By Foster Akpore
The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has strengthened its women’s leadership structure with the inauguration of the Mosogar Branch of the Women’s Wing, following the formal installation of the national executive by the President-General of the UPU, Chief Barr. Ese Gam Owe.
The national inauguration, which preceded the branch-level exercise, was held at the UPU Secretariat, Okere Road on Sunday, April 19, 2026, and marked a renewed mandate for the women’s wing to deepen grassroots engagement, empowerment, and community development across the 24 Urhobo kingdoms.
Speaking at the national inauguration, UPU President-General, Chief Barr. Ese Gam Owe, charged the women to remain committed to unity and development within the Urhobo nation. He also formally empowered the women’s wing leadership to expand its structures across communities, reinforcing their role within the union’s broader governance framework.
In her acceptance remarks, the Women’s Wing Leader, Dame Chief Rose Oghene, expressed appreciation to the President-General for the confidence reposed in the women’s body and the opportunity to serve in a more structured capacity.
She pledged the commitment of Urhobo women to the leadership of the union, saying they were ready to work closely with the President-General to advance the interests of the Urhobo people.
“We thank the President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union for this kind gesture. We will not take it for granted. We pray for strength to serve under his leadership and to raise Urhobo higher. We are ready to work with you,” she said.
Dame Oghene outlined key priorities for the women’s wing, including a broad skills development and empowerment programme targeting women across all Urhobo kingdoms. She explained that the initiative would focus on vocational training to promote self-reliance and economic independence.
She also announced plans for a landmark development project at Urhobo House in Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, as well as additional projects at the UPU Secretariat along Okere Road, adding that the initiatives would stand as visible evidence of women-led contributions to community development.
According to her, the women’s wing would also continue its longstanding welfare support for elderly persons while remaining open to other responsibilities under the union’s leadership.
“We are prepared to work with you. The tasks ahead will not tire us. We are committed to standing with your leadership by the grace of God,” she added.
She further commended the President-General for including women in the Board of Trustees, describing it as a historic step that reflects trust and inclusion within the union’s leadership structure.
Following the national inauguration, the Women’s Wing proceeded to formally inaugurate the Mosogar Branch Executive on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Chief Ighoyota Amori Hall, Civic Centre, Mosogar in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The ceremony was presided over by Dame Chief Rose Oghene, who urged the newly inaugurated executives to embrace inclusive leadership and ensure that all members are carried along in the administration of the branch.
She described their positions as a call to service, not personal privilege, and encouraged them to strengthen unity within the branch while supporting broader UPU women’s programmes.
Dame Oghene also acknowledged the traditional ruler of Mosogar Kingdom, the Queen, the Council of Chiefs and Elders, the Mosogar Development Union, and women of the kingdom for their support and hospitality during the inauguration.
She used the occasion to call for continued support for Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon (Elder) Sheriff Francis O. Oborewvori, noting that his administration had recorded significant achievements and deserved continued backing.
She further appealed to residents of Mosogar Kingdom to support the activities of the Women’s Wing to ensure sustained development at the grassroots level.
In her remarks, the newly inaugurated President of the Mosogar Branch, Mrs. Emily Ajafor, pledged the commitment of her executive to advancing the welfare of women in the kingdom. She promised close collaboration with national leadership and community stakeholders to achieve set goals.
She expressed appreciation to the UPU Women’s Wing leadership and traditional authorities for their confidence and support, noting that the inauguration reflected a shared commitment to community progress.
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Mrs. Theresa Akureye as First Vice President, Madam Christy Omene as Second Vice President, Mrs. Helen Arwojekaye as Third Vice President, and Mrs. Benedicta Sajere as Secretary, among others.
The events, which drew participants from across Mosogar Kingdom and neighbouring communities, were widely described as a step forward in strengthening women’s participation in community development and union affairs across Urhobo land.