By Tosan Edematie
Otor-Ewu, Delta State — Olorogun (Dr.) Moses Oghenerume Taiga, JP, CON, former President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, has reassured the people of the Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State that they are not alone, with the Urhobo Nation committed to standing by them until they can safely return home.
Speaking on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the Ewu Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp, Otor-Ewu, Olorogun Moses Taiga, who donated a live cow and bags of rice to the camp. in a compelling message delivered by his representative and Senior Special Assistant, Kenneth Young-Emretiyoma. acknowledged the significant hardships endured by the Okuama community. “Your strength and courage in the face of such adversity are truly inspiring,” he conveyed. He reassured the displaced Okuama people: “We stand with you, and we will continue to support you until you can return to your ancestral homeland.”
Acknowledging the efforts of various Urhobo groups, associations, and other Nigerians who have contributed to the relief efforts, Olorogun Taiga, however, called for continued support for the displaced Urhobo people until they can return home to Okuama and rebuild their community., urged for continued support, noting that the road to recovery remains long.
Olorogun Moses Taiga, who is also Chairman of the board of Trustees of UPU Worldwide, expressed deep gratitude to the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, for his decisive and compassionate response in establishing the humanitarian camp.
“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.”
Moses Taiga also commended the Okakuro (Barr.) Ese Gam Owe-led leadership of the UPU Worldwide for its unwavering support for the Okuama community during this challenging period.
“I thank you for being a steadfast voice for the Okuama people. Your support and commitment to the well-being of the Okuama community in her challenging time is invaluable and appreciated,” Taiga lauded the UPU.
He also paid tribute to the Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo, the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, for their solidarity with the Okuama people. “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 Ovie of Ewu Kingdom, HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urukpe 1, and the Otor-Ewu Community were particularly commended for their hospitality and protection of the Okuama people. Olorogun Taiga described their generosity as an act of kindness that will not be forgotten.”
He also praised the Ewu-Okuama IDP Management Committee, led by Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, former Editor of The Guardian newspaper, and the camp officials for their dedication to the well-being of the displaced. Their efforts, he said, reflect the highest ideals of patriotism and compassion.
The Chairman of the Niger Benue Transport Company (NBTC) Ltd in Ovwian Town, Udu LGA, further expressed his gratitude to the media for their role in bringing attention to the Okuama crisis. “Your coverage has been instrumental in bringing attention to the plight of the Okuama people and in rallying much-needed support’” he said.
Responding, the Chairman of the Ewu Internally Displaced Persons Management Committee, Mr Abraham Ogbodo, thanked Olorogun Moses Taiga for the donations.
He said: “We can only thank those who are kind-hearted and directed by the Spirit of God to come to our aid with relief materials. The man who has done this is like a father to the entire Urhobo nation. He is the immediate past President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union.”
The former Editor of The Guardian newspaper describes Moses Taiga as “a philanthropist who has been working for the Urhobo people with his time, talent, and personal resources…”
Ogbodo spoke further that Taiga “has come with 50 kg bags of rice—these are the things causing Nigerians to protest because we are not getting them just like that. It’s like a lifeline… If you go to the market, you know what it costs.
“I remember growing up, a full cow was selling for 16 Naira, maybe 18 Naira at the most. Now, in the area where they sell cows, the price of the cow itself will chase you out. And so, we are very fortunate. This is just the latest addition to a series of assistance that we have received from good-spirited Urhobo sons and daughters.”
Mothers and Children at the camp showered prayers and praises on Taiga for the donation, even as they also praised Mr Abraham Ogbodo for his leadership and fatherly disposition.
It was particularly touching when the children of the camp erupted in wild jubilations as soon as Ogbodo drove into the camp, with mothers ‘throwing’ prayers at him.
Others who witnessed the presentation were Chief (Hon) Josephine Oduaran, a member of the Ewu IDP Management Committee; Deacon Austin Ohwofaria, Camp Commandant; Mr Johnson CKC; and others, including the Okuma people.
