Tejiri Ebikeme
Former Delta State Commissioner of Education and Proprietress of Chinkelly High School, Dr. (Mrs.) Veronica Efetemere Ogbuagu, will chair the 21st 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.
“We are deeply honored and truly delighted that Dr. Ogbuagu will join us to celebrate our anniversary and we are excited that the fundraiser will continue our support for children at St. Anne’s Ophanage,” said Ochuko Okitikpi, president of UPU Minnesota.
St. Anne’s Orphanage is a Christian orphanage with about 26 children between the ages of 2 months and 12 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 Usifo, 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.
According to Aruworay Memene, chairman of the 21st Anniversary 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.”
As Delta State education chief (2003-2007), Dr. Ogbuagu combated years of low teacher morale, infrastructural decay, poor teacher preparation, poor-quality teaching, rampant teacher absenteeism, and entrenched examination malpractice (cheating) and restored confidence in public education in Delta State. For three years in a row (2004-2006), Dr. Ogbuagu won the “Education Commissioner Role Model Award” for leading Delta State to first position in Examination Ethics Rating in the South-South Zone. A recipient of numerous professional and leadership awards, Dr. Ogbuagu was named “Best Commissioner” in the federation by the National Leadership Center in Abuja in 2006.
About Dr. (Mrs.) Ogbuagu:
Founder and CEO of Chinkelly Schools, Ekpan-Effurun (Delta State), Dr. Ogbuagu served as Delta State Education Commissioner, 2003-2007.
About St. Anne’s Orphanage:
Located in Effurun (near Warri), Delta State, Nigeria. St. Anne’s Orphanage is a Christian orphanage with about 26 children between the ages of 2 months and 12 years old.
About UPU Minnesota:
Founded in 1992, 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.
