like uncharitable crabs.

    This is a clarion call to all Urhobo sons and daughters that they should put personal interest aside and embrace the UPU and the direction she is indicating that we should follow. Right now atamu (one voice one action) is of the essence. That is how Mukoro Mowoe, Jereton Mariere, Adogbeji Salubi, Michael Ibru, Daniel Okumagba and the other avatars would have embraced and implemented the present endorsement. The UPU has spoken and it is Urhobotanure!

    Let Urhobo continue to speak with one voice and act in unison. We are aware that because of selfish and personal interest some of our sons and daughters occupying political offices are being blackmailed, intimidated and enticed to oppose the endorsement of Chief David Edevbie. We enjoin them to be true emuvwie (true born) and resist such temptations and offers. They should realize that in the end only their people matter. They should not betray Urhobo which God created them to be.

    Let us all heed this clarion call.

    Urhobo Ovuovo!!!

    Chief Williams Ilerhijele Makinde, FCA, PhD

  • 2023: Edevbie campaign office hails UPU’s decision for endorsing him as Urhobos sole candidate

    2023: Edevbie campaign office hails UPU’s decision for endorsing him as Urhobos sole candidate

    The David Edevbie Campaign Office has hailed the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU for edorsing him as the sole candidate of the Urhobo Nation in the 2023 governorship race.

    TheNewsGuru.com,(TNG) reports the organization spoke via a statement issued and signed by Clement Ofuani, Director General, Olorogun David Edevbie Campaign Organization.

    The organization stated that:”The choice of David Edevbie in 2022 is consistent with UPU’s position in 2014 when Edevbie was endorsed as Urhobo’s sole candidate for Governor.

    It gladdens our hearts to know that the decision of the UPU was based on the need for Urhobo Nation to present a common front to ensure that Delta Central produces the next Governor of the State.

    “We appreciate that UPU’s decision was also to prevent the splitting of Urhobo votes during the primaries, which appears to be the blatant but crude strategy being deployed by those who should clearly know better.

    ” The UPU endorsement ensures that Urhobo will present a candidate who can rapidly develop Delta State for the benefit of ALL Deltans.

    Read full statement below:

    *OLOROGUN DAVID EDEVBIE CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION*

    *PRESS STATEMENT on UPU’s Endorsement of Olorogun David Edevbie as Urhobo Preferred Candidate for 2023 Governorship Seat*

    Olorogun David Edevbie Campaign Organization, ODECO, hereby applauds the Urhobo people of Delta Central for adopting Olorogun David Edevbie as their preferred PDP candidate for the 2023 governorship election in the State.

    We received the news about the endorsement from a communique issued on Sunday, April 17, 2022, by the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the umbrella body of Urhobo Nation, and signed by Olorogun Moses Taiga, President General and other principal officers of the UPU. The choice of David Edevbie in 2022 is consistent with UPU’s position in 2014 when Edevbie was endorsed as Urhobo’s sole candidate for Governor.

    It gladdens our hearts to know that the decision of the UPU was based on the need for Urhobo Nation to present a common front to ensure that Delta Central produces the next Governor of the State. We appreciate that UPU’s decision was also to prevent the splitting of Urhobo votes during the primaries, which appears to be the blatant but crude strategy being deployed by those who should clearly know better. The UPU endorsement ensures that Urhobo will present a candidate who can rapidly develop Delta State for the benefit of ALL Deltans.

    The UPU’s choice of Edevbie as the best after a rigorous engagement with all Delta Central PDP guber aspirants confirms our stand that he is the best person for the job of Governor at this critical time of Delta State, as he has the requisite public sector experience at the State, Federal and international levels.

    Edevbie’s campaign team supports the UPU in its appeal to other Urhobo Guber aspirants that they should accept the UPU’s consensus choice for the collective interest of Urhobo Nation. We believe that the endorsement by UPU will also help to defend, protect and safeguard the interest of the Urhobo Nation and also promote unity and good relations with other ethnic groups in Delta State.

