Olorogun Taiga and UPU Ireland Extend Lifeline to Ewu-Okuama IDP Camp with Generous Donations

Okuama community in Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom, Delta State, continues to reel from the devastation caused by a recent military reprisal, support has been pouring in from various quarters. Among the latest to offer aid is Olorogun Moses Taiga, former President General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), in collaboration with UPU Ireland. Their generous donations of relief materials, valued in millions of Naira, have brought much-needed sustenance to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Ewu-Okuama.

The contributions by Olorogun Taiga and UPU Ireland reflect a collective effort to complement the Delta State Government’s ongoing initiatives aimed at alleviating the suffering of the displaced Okuama residents. These residents have been without homes since March 2024, following a violent attack by the Nigerian military. The military’s action was in retaliation for the killing of 17 soldiers by unknown assailants in the area. The ensuing conflict left the entire community in ruins, with homes, schools, and hospitals completely destroyed.

In the wake of this tragedy, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori quickly established an IDP camp in Ewu town to provide temporary shelter for the displaced families. This camp has since become a beacon of hope as the community awaits the reconstruction of their homeland.

During separate events held at the Ewu-Okuama IDP Camp, Olorogun Taiga and UPU Ireland made their contributions, which included bags of rice, a live cow, and various other essential food items. These supplies are intended to provide sustenance for the displaced families, helping them cope with the challenges of their current situation.

Representing Olorogun Taiga, Chief Kenneth Young expressed deep solidarity with the people of Okuama, acknowledging their resilience and courage during this challenging time. He praised Governor Oborevwori for his prompt action in establishing the camp and highlighted the ongoing efforts by the state government to rebuild Okuama, starting with the construction of a health center and a classroom block.

Olorogun Taiga also extended his appreciation to the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, UPU, NGOs, and other individuals who have contributed to supporting the Okuama community. He emphasized the importance of continued assistance until the displaced residents can return to their ancestral homes and rebuild their lives.

Similarly, UPU Ireland, led by Chief Richard Iyede, Ph.D., donated additional food items, including bags of rice, beans, garri, cartons of fish, and 50 tubers of yam. Chief Iyede, represented by Mr. Henry Obus, conveyed the deep concern of Urhobos in Ireland for the plight of the Okuama people and their commitment to ongoing support.

Receiving the donations, the Chairman of the IDP Management Committee, Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, expressed profound gratitude to Olorogun Moses Taiga, Chief Richard Iyede, and UPU Ireland for their generosity. He acknowledged the critical role these donations play in sustaining the displaced persons and noted that this marks the first contribution from Urhobos in the diaspora.

Mr. Ogbodo also reaffirmed that the IDP camp is a temporary measure, with the ultimate goal being the restoration of the Okuama community and the safe return of its people to their homes. He commended the Delta State government, particularly Governor Oborevwori, for their proactive support and ongoing efforts to rebuild Okuama.

As the community awaits the full restoration of their town, the support from both local and international Urhobo leaders continues to serve as a vital source of hope and encouragement for the displaced residents of Okuama.