UPU Youthwing Distributes Sanitizers To Urhobo Indigenes, Calls For Support From Politicians

By Daniel Dafe
The President of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Youthwing, Worldwide, Comrade Efemena Umukoro, has distributed sanitizers to some Urhobo communities, saying that this gesture was geared towards preventing the spread of the disease in Urhobo Nation.
Umukoro spoke to Oasis Magazine (OM), during an exclusive chat yesterday, March 31, 2020, in Ughelli.
According to him, his mission is to change the narrative in the UPU, saying that the group is a platform to protect and promote Urhobo nation; as the president of the youthwing, I saw the need not only to sensitize our people on the Coronavirus pandemic but also to give them sanitizers to prevent the spread of the virus in our territory.
He said: “I embarked on the project as a way of giving back to the society. Our effort was celebrated widely. I have been getting calls from several Urhobo kingdoms that said they have gotten theirs. By the grace of God we will increase it.
“The distribution of sanitizers and sensitization of our people started in Oruarivie Abraka Kingdom. Then we moved over to Orogun community, precisely Orogun market. From there we went to Agbarha, Ughelli and other Urhobo communities.
We must commend and thank Comrade Oturu Sovereignty who was the head of our medical team. He gave several health talks. For a start, we gave out 5000 sanitizers of 100ml.”
He added: “Leadership is all about sacrifice. I am doing this from my little personal resources. If I can do this, I am challenging the councilors to do same. Let’s impact lives. I applaud my executive. It is only UPU that has done this in the state.”
While thanking the management of Yoma Pharmacy for providing face masks for the executive that joined him during the tour, he commended Soft Touch Clothings, Warri for providing 15 units of sanitizers.
He continued: “I am pleading with Urhobo politicians to come out now and do the needful. It is not only during elections that we should see them. This is the time for them to show their people love. I have reached out to some politicians; I wouldn’t want to quote names so that it does not look like I am trying to tarnish anyone’s image because they did not support us when we called.
“I was shocked to see some councilors coming to beg that I give them hand sanitizers. They are at the grass roots and ought to complement what the government is doing. I am the youthwing president today on zero allocation. But, what I did today was sponsored by my personal business. No one gave me money. I am doing this as a personal sacrifice.
“Some persons on social media said some Urhobo politicians gave me money. It’s a self-sponsored project. No one gave me a dime. People tell me that I cannot continue to use my personal money for Urhobo cause. My finance has dwindled since I came on board, but I am not complaining. I urge other well-to-do Urhobo youths to key into this vision.
“After the Coronavirus matter, I will be doing a tour round the kingdoms in Urhobo land.”
Meanwhile, the head of the medical team, Comr. Sovereignty a.k.a Dr Sove, who is the Director of Programmes and Niger Delta Affairs, NANS Zone B (South South & South East), commended the organizers of the programme, saying that the move to sensitize people and share the sanitizers was a laudable one.
His words: “During the tour, I gave health talks on the Coronavirus pandemic, the signs and symptoms of the disease and also preventive measures of COVID-19. “Hence we gave out hand sanitizers. The feedback was overwhelming.”
According to him, he joined in the project because it is a very laudable move and another way to contribute back to Urhobo Nation.