    _Olorogun David Edevbie for Governor, Let the best do it._

    *Chief Clement Ofuani, Director General, Olorogun David Edevbie Campaign Organization*

  • 2023: Full text of UPU’s statement endorsing David Edevbie for governorship

    2023: Full text of UPU’s statement endorsing David Edevbie for governorship

    The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide has endorsed Olorogun David Edevbie as it’s preferred aspirant for the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the UPU endorsed Olorogun Edevbie on Sunday in a statement signed and released by it’s President General, Olorogun Moses Taiga; 1st Deputy President General, Chief Anthony Onoharigho and three others.

    Read full text of UPU’s statement endorsing David Edevbie for the PDP below:

    On behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), worldwide, we send warm and sincere fraternal greetings to our beloved Urhobo people on this special occasion of Easter celebration. In this season of love and festivity, we wish our people unlimited joy, peace and good health.

    While we celebrate, it is important for us to take note of the current political atmosphere in the State and the seeming undercurrent to deliberately undermine the interest of the Urhobo people in the 2023 Governorship race. In this regard, we wish to categorically state, as follows:

    1. That as the Government of the Urhobo Nation, the UPU is under obligation, at all times and in all circumstances, to defend, protect and promote the interest of the Urhobo Nation and her people.
    2. That the UPU is unequivocally committed to the emergence of an Urhobo as Governor of Delta State in 2023.
    3. That the UPU has absolute faith in the rotation of the Governorship position among the three Senatorial Districts of the State, which, of course, has gone round, having started with Central in 1999 and rounding up now with the North. This rotational policy has brought about peace, mutual respect among the diverse ethnic groups and transquility to the State in the last 22 years, paving way for the growth and development, that have been witnessed so far in the State. The policy must, therefore, be encouraged and sustained by all the ethnic nationalities in the State to guarantee the prevailing peace, and prevent the unnecessary rancour, acrimony and violence often associated with campaigns and elections.
    4. That the UPU commends all our Royal Fathers across the State and all well-meaning Deltans who have given their support to the rotational policy on Senatorial basis.
    5. That to present a united front in the forthcoming primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the UPU had a brain-storming session with each of the Urhobo aspirants. All the aspirants who presented themselves before the UPU in the four-day interactive session, performed brilliantly.
    6. That we hereby acknowledge that they are all eminently qualified and suitable for the job, and each has what it takes to occupy the office of the Governor.
    7. We wish to commend all the Urhobo aspirants in the PDP for the matured and peaceful conduct of their campaigns, mainly refraining from name-calling and campaigns of calumny.
    8. We wish to recall admonishing each of the aspirants in the cause of our meeting with them that, “the UPU will, in conjunction with all stakeholders, ensure that the Urhobo Nation produces the Governor in 2023. We shall be firm on this and do whatever it takes, for an Urhobo man to occupy Osadebey House, Asaba, in 2023. Be also assured that we shall be fair and just to all the aspirants because we know that you all are eminently qualified for the office. It is just that only one person can go per time.”
    9. That after thoroughly examining and analysing all the aspirants, we have, however, reached a consensus that Olorogun David Edevbie, is the best person for the job at this time. Over time, he has acquired impressive public sector experience, both locally in Delta State and Federal Government, and prior outstanding international development finance experience.
    10. That we hereby plead with all our sons, and prevail on them all to support and collaborate with the consensus choice of UPU Worldwide, for the collective interest of our dear Urhobo Nation. We ask for their understanding at this critical and trying time in the history of the Urhobo Nation.
    11. That the UPU will also interact with all Urhobo aspirants in the All Progressive Congress (APC); Social Democratic Party (SDP); Labour Party (LP) or any of the other parties, with a view to fielding the most suitable for the primaries in those parties.
    12. We want to appeal to our Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to forgive Olorogun David Edevbie for any perceived transgression. To forgive is divine. No individual is perfect.
    13. Your Excellency, we also urge you to kindly allow the Urhobo Nation to choose the candidate of their preference, please. We can assure Your Excellency, that if considered necessary, we, as Urhobos, will act as sureties of Olorogun David Edevbie while in the office, if by the grace of God, he wins the Governorship general elections in 2023.
    14. Finally, we sincerely and wholeheartedly thank all the Urhobo Governorship aspirants for their patriotism in putting the interest of the Urhobo Nation above their personal interests and ambition.

    Urhobooo, Ovuovo!

