By Eseoghene Emuke
The apex socio-cultural umbrella body of the Urhobo people, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, has thrown its weight behind the senatorial ambition of Chief Ede Dafinone, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Delta Central Senatorial District for the 2023 general elections.
UPU also said it was happy that Dafinone, a boardroom guru and internationally recognised chartered accountant just like his father, has decided to join politics and is now vying to represent his people at the National Assembly.
The President-General of UPU, Worldwide, Olorogun Moses Taiga, stated this on Sunday when Chief Dafinone led members of his campaign organisation on a consultative visit to the National Executive of the Urhobo Progress Union at Uvwiamuge, Agbarho in Delta State.
Olorogun Taiga assured the APC Delta Central senatorial district that the Urhobo Nation are solidly behind him in his quest to represent them in the 10th Senate.
UPU PG particularly stated that the Sapele-born technocrat turned politician is qualified, experienced and connected globally to represent the people of Delta Central at the next National Assembly.
Taiga, also a business mogul and high-ranking Olomu traditional chief, prayed for Dafinone’s victory at the 2023 polls, stressing that Urhobo people are pleased with his track records in the private sector and hoped that he translates those achievements into public service.
“All Urhobos have approved that you should go to the Senate. You will move forward and the road that your father passed through, that’s what you will follow and even surpass it. You’re qualified and experienced for the seat.
“All the past Presidents-General including myself support you. It shall be well with you. Everywhere you go, the road is open for you. Your father has delivered a good child. We pray for victory for you”, he said.
Earlier, the APC Delta Central senatorial candidate, Chief Dafinone requested the support and prayer of the Urhobo apex body in the race to represent Delta Central, saying that he is the right person to succeed the Deputy President of the Senate, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege.
Dafinone, who is also Chairman of Sapele, Okpe Community Land Trust Association, told Olorogun Moses Taiga-led UPU that he has empowered over 2000 women through the Dafinone Foundation between 2008 and 2022.
While assuring that he would deploy his national and international experiences and contacts towards bringing honour to Urhobo people worldwide as the Dafinone family had done in their private businesses, he posited that “Urhobo will never regret sending him to the Senate”.
On why he visited UPU, Dafinone said, “I stand before you here today to ask for your prayers and support as I begin my campaign for the senate position to represent Delta Central and the Urhobo people. I make a promise to my people that I cannot do less than my father. I will strive to raise the Urhobo people to a higher level for the Urhobos to be recognised at the Nigeria stage.”
Some of the UPU executives present at the visit are Chief (Dr) Captain Onoherigho (1st Deputy President General), High Chief Francis Ifie (2nd Deputy President General), Olorogun Kenneth Iwhewhe (National Secretary), Olorogun (Mrs) Dame Siakpare (Osu ‘R’ Ewheya), Chief Osiobe Okotie (Former 1st Deputy President General). Others are Chief Onome Yegbeburu, Chief Wilfred Oruorayevbie, Chief Mrs Margaret Unukegwor and many others.
