In a resounding display of democratic maturity and cultural pride, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm congratulations to Chief Ese Gam (mni) following his decisive re-election as President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), the foremost socio-cultural organization of the Urhobo people, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic nationalities.
The election, conducted during the 94th Urhobo National Day Celebration and 2025 Annual Congress at the union’s historic secretariat in Uvwiamughe-Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, saw Chief Ese Gam secure an overwhelming 432 votes against his closest challenger, Chief Simeon Ohwofa, who polled 178 votes. The transparent and peaceful nature of the exercise has been widely praised as a testament to the deepening democratic culture within Urhobo traditional and cultural institutions.
In a statement personally signed and released through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the congress as “exemplary,” commending delegates, contestants, supporters, and the electoral committee for maintaining peace and decorum throughout the process. “What we witnessed today is the true spirit of Urhobo brotherhood,” the Governor remarked. “Despite the intensity of the campaigns, everyone demonstrated remarkable restraint and respect for one another. This is the Urhobo we know: a people bound by shared history, values, and an unbreakable commitment to progress.”
The Governor’s message went beyond mere felicitations; it carried a strong charge to the newly inaugurated executive members. He urged Chief Ese Gam and his team to see their victory not as a triumph over opponents, but as a sacred mandate to heal any divisions that may have emerged during the campaigns and to unite the Urhobo nation more firmly than ever before.
“The Urhobo Progress Union is not just an association; it is the heartbeat of our collective identity,” Governor Oborevwori emphasized. “It has been the platform through which our forefathers defended our interests, preserved our language, customs, and traditions, and projected the Urhobo voice in the comity of nations. I charge the new executive to build on the solid foundation laid by previous administrations of the UPU and to work tirelessly to foster greater unity, peace, love, and understanding among our people, irrespective of clan, political affiliation, or religious leaning.”
He specifically called on the new leadership to address the concerns and grievances articulated by various candidates and interest groups during the campaigns, noting that every voice raised in the pursuit of a better Urhobo nation deserves to be heard and accommodated. “Let this election mark the beginning of a new era of inclusiveness,” he said. “No Urhobo son or daughter should feel marginalized within our common house.”
In a display of statesmanship, Governor Oborevwori equally congratulated all other contestants, particularly Chief Simeon Ohwofa and others who vied for various positions, describing their participation as patriotic and selfless. “To those who offered themselves for service and did not emerge victorious, I say a big thank you,” the Governor stated. “Your willingness to serve is itself victory. The Urhobo nation is proud of you. I urge you to close ranks with the new leadership and continue to contribute your wealth of experience and ideas. Together, we are stronger.”
The Governor further appealed to all Urhobo sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to rally behind the Chief Ese Gam-led executive. He reminded them that the strength of the Urhobo nation has always been rooted in its ability to speak with one voice on issues that affect its collective interest, whether in Delta State or at the national level.
Reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to ethnic harmony and inclusive development, Governor Oborevwori reiterated that his MORE Agenda places high premium on partnership with all ethnic nationalities in Delta State. “My government will continue to collaborate closely with the UPU, just as we do with Isoko Development Union, Itsekiri National Union, Ijaw National Congress, Ndokwa Neku Union, and all other ethnic-based organizations,” he assured. “We are one Delta, and the progress of any part is progress for all.”
The 94th Urhobo National Day Celebration itself was a colorful carnival of culture, with traditional masquerades, dance troupes, and choral groups from various Urhobo kingdoms showcasing the richness of Urhobo heritage. Dignitaries from across the state and beyond, including traditional rulers, political leaders, business moguls, and academia, graced the occasion, further underscoring the significance of the UPU in the socio-political landscape of Delta State and the Niger Delta region.
Analysts have described Chief Ese Gam’s re-election as a strong endorsement of his first-term achievements, which include the revitalization of Urhobo language programs in schools, aggressive scholarship schemes for indigent students, advocacy for infrastructural development in Urhoboland, and the strengthening of the union’s financial base. His victory is also seen as a rejection of attempts by some quarters to factionalize the union along political lines, with many delegates insisting that the UPU must remain apolitical and focused on cultural preservation and people-oriented development.
As the new executive settles down to work, expectations are high that the union will intensify efforts toward youth empowerment, women inclusion, conflict resolution among Urhobo communities, and the promotion of Urhobo economic interests in the oil and gas sector, where the ethnic group believes it has been historically marginalized despite being a major host to multinational oil companies.
In the words of Governor Oborevwori, “The task ahead is enormous, but with unity of purpose, there is nothing the Urhobo nation cannot achieve.” His congratulatory message has therefore not only celebrated a successful election but has set a clear agenda for the Urhobo Progress Union in the years ahead: to deepen unity, bridge gaps, and reposition the Urhobo people for greater relevance in a rapidly changing Nigeria.
With peace restored and a leadership renewed through the ballot, the Urhobo nation marches into 2026 and beyond with renewed hope, confident that its foremost socio-cultural body remains in steady hands committed to the ideals of progress, unity, and cultural pride.