    Signed:

    1. Olorogun (Dr.) Moses Oghenerume Taiga, President-Genaral, UPU Worldwide
    2. Chief Capt. (Dr.) Anthony Onoharigho, 1st Deputy President-General, UPU Worldwide
    3. Chief Godwin Notoma, Chairman, Forum of Presidents-General of the 24 Urhobo Kingdoms
    4. Dame Chief (Mrs.) Christy Siakpere, President, UPU Women Wing
    5. Comrade Ovie Ebireri, President, UPU Youth Wing
  • Ailing Urhobo leading traditional musician calls for urgent help

    Ailing Urhobo leading traditional musician calls for urgent help

    Bedridden leading Urhobo traditional musician, Mr. Olomu Friday Emuoghoke a.k.a. Odogbon, yesterday made a passionate appeal for urgent medical assistance to enable him recover after two years of suffering.

    Odogbon made the call during a visit by our correspondent to his Aladja temporary base.

    Odogbon in a tearful mood recounted how he was abandoned by his wife, friends and relatives.

    According to him, “The issue I had is tuberculosis and I was directed to the tuberculosis facility at Salubi close to Eku town. Over there several tests were conducted on me, thereafter I was given treatment and drugs. I was instructed to go to a nearby tuberculosis drug centre once the drugs given me are exhausted, there are many of such centres across the state.

    “After six months of treatment there, I was then going to the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Effurun for treatment and drugs. I spent another six months there also for treatment, I wasn’t on admission but was coming from home for the duration.

    “At the end of the six months, a test was conducted there and the result returned negative to tuberculosis, despite the result, there was no physical improvement and the Doctor said there ought to be improvement and he said I should consult with other Doctors as there’s something wrong in my chest.

    “I then consulted other Doctors who said I should repeat the tuberculosis treatment, I was directed to Aladja Health Centre as a nearby drug centre, I also underwent six months treatment again, yet no improvement.

    “So we resorted to traditional medication but the situation is also the same.
    My illness started more than two years ago, then it wasn’t as severe as it is now. I have not gotten any financial support from anyone until two days ago when Comrade Sunny Basikoro came and gave me some financial assistance after someone posted my condition on facebook.

    “I am short of blood but I couldn’t afford any, even treatment in the hospital. Yesterday, some persons called me and offered some support which I am planning to go to hospital for blood and drips.”

    The great Urhobo musician further added how he was left to die.

    “I had exhausted my savings and lost earnings due to the sickness, I have gone through severe suffering as my wife abandoned me and ran away with my young kids sensing that I had no hope of survival.

    “Friends and relatives also left me in the wake of the travail, they left me to die, but one of my relatives took me here and has survived me till this moment. He’s the one doing everything including cooking and washing me up.

    “There’s so much temptation in the musical performance, few colleagues at some interval had checked on me but there’s no significant assistance.

    “I plead for urgent medical assistance from the government, Urhobo Progress Union, local government and good citizens, I know times are tough, but please come to my aid so I can be on my feet again.

    “I don’t have the resources at the moment, I am calling on everyone who can support to come and support me, I am in dire need.”

    Mr. Olomu Friday Emuoghoke can be reached on his mobile line, 0803 095 2144 and supported on First Bank Savings account 3029086415.

  • Olu of Warri congratulates UPU on 90th anniversary

    Olu of Warri congratulates UPU on 90th anniversary

    The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III has congratulated the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) on the occasion of the Union’s 90th anniversary.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Olu of Warri in a congratulatory message prayed to God to bless Urhobo land.

    The message reads: “We write as we thank God Almighty and felicitate with the foremost union in Urhoboland, as you celebrate 90 years of bringing the Urhobo people together for progressive and constructive developments.

    “As designed by God in His wisdom, we are your closest neighbour, like the Bible says in Proverbs 27.10: better a neighbour nearby than a relative far away. This divine connection has grown over the centuries and produced fruits in marriages, businesses, and several other collaborations that gladdens our hearts as we send this goodwill message.

    “In ANY relationship, there must be lows and highs. Today the throne of our forebears’ focus on the highs as we continuously pray for the lows to become highs as we strengthen the elements that unite us as a family.

