We’ve created 129 jobs, attracted 1,500 scholarships -UPYA

The Urhobo Progressive Youth Association, UPYA says it has created jobs for 129 youths, attracted 1,500 scholarships and reached out to over 50,000 students in its open mobile empowerment programme which has permeated Urhobo communities across Delta State.

This much was revealed by UPYA Team Lead, Marcus Ekure Saturday August 26 in Ughelli, Delta State, during the grand finale of the 2017 Dr. Ovie Ughwanogho Foundation, DOUF annual Urhobo challenge.

While noting that Urhobo Progressive Youth Association was established 2010 to advocate for empowerment and human capital development in a bid to tackle youth restiveness, Ekure added that they have established African Centre for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Vocational Studies with the aim of training youths in different skills.

He praised Dr. Ughwanogho for sponsoring the annual DOUF competition amid draw-back by the Delta State government, describing him as a blessing to Urhobo Nation.

According to him, Ughwanogho has supported UPYA with a bus, laptops and other grants for effective operation.

Dr. Ovie Ughwanogho making a remark, while  Dr. Onokpa (2^nd right) & others listen

Fresh Angle International checks revealed that two students each were nominated from 189 secondary schools in Delta Central and other Urhobo speaking communities in the State before the finalists emerged.

Dr. Ughwanogho stated that Urhobo is the first tribe in Nigeria to establish ethnic association and “has produced the highest number of medical doctors in Nigeria and West Africa”.

While admonishing fellow Urhobos with like-minds to be steadfast in the quest to develop Urhobo Nation, Dr. Ughwanogho enjoined Urhobos to shun political jobbers and remain united.

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Chiedu Ebie who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Onokpa, assured of the State Government‘s support in terms of providing enabling environment.

He disclosed plans by the State Government to introduce Urhobo language in school curriculum across Urhobo areas in the forthcoming academic session.

Our Senior Correspondent reports that the 2017 DOUF competition was won by Omonigho Raphael from Erho Secondary, Abraka, while second position went to Iboyi Oyovwike Comfort of Nehemiah International School, Okuokoko in Okpe Local Government Area. Okpako Confidence of Okpare Grammar School in Ughelli South Local Government Area clinched the third position.

Consolation prizes were presented to six runners-up in the occasion which was graced by personalities like Dr. Apoki, representative of Ovie of Effurun-Otor and Chiefs from various Kingdoms in Urhobo land.

Cross Section of the nine finalists of 2017 DOUF

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