By Ambrose Ologide
Ekpan Uvwie Local Government Area based Urhobo Peoples Integrity Organisation ( UPIO) has commended Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for the establishment of Okuama Internally Displaced Persons ( IDP)Camp in Otor Ewu Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The National President of UPIO Dr ( Olorogun) Ebenezer Okorodudu ( JP) made the commendation in a media chat with newsmen shortly after the group donated foodstuffs and toiletries to the people in IDP Camp on Monday 24th June 2024 .
He also gave Governor Oborevwori a pat on the back for his display of rare commitment to the restoration of peace in Okoloba and Okuama axis of the state.
Okorodudu had explained that UPIO was formed in 2012 to protect, defend and promote the interest of Urhobo people. ” That is why we are here to show love to our people in our own little way ” he added.
Okorodudu was also full of appreciation to other individuals and groups that have shown such love to the people in Okuama IDP Camp.
The Chairman of the Management Committee of the camp, Elder Abraham Ogbodo had earlier appreciated UPIO for the gesture in a media chat with journalists.
He identified indequate supply of foodstuffs as one of the major challenge of the camp as he noted that no matter the volume of foodstuffs that were supplied, the supply of food will run down because they were consumed daily by the people.
Ogbodo also raised the issue of inadequate accommodation as a challenge in the Okuama IDP Camp . He therefore called for the renovation of two buildings in the camp.
He however added that ” our major aim is to return the people to their homes ”
The Secretary of the camp, Mr Austin Emaduku was also full of appreciation to UPIO for the visit and donation of foodstuffs and toiletries ” We are satisfied with what they brought. So we appreciate them on behalf of the people in the camp ” he added.
Emaduku however also appealed for the supply of more foodstuffs for the people in camp in order for the camp not to run short of food supply.
Dr. Okorodudu was accompanied by Professor Chief Israel N Abido JP ( 2nd National President of UPIO ) Chief Simon Asite (Financial Secretary) Chief Akpojotor Adjarho (member) Ambrose Ologide ( member ) Deacon Ejiro Ibuakevwe ( member ) and Matthew Onokpasa an engineer ( member )
Members of UPIO had earlier played host to HRM Clement Ikolo Urhukpe 1 the Ovie of Ewu Urhobo Kingdom at the Ekpan Uvwie Local Government Area residence of its National President Dr Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu JP before embarking on the trip to Okuama IDP Camp.
Professor Abido who presided over the hosting , in his speech , expressed joy over the release of the tradititional ruler from the hands of the Nigerian Army just as he commended and appreciated Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori and others who also facilitated the release of the Ewu Urhobo monarch.
An elated Ewu Urhobo monarch in his brief speech, thanked UPIO for hosting him and for all the good works it has done for Urhobo Nation.