    “May God bless Urhoboland, may God bless Delta State, and bless Nigeria. Once again, please accept our hearty congratulations. Urhobo wado o o!”

  • Gate man for over 60 years bags award in Delta [PHOTOS]

    Gate man for over 60 years bags award in Delta [PHOTOS]

    Mr George Akaghoro, who has been a gate man for over 60 years at the Urhobo Cultural Centre, Okere road in Warri, Delta State, has been honoured by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Akaghoro was honoured by the UPU with a plaque on Friday as part of activities to mark the Union’s 90th anniversary.

    Akaghoro was among 55 other prominent sons and daughters of the Urhobo nation honoured during the award ceremony that was held at Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State.

    He has been the guard (gate man) at Urhobo Cultural Center, Okere road for over 60 years, and running. At the award ceremony, President General of the UPU, Olorogun Moses Taiga promised to pay Akaghoro all his salaries all through his tenure.

    Highlights of the award bestowed on Akaghoro was a standing ovation by the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

    Speaking during the award ceremony, Governor Okowa commended the UPU for the honour done to the illustrious sons and daughters of the Urhobo nation.

    Okowa said the award would help in encouraging others to put in their best in the growth and development of the nation.

    According to him, the UPU has played a major role in the advancement of not just the Urhobo nation but the advancement of Delta and Nigeria.

    See photos below:

  • UPU honours 56 prominent Urhobo sons, daughters [FULL LIST]

    UPU honours 56 prominent Urhobo sons, daughters [FULL LIST]

    The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) as part of activities to mark its 90th anniversary on Friday honoured a number of prominent sons and daughters of the Urhobo nation.

    Among those honoured at the 90th anniversary of the UPU are pioneer nationalists and icons of the Union; legends of industry, enterprise and other professions; legends in politics and public service, and pioneers and proprietors in education.

    Others are distinguished scholars and writers; outstanding Urhobo sportsmen and women; arts, music and media; young pacesetters and innovators; distinguished daughters of Urhobo, and Governors of Urhobo extraction (elected and appointed).

    Speaking during the award ceremony that held at Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, the State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa commended the UPU for the honour done to the illustrious sons and daughters of the Urhobo nation.

    Governor Okowa, while showering praises on the people of Urhobo nation for their immense support and contributions to the development of the State in particular and the country at large, said the award would help in encouraging others to put in their best in the growth and development of the nation.

    He stressed that the UPU had, as a socio-cultural group and through its human resources, played a remarkable role in the development of the state and Nigeria in the 90 years of its existence.

    According to him, UPU has played a major role in the advancement of not just the Urhobo nation but the advancement of Delta and Nigeria.

    The Governor thanked the leadership of the union for using its relationship with the people to ensure peace and organise them for purposeful development and being of great assistance to any government in power in the state.

    “I know the role the UPU has been playing in helping to build peace in Urhoboland and in trying also to extend hand of friendship to other ethnic groups across the state.

    “By the time our people in Delta State relate as one, then you would have helped government to solve its problems because once you have been able to establish peace it becomes much easier to develop the state,” he said.

    Okowa acknowledged the cordial relationship between the Urhobos and their neighbours, and said that a hand of friendship was very important “because he who extends hand of friendship wants to have a friend.”

    “I don’t believe that we must fight everything through; sometimes a kind word or a conversation can help you to get to where you want to be,” he said.

    He admonished governorship aspirants to exercise restraints in their consultations and campaigns.

    “I want to appeal to our sons and daughters who seek to be governor. It is usually best when you approach it on the basis of friendship. It is usually best that we are choosy on the kind of words that we use in public so that we don’t start any round of fights.

    “No matter how provoked, any person aspiring to the position of leadership must learn to control his anger and speak peacefully to people because in so doing, he attracts friends to himself,” he said.

    He called on Urhobo people to prune down the number of aspirants in the governorship race, advising that it was in their best interest to reduce the numbers.

    “When there are too many sons and daughters in a race, it creates its own challenge and I believe that the elders have understood this. There is a need to trim down and I believe that the time is now,” Okowa added.

    Meanwhile, the President-General of the UPU, Olorogun Moses Taiga, said that UPU was celebrating 90 years, a decade short of a century, adding that the union was Nigeria’s oldest surviving socio-cultural organisation.

