The Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the apex Socio-cultural group in Urhobo land established over 90 years ago with worldwide headquarters in Ukwuamiagbe, Agbarho, Delta State, recently created a branch in Badagry,  the town where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria and renowned for its tourism potentials.

The Badagry branch of the UPU, at the weekend elected some prominent Urhobo sons and daughters to run the affairs of the fifth largest ethnic tribe in Nigeria, to move Urhobo sons and daughters in Badagry and environs forward in diverse areas in line with the dreams of the founding fathers of UPU and the leadership direction of the current  President-General of UPU worldwide, Olorogun Barrister Ese Gam.

Elected to run the affairs of the UPU, Badagry branch are Deacon Ovie Edomi, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, in Mass Communication from Babcock university specialising in Development Communication and equally the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of South South International magazine as President. Elder Andrew Ewrujakpor, a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, was elected as Vice president, and Sir Efe Okoro, a Personnel Management icon and head of Human Resources, B- Cola as well as a Knight in Catholic was elected, Secretary.

Also elected are Vincent Onomake, head human Resources, Beta Glass, Agbara as Treasurer; Comrade Emmanuel Eduje, a labour leader as assistant Secretary; Mrs Roseline John. O, a teacher and Chief Clerical Officer, Ministry of Defence, (Nigeria Military Hospital), as Financial Secretary; Chief Okiemute Ogheneyoma, Managing Director of Chiherc Nigeria limited, as Provost, and Olorogun Samuel Omoyibo a retired senior Customs officer and Urhobo orator as Spokesman.

Others elected to pilot the UPU Badagry branch are Augustine Okpegboro as legal officer; Gambari and Anna Enemies as Welfare Officers, and Timothy Abuke as Assistant Spokesman.

Shortly after their election speaking on behalf of the elected UPU Badagry branch elected officers, Edomi noted that “It is a call to service and a call to committedly work for the UPU Badagry branch and UPU worldwide for the progress and growth of the Urhobo.”

He noted that the UPU Badagry branch will galvanize Urhobos through different initiatives and programmes that will benefit the teeming Urhobo youths and elderly particularly those that the new branch can reach via its programmes and initiatives.

He commended the UPU President-General  worldwide, Chief Barrister Ese Gam, and his members of EXCO for creating the new branch and says the Badagry branch will leave up to expectation and do all it can to continue to promote the welfare  and progress of the  Urhobos