UPU Ohio Chapter Donates Medical Equipment, Empowers Widows In Delta
Diaspora-Led Initiative Boosts Healthcare and Social Welfare
THE President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, Olorogun Ese Gam, has commended the UPU Ohio Chapter, North America, for undertaking a wide-ranging humanitarian outreach in Delta State that included the donation of medical equipment to Central Hospital, Sapele, empowerment support for widows and relief materials for an orphanage.
The outreach, held on 5 July as part of activities preceding the 33rd UPU North America Annual Convention, also featured cash gifts and grinding machines for widows, as well as food items and household supplies for the Merciful Orphanage in Oghara.
Gam described the intervention as a demonstration of selfless service and a practical expression of the UPU’s founding ideals of unity, compassion and community development.
UPU President-General Applauds Spirit of Service
Speaking during the presentations, the UPU President-General praised members of the Ohio Chapter for travelling more than 6,000 miles from the United States at their own expense to support vulnerable members of the Urhobo community.
According to him, the outreach illustrates that meaningful impact is driven more by commitment than by material wealth.
He urged Urhobo sons and daughters across Nigeria and the diaspora to embrace philanthropy and contribute to the development of their communities through voluntary service and humanitarian interventions.
Gam also noted that the increasing emergence of women in leadership positions across UPU chapters reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusiveness and progressive leadership.
Empowering Widows Beyond Charity
President of UPU Ohio Chapter and host of the forthcoming UPU North America 33rd Annual Convention, Olorogun Dr. (Mrs.) Louisa Oyoyo Ukochovwera, said the empowerment programme was designed to promote sustainable livelihoods rather than temporary assistance.
Presenting grinding machines and financial support to selected widows, she described the initiative as an investment in dignity, independence and long-term economic empowerment.
According to her, the machines represent opportunities for income generation, children’s education and improved household welfare.
She also announced the UPU Ohio Widows Empowerment Initiative, which aims to strengthen leadership through service while supporting widows in establishing sustainable businesses.
Dr. Ukochovwera encouraged other UPU chapters across North America to adopt similar programmes by supporting at least ten widows before the next annual convention.
Medical Equipment to Improve Healthcare Delivery
The chapter also donated a wide range of medical equipment and hospital support materials to Central Hospital, Sapele.
Items presented included modern hospital beds, stretchers, examination tables, wheelchairs, hospital beddings, medical regulators, washing machines, refrigerators, televisions and other healthcare equipment intended to strengthen patient care and service delivery.
Presenting the items, Dr. Ukochovwera said the chapter remained committed to supporting healthcare development in Urhobo land despite operating thousands of miles away.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the hospital, Zonal Medical Director and Consultant Family Physician, Dr. Mrs. Owobu Ufuoma, described the donation as timely and impactful.
She explained that many of the donated items corresponded directly with the hospital’s priority needs and noted that partnerships between government institutions and philanthropic organisations remain critical to improving healthcare delivery.
Support Extended to Orphans
The humanitarian outreach also benefited the Merciful Orphanage Home in Oghara.
Represented by Olorogun Dr. Felix Okpe, the Ohio Chapter donated bags of rice and beans, cartons of noodles, cooking oil, beverages, a Smart Television, GOtv decoder and other essential supplies to support the welfare of children living in the facility.
The intervention reinforced the chapter’s commitment to caring for vulnerable groups within the Urhobo community.
Leaders Commend Diaspora Commitment
Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Bright Abeke, praised the initiative, describing it as a valuable contribution that complements government efforts in healthcare and social welfare.
Similarly, Hon. Austin Ayemidejor commended the chapter for translating its love for the Urhobo nation into practical interventions capable of improving healthcare, empowering widows and supporting disadvantaged children.
Both leaders encouraged other diaspora organisations, philanthropists and community groups to collaborate with government in addressing pressing social needs.
Convention Focused on Leadership and Development
Members of the UPU Ohio delegation, including Dr. Felix Okpe, Olorogun Augustina Ufuoma Scot and Dr. Ovie Fred Okotie, joined the chapter president in the outreach.
The humanitarian activities form part of preparations for the 33rd UPU North America Annual Convention, themed “Urhobo Global Impact: Leadership, Legacy and Prosperity,” highlighting the growing role of the Urhobo diaspora in advancing healthcare, economic empowerment and community development.
