President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, Olorogun Ese Gam, has hailed the UPU Ohio Chapter, North America, for bringing hope home through a far-reaching humanitarian outreach in Delta State, describing the initiative as a shining example of the union’s commitment to service, compassion and community development.
The outreach, carried out on Monday as part of activities preceding the UPU North America 33rd Annual Convention, featured the donation of medical equipment to Central Hospital, Sapele, welfare materials to the Merciful Orphanage Home in Oghara, and the empowerment of a widow with a grinding machine, ₦100,000 cash gift and food items.
Speaking during the presentations, Ese Gam commended members of the Ohio Chapter for travelling more than 6,000 miles from the United States to personally execute the humanitarian projects, saying their gesture reflected the true spirit and vision of the UPU.
He noted that genuine service is measured not by material wealth but by the positive impact made on people’s lives, urging other UPU chapters, Urhobo organisations and well-meaning individuals to emulate the Ohio Chapter’s culture of giving and community service.
At Central Hospital, Sapele, the delegation donated hospital beds, wheelchairs, stretchers, examination tables, oxygen regulators, hospital bed sheets, pillows, a washing machine, refrigerator and other essential medical equipment to enhance healthcare delivery.
The chapter also presented a Smart Television, GOtv decoder, bags of rice and beans, cartons of noodles and other household items to the Merciful Orphanage Home in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.
In a further demonstration of its commitment to sustainable empowerment, the chapter supported a widow with a grinding machine, ₦100,000 cash assistance and food items to enable her establish a viable means of livelihood.
President of the UPU Ohio Chapter, North America, Olorogun Dr. (Mrs.) Louisa Oyoyo Ukochovwera, said the outreach was organised to complement healthcare services while extending meaningful support to vulnerable members of society.
She announced the launch of the UPU Ohio Widows Empowerment Initiative, explaining that the programme is designed to create long-term economic opportunities for widows through compassion, service and self-reliance rather than temporary relief.
Dr. Ukochovwera challenged other UPU chapters across North America to empower at least 10 widows before the next annual convention, stressing that although the chapter is based overseas, it remains firmly committed to the development of Urhobo communities.
She disclosed that the chapter, which has more than 74 financial members, would continue investing in projects that positively impact healthcare, education and social welfare.
Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Bright Abeke, represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Overah Raymond, described the intervention as a welcome complement to government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery and social welfare.
He said the donations highlighted the invaluable contributions Nigerians in the diaspora continue to make toward the development of their communities.
Also speaking, Hon. Austin Ayemidejor commended the initiative as a practical demonstration of compassion that would positively impact patients, widows and vulnerable children, while encouraging more organisations and philanthropists to partner with government in addressing social and healthcare challenges.
Receiving the medical equipment on behalf of Central Hospital, Sapele, the Zonal Medical Director, Dr. Mrs. Owobu Ufuoma, a Consultant Family Physician, expressed appreciation to the UPU Ohio Chapter, noting that many of the donated items were among the hospital’s most pressing needs, while several additional equipment not originally requested were also provided.
She said the intervention would significantly strengthen healthcare delivery at the secondary health facility, which serves Sapele and neighbouring communities as a referral centre, adding that partnerships with organisations such as the UPU Ohio Chapter remain vital because government alone cannot meet all the healthcare needs of the people.
The welfare materials for the Merciful Orphanage Home were presented on behalf of the chapter by Olorogun Dr. Felix Okpe.
Other members of the UPU Ohio delegation included Olorogun Dr. Felix Okpe, Olorogun Augustina Ufuoma Scot and Dr. Ovie Fred Okotie, who joined the chapter’s president on the humanitarian mission to Delta State ahead of the UPU North America 33rd Annual Convention, themed “Urhobo Global Impact: Leadership, Legacy and Prosperity.”
