Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, said that the election of the new executive was well-deserved and urged them to use their new positions to contribute to the growth and development of the Urhobo nation.
He urged them to sustain their liaison with governments at all levels, the private sector, and all stakeholders to ensure sustainable economic development of the people.
The governor also tasked the new Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) leadership to work assiduously and harmoniously with other ethnic nationalities to sustain peace and good neighborliness in the state.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I congratulate Chief Ese Owe on his election as President-General of Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU).
“I also congratulate other elected members of the Executive Committee and the people of Urhobo nation worldwide, on the successful election that ushered in a new leadership.
“I also use this opportunity to congratulate and thank the outgone executive led by Moses Taiga for their immense contributions to the Urhobo nation and our dear State.
“I urge the new executive to use their privileged positions to contribute their quota to the growth and development of Urhobo land.
“As they embark on their three-year tenure, it is my prayer that God will grant them the wisdom and knowledge to lead the Urhobo people to greater glory,” the statement read.
The foremost socio-cultural union, which celebrated its 91st anniversary, elected Ese Owe Gam as its new President-General Worldwide.
Gam, a practicing lawyer based in Sapele and from Eku community in Ethiope East Local Government Area, was elected alongside 13 others on Sunday, December 4, at the Urhobo House (UPU national secretariat) in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta state.
Prior to his emergence as PG of UPU, Gam was at a time the General Secretary of the Union. He later became President-General Eku Progress Union (EPU). It is, however, not clear if he dropped the office before his emergence as the new PG of UPU.
Also elected are Isaac Itebu, 1st Deputy President General; Abel Opuidi, 2nd Deputy President General, and Ominimini Obiuwevbi, 3rd Deputy President General.
Others are David Esiekpe, National Secretary; Okoh Eunice, National Treasurer; Simeon Asite, National Financial Secretary; Felibens Edeheri Okoro, National Assistant Secretary and Luke Djebah, National Publicity Secretary.
Similarly, Oduaran Josephine was elected National Assistant Publicity Secretary; Samson Gordons Okomitie as National Assistant Financial secretary, Omovie Emmanuel as National Legal Adviser, Andrew Ubido as National Assistant Legal Adviser and Austine Atiti as National Auditor.