Nyerhovwo Oghenetejiri
Chief (Maj.-Gen.) Patrick Aziza (rtd), President General, Urhobo Progress Union( UPU) world-wide has inaugurated the executive of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), United Kingdom(U.K) branch to run it’s affairs for the next three years with a call on Urhobos there to work with the exco to ensure unity and progress amongst them as well as work for the advancement and growth of Urhobo nation.
Presenting certificate of office to the exco at the ceremony that has a cross section of Urhobos in the United Kingdom (U.K) and a representative of the High Commission, Mr. Sunny Kporarhor in attendance, Chief Aziza enjoined the newly inaugurated executive to work within the confines and bounds of the UPU constitution, he advised all Urhobos in the U.K to team up with the exco in the interest of unity and progress of Urhobos over there and Urhobo nation.
In his inaugural speech, Chief (Barr.) Emmanuel Okpako Ganiga, president, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), United Kingdom (U.K) expressed appreciation to God and all members for giving them the opportunity to serve, he promised on behalf of others that they would not betray the confidence reposed in them.
Chief Ganiga used the opportunity to call on members who felt aggrieved to join hands with the team in the interest of Urhobo nation to move to move it to greater heights as well as help to achieve his teams’ agenda of uplifting the fortunes of the UPU in U.K.
He promised that they would work to unite all as well as be committed to reach out to all stakeholders with the aim of enhancing the progress of the UPU in United Kingdom (U.K) and back home in Nigeria.
While promising to embark on aggressive membership drive with a view to bring all Urhobo sons and daughters living in the U.K into the fold of the UPU, the President, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), United Kingdom branch disclosed that the exco under him would work assiduously to give premium attention to the welfare of members.
According to Chief Ganiga, “we shall launch an Urhobo/Home initiative to inculcate Urhobo culture in our children and youths, we shall also embark on scholarship schemes to assist our brightest but less privileged sons and daughters in higher institutions of learning back home with a view to build capacities in Urhobo nation. We are to inaugurate a think-tank committee, an advisory body that would work to bridge the gap between London and Nigeria (headquarters).
He spoke further, “Urhobo nation is rich in culture and natural resources, I am using this opportunity to challenge our brothers and sisters here in the United Kingdom (U.K) to utilize our opportunities and potentials to the fullest.
High point of the ceremony was the presentation of certificate of office and formal inauguration of the 21-member executive.