    He said that UPU saw education as the light that would illuminate Urhoboland and liberate its people assuring that UPU was working on bequeathing an economic legacy to future generations with the proposed establishment of Okugbe Microfinance Bank which was awaiting operational license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Taiga said that the Urhobos would build alliances with other ethnic nationalities in the South-south and beyond to proffer a new destiny for Nigeria as the nation tottered to a new beginning.

    “While we do not support secessionist agitations, we align with the call for the restructuring of Nigeria in line with the tenets of federalism. We support the call for the relocation of the headquarters of all oil companies to the Niger Delta and the call for election results to be transmitted electronically.

    “Urhobos are in support of states’ collection of Value Added Tax (VAT), the enactment of Anti-Open Grazing Laws, the establishment of State Police and other such progressive factors that will make Nigeria great again,” he stated.

    LIST OF UPU @ 90 AWARDEES

    CATEGORY 1: PIONEER NATIONALISTS AND UPU ICONS

    1. Chief Ovedje Sadjere
    2. HRM Onajite Igere Adjara III
    3. Hon Justice Joseph Akpovi
    4. HRM Richard Layeguen Ogbon Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom
    5. Mr. George Akaghoro
    6. Chief Ogheneakpobo Adjekughele

    CATEGORY 2: LEGENDS OF INDUSTRY, ENTERPRISE AND THE PROFESSIONS

    1. Chief Patrick Gbinije
    2. AIG Dickson Sanomi
    3. Chief Edward Esiso
    4. Chief W. T. Odibo

    CATEGORY 3: LEGENDS IN POLITICS AND PUBLIC SERVICE

    1. Deacon Gamaliel Onosode
    2. Engr. Damrere Dede
    3. Chief G. N. O. Sefia
    4. Major General Felix Mujakperuo
    5. Chief Richard Oduaran

    CATEGORY 4: PIONEERS AND PROPRIETORS IN EDUCATION

    1. Ezekiel Igho
    2. Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey
    3. Dr. Mayirue Kolagbodi
    4. Professor F. M. A. Ukoli
    5. Chief A. T. Rerri
    6. Chief Johnson Barovbe

    CATEGORY 5: DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS AND WRITERS

    1. Professor Onigu Otite
    2. Professor Peter Ekeh
    3. Professor David Okpako
    4. Professor Isidore Okpewho
    5. Chief Daniel Obiomah
    6. Professor Tanure Ojaide

    CATEGORY 6: OUTSTANDING SPORTS MEN AND WOMEN

    1. Professor Ajovi Scot-Emuakpor
    2. Toni Urhobo
    3. Blessing Okagbare
    4. Ese Brume

    CATEGORY 7: ARTS, MUSIC AND MEDIA

    1. Dr. Alex Ibru
    2. Andy Akporugo
    3. Dr. Peter Igho
    4. Chief Ogute Ottan
    5. Mr. Ted Mukoro
    6. Daniel Iriferi (Sally Young)

    CATEGORY 8: YOUNG PACE SETTERS AND INNOVATORS

    1. Clement Mudiaga Enajemo
    2. Benson Uwheru

    CATEGORY 9: DISTIGUISHED DAUGHTERS OF URHOBO

    1. Mrs. Joan Ibuje
    2. Mrs. Mary Lakeru (nee Mowoe)
    3. Chief (Mrs) Lady Agbaza
    4. Chief (Mrs) Christiana Siakpere
    5. Chief (Mrs) Victoria Agodo
    6. Chief (Mrs) Margaret Unukegwo
    7. Professor (Mrs) Rose Aziza

    CATEGORY 10: GOVERNORS OF URHOBO EXTRACTION (ELECTED AND APPOINTED)

    1. Chief Samuel Jereton Mariere (Midwest)
    2. Major General David Ejoor (Midwest)
    3. Brigadier Harris Eghagha (Ogun)
    4. Olorogun Felix Ibru (Delta)
    5. Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Abia)
    6. Major General Patrick Aziza (Kebbi)
    7. Navy Commodore Temi Ejoor (Abia and Enugu)
    8. Colonel Mike Torey (Ondo)
    9. Brigadier Dominic Oneya (Benue and Kano)
    10. Chief James Ibori (Delta)