As support continues to pour in for the ravaged Okuama community in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, former President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga, alongside UPU Ireland, have donated relief materials worth millions of Naira to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.
The donations are part of ongoing efforts to complement the Delta State Government’s initiatives to bring relief and aid to the displaced people of Okuama. The gesture underscores the commitment of both individuals and organizations to support the community during this difficult period.
The residents of Okuama have been homeless since March 2024, following a reprisal attack by the Nigerian military. The attack, which came in response to the killing of 17 soldiers by unknown gunmen in the vicinity, resulted in the destruction of all structures in the community, including homes, schools, and hospitals, leaving thousands of people without shelter.
In response to this tragic incident, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori swiftly established an IDP camp in Ewu town to provide temporary housing for the displaced residents while reconstruction efforts are underway. The camp has become a symbol of hope for the Okuama community as they await the rebuilding of their town.
Olorogun Moses Taiga and UPU Ireland made their donations during two separate events at the Ewu-Okuama IDP Camp on Friday. The relief materials included bags of rice, a live cow, and various other food items, all aimed at providing sustenance to the displaced families.
Presenting the food items, including a live cow, bags of rice and others to the chairman and officials of the IDP Management Committee, Olorogun Taiga, commended Governor Oborevwori and private individuals for providing support to the people of Okuama.
The Urhobo leader, who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Chief Kenneth Young, said he stands in solidarity with the people of the Okuama community in this difficult period of their lives.
[caption id="attachment_1851047" align="aligncenter" width="247"]
former President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga[/caption]
He commended the efforts of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, UPU, NGOs and other individuals for providing support for the people of the Okuama community.
Olorogun Taiga said, "First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, for his decisive and compassionate leadership in establishing this humanitarian camp here in Ewu Town.
"In the darkest hours, when the people of Okuama were in desperate need of refuge, your swift action provided them with a haven, restoring hope amidst their despair. We are also encouraged by the news that the State Government has begun the rebuilding of Okuama, starting with the construction of a health centre and a classroom block. Your Excellency, for this and more, we are deeply grateful.
"Indeed, our people are deeply rooted in their ancestral lands, not in camps. It is my fervent hope, bolstered by the assured and practical commitment of His Excellency, the Governor that our Okuama brethren will soon return to their homes, where they belong.
"I also want to acknowledge the Ukoko R'Ivie R'Urhobo, the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, Your Majesties, your unwavering solidarity with the people of Okuama is a powerful testament to our unity as Urhobos. Your continued support underscores the truth that when one of us is in pain, we all feel it. Ejuwe, we thank you all for standing by our people during this challenging time."
The billionaire businessman further commended the Chairman of the IDP Management Committee, Mr Abraham Ogbodo and his team for the excellent job they are doing at the Camp.
"However, the road to recovery is still long, and we urge everyone to continue giving and supporting until our people can return home and rebuild their lives. To the resilient people of Okuama, your strength and courage in the face of such adversity are truly inspiring. You have endured so much, but please know that you are not alone.
"We stand with you, and we will continue to support you until you can return to your ancestral homeland. I must also extend a special thank you to the Ewu-Okuama Internally Displaced Persons Management Committee, led so capably by Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, former Editor of The Guardian newspaper, and the officials of this camp. The efforts made towards the well-being of the displaced are greatly appreciated. Your work reflects the highest ideals of patriotism and compassion.
"Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the media for their crucial role in highlighting the Okuama situation. Your coverage has been instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of the Okuama people and in rallying much-needed support. As we look ahead, let us all hold onto hope that the people of Okuama will soon return to their ancestral homes, rebuild their community, and restore their lives to normalcy", Olorogun Taiga added.
In the same vein, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Ireland Branch, also donated relief materials to the Ewu-Okuama IDP Camp for the feeding of the displaced persons.
Among the items donated by UPU Ireland include bags of rice, bags of beans, cartons of fish, gallons of groundnut and red oil, bags of garri and 50 tubers of yam.
President of UPU Ireland, Chief Richard Iyede, Ph.D, told the camp officials and the IDPs that Urhobos in Ireland are greatly pained by the plight of Okuama people and had decided to donate the food items to help alleviate their sufferings.
Represented by Mr. Henry Obus, Chief Iyede said "these items are from UPU Ireland. We came together to donate these relief materials to alleviate the suffering of Okuama people. He asked me to tell you that Urhobos in Ireland are solidly with you. We'll continue to support you."
Receiving the relief materials, the Chairman of the IDP Management Committee, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, flanked by other officials of the camp, thanked Olorogun Moses Taiga and Chief Richard Iyede-led UPU Ireland for their donations to the Camp.
Ogbodo, a former Editor of the Guardian Newspaper, noted that "The Ewu-Okuama IDP Management Committee wishes to sincerely thank and appreciate our father and leader, Olorogun Moses Taiga, for this generous donation. We are also grateful to the UPU Ireland under the leadership of Chief Richard Iyede for sending food items from Ireland. This is very commendable by our brothers and sisters in Ireland.
"As I have always said, the IDP Camp is one of the steps towards resettling Okuama people. The second step is the restoration of the community and the resettling of the IDPs in their ancestral homeland. This is currently on course.
"The Delta State government is taking the right step in the plight of our people. I commend Governor Oborevwori for his proactive support to the people of Okuama."
Ogbodo also noted that the donation from UPU Ireland under the leadership of Chief Richard Iyede was the first donation from Urhobos in the diaspora.
