Minneapolis,MN (USA) — IN a heart-warming gesture of friendship and solidarity among Nigerians of Delta State  origin in Minnesota (USA), the Anioma Association of Minnesota has promised to send a special dance group to perform and to support Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) of Minnesota at UPU’s 21st Anniversary Fundraising Dinner.

Former Delta State Commissioner of Education and Proprietress  of Chinkelly High School, Dr. (Mrs.) Veronica Efetemere Ogbuagu, will chair the 21^st Anniversary Fundraising Dinner of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) of Minnesota at Crowne Plaza Hotels in Brooklyn Center on Saturday, August 17th. The event will raise funds to support children at St. Anne’s Orphanage in Effurun (near Warri) in Delta State, Nigeria.

Ifeanyi Odor, President of Anioma Association of Minnesota,

As all is now getting set for the event, the President of Anioma Association of Minnesota, Ifeanyi Odor said the association will send a special dance group to perform and support the UPU August 17.

He said; ” Anioma believes that what UPU is doing is important, and it is in line with core Anioma values of service to community, especially orphaned children. As fellow Nigerians and Deltans, we have to stand by our Urhobo brothers and sisters in this noble cause.”

Ochuko Okitikpi, President of UPU Minnesota.

The President of UPU of Minnesota, Ochuko Okitikpi said; “Words are too weak to express the depth of our gratitude to our Anioma sisters and brothers for their support and solidarity. This is the way all Nigerians should think and act for the good of all.”

According to Aruworay Memene, chairman of the 21^stAnniversary Organizing Committee, guests will experience the richness and energy of Nigerian and Urhobo music and dance.

In his words; “We are expecting guests from many Twin-Cities-based (Minnesota) Nigerian cultural groups as well as emissaries from governments and businesses. Expect a gala night like no other.”

St. Anne’s Orphanage is a Christian orphanage with about 27 children between the ages of 2 months and 16 years. UPU Minnesota (USA) began supporting St. Anne about 6 years ago. This year’s fundraiser will help the orphanage meet what Reverend Sister Mary Usifoh, the orphange’s administrator, describes as a “critical need” for the children: a 14-seater school bus. In addition, UPU plans to stuff the school bus with supplies (clothing, school supplies, toys, etc.) for the children.

About Anioma Association of Minnesota:

The purpose of the Association is to promote the cultural, civic, educational and the overall well-being of its members; to educate members of our community, at large, about the traditions and culture of people from the Anioma area of Nigeria; and to encourage our members to participate in charitable causes and positive acts of community building, in conformity with section 501(c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

About St. Anne’s Orphanage:

Located in Effurun (near Warri), Delta State, Nigeria. St. Anne’s Orphanage is a Christian orphanage with about 27 children between the ages of 2 months and 16 years old.

About UPU Minnesota:

Founded in 1990, UPU Minnesota is the main social and cultural organization serving Urhobo-speaking immigrants from Nigeria in Minnesota (USA). The fifth largest ethnic group in Nigeria and the largest in Delta State, Urhobos are known for their industry, resourcefulness, and hospitality.