By Elohor Foghola / Elizabeth Oduje
The Urhobo People Integrity Organization (UPIO), a leading socio-political body in Delta State, has presented its inaugural Integrity Awards to four distinguished Nigerians in recognition of outstanding leadership and service delivery.
The awardees include Senator Ede Dafinone, Hon. Rev. Francis Oghenewaive, Barr. Ama Etuwewe SAN, and ACP Aliyu Shaba.
The ceremony, held today 22nd December 2025 at Bon Hotel Hyatti, Ekpan, Delta State, was attended by top government and community leaders, including Chief Barr. Ese Gam Owe, President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the event Chief Barr. Ese Gam Owe President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, commended UPIO and the national president Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu for his selfless service over the years stating he is an example for Integrity.
He added that the awardees show the uniqueness of the Urhobo nation in absolving and living peacefully with other ethnic nationalities as only Senator Ede and Waive are Urhobos among them.
He urged the group to formally register with UPU so he can continue to attend their programs on an official basis.
Earlier in his welcome address, the National President of UPIO/ Executive Director of Projects on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission DESOPADEC Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu gave a brief account of UPIO’s achievement over the years.
He said the Urhobo Political Integrity Organisation (UPIO) as a socio cultural organization was founded in 2012 and it is made up of middle class leadership, recognised by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) and other key Urhobo stakeholders, including Ukoko Revie.
He said the organisation’s first major achievement was confronting a lingering political crisis arising from suppressed constituencies in Urhobo land, following the loss of a distinguished Urhobo senator Pius Ewerido and the failure to conduct elections in some areas.
Dr. Okorodudu disclosed that UPIO wrote formally to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and also sent a delegation to press its demands, stressing that sustained pressure led INEC to conduct elections that produced Olorogun Senator Emmanuel Awariavwodo.
According to him, the organisation also recorded victories at the Court of Appeal, particularly on issues relating to the restoration of the Sapele constituency.
Dr. Okorodudu said UPIO has also been at the forefront of advocacy for the teaching of the Urhobo language in schools.
He explained that the group’s position is that in every local government area, dominant ethnic languages should be taught to preserve culture and promote inclusiveness among Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities.
The UPIO leader further revealed that the organisation has intervened in resolving crises in several Urhobo kingdoms, citing the Okere-Urhobo crisis, where peace was brokered before the emergence of a new monarch.
Dr. Okorodudu said members of the organisation meet monthly to brainstorm on the progress of Urhobo Nation and regularly provide feedback to the UPU.
On what gave rise to the award Dr Okorodudu explained that the Integrity award was informed by the recognition of the collective efforts played by different persons in securing the release of His Royal Majesty, King Clement Ikolo, the Urukpe of Ewu Kingdom, when he was arrested by the military.
He commended Governor Sherriff Oborevwori and past Governor James Ibori for their role in securing the release of the monarch.
He also commended the president general of UPU worldwide Barr Ese Gam Owe for his unrenlentless support in the pursuit of unity and progress of Urhobo Nation as well as gracing the event
Responding Senator Ede Dafinone representing Delta Central in the National Assembly who was represented by his Chief of Staff Chief Adelabu Bodjor thanked UPIO for the award and for promoting a culture of appreciation and encouragement, noting that recognising and honouring people inspires them to give more to society.
Rev Hon Francis Oghenewaive member representing Ughelli North/South/Udu Federal Constituency who was represented by Chief Brunor Agbomedaro noted that his principal had, for more than eight years, consistently declined similar honours, but chose to accept this particular award after being convinced of its genuineness and the credibility of the organisation behind it.
According to him, Reverend Francis believes strongly in the integrity and character of the individuals and values represented by the organisation.
He added that the decision to attend the ceremony was based on this confidence, stating that the recognition was well deserved and would serve as further motivation to do even more for the people and for humanity at large.
He concluded by thanking the organisers for the honour and the opportunity to participate in the event.
Also Barr. Ama Etuwewe SAN thanked the organisation for the award for promoting Integrity and noting that the recognition carried both pride and responsibility.
Reflecting on Delta State, Etuwewe called for unity among its diverse ethnic communities, saying divisions, mistrust and prolonged socio-economic challenges had slowed collective progress.
He urged Deltans to embrace dialogue, justice and togetherness, noting that the state is richly endowed with human and natural resources and has produced leaders and professionals of global repute.
He reaffirmed his commitment to uphold integrity and justice, and to use every opportunity within his capacity to serve the community.
ACP Aliyu Shaba in his appreciation remark expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police, acknowledging their support and guidance.
He noted that while he previously attained the rank of CSP through dedication and service, his elevation to the rank of ACP marked a new chapter of greater responsibility.
He assured that this advancement would translate into enhanced performance, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Delta State and across Nigeria, and pledged to continue giving his best in the service of the nation.
High point of the event was presentation of a plaque and trophy to the four distinguished honourees.
Present at the event were the President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) worldwide, Chief Ese Gam Owe; Chairman, Warri South Local Government Council, Hon Weyinmi Agbateyiniro; Vice Chairman, Warri South Local Government Council, Hon Kingsley Edafiadjebre, and Chief Isreal Abido.
Also present were Chief Joel Onokpasa, Chief Barr. Jerry Eruvbedede, the Executive Assistant to the EDP of DESOPADEC, Mr Tony Okuwe, and other chiefs and officials from DESOPADEC.
