By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.

A new Executive Council have been inaugurated in Bayelsa state chapter of Urhobo Progress Union worldwide ,with Pastor Gift Omohwo Oyeghe as it’s President.

Other Executive members were Macstin Efe, vice president, Mr Edwin Udoji Alex , Financial Secretary, pastor John Osavwayiwha,Treasurer Alfred Akpoterevwen, Speaker, Mrs Beauty Solomon,Provost, Mrs Helen Joseph, Welfare Officer, Williams Ogheneovo, Assistant Financial Secretary, Mr Patrick Onoriode, Assistant Secretary, Mr David Duobo, Public Relations Officer, Helen Ogedegbe, Women Leader, Pastor Emmanuel Enakierhi, Organizing Secretary and Michael Olomoro Akugbene,Secretary.

In his acceptance speech, pastor Gidgift Omohwo Oyeghe, who hails from Agbarho expressed appreciation and thanked God for his inauguration as the president of Urhobo Progress Union Bayelsa state chaptet, promising that he is going to rule with fear of God and solicited the support of other stakeholders for him to succeed, because one hand cannot remove lice from the hair.

“I don’t claim to have monopoly of knowledge,hence l need collaboration and advice from members and past leaders in order to take the UPU in Bayelsa state to greater heights .And l also commend the Bayelsa state government under senator Douye Diri for creating the enabling environment for non indigenes to reside and do their business in the state and promise to work with the state government and other ethnic nationalities harmoniously”

The chairman of the occasion SP Akpomuvwe David used the opportunity to advise UPU members in the state to be law abiding and live harmoniously with the host state and other non indigenes in the state.

Also speaking, Engr James Vwotu, the inaugural Committee chairman, said the event marked the 6th inaugural ceremony of Urhobo Progress Union in Bayelsa state in the union’s collective journey as a people, adding that UPU Bayelsa state has since it’s foundation stood as the true custodian of the heritage, our unity, and our development aspiration.” Our gathering here today is a testimony to our shared commitment of the Urhobo Nation.”

He further explained that, it was more than a ceremony, and it is a reaafirmation of who we are as Urhobo people, because our unity is not negotiable, as a proud resilient, resourceful people who continue to shine whatever we found ourselves.

He also extended his appreciation to past leaders, whose sacrifices, wisdom and dedication has continued to sustain the Branch chapter and that has kept urhobo Voice strong and respected across Nigeria and beyond, admonishing the newly inaugurated executives to lead and represent the interest of urhobo people.” The task before you is great. But so is also the confidence the people reposed in you. We believe that you will uphold the values unity, transparency and accountability, and the over all development the Urhobo Progress worldwide is reputed for”

The outgoing president, Olorogun Charles Oruru was excited for successfully handing over the mantle of leadership to Pastor Godgift Oyeghe led executive and pledged that his doors will ever remain wide open for consultation, collaboration and advice to enable him surpass his achievements.

Other past presidents of UPU Bayelsa state chapter such as Mr William Orievwen and Deacon Kingsley Akpaka and Sagbama Sub Branch Chairman, Mr Ogheneruemu Udi and Mrs Margaret Akpomiemie also gave the new executive their wise counsel and prayed for them to succeed in leading Urhobo progress Union in Bayelsa.

Highlight of the event was the launching of the Urhobo Progress, Bayelsa state chapter,s almanac and calenders.

The event was spiced with cultural displays and Urhobo traditional musics.