By Eseoghene Emuke
The apex socio-cultural umbrella body of Urhobo people, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide, has honoured 56 illustrious sons and daughters of Urhobo Nation for their contributions to the development of Urhoboland, Nigeria and world over.
The recipients were honoured on Friday at the fifth day of the week-long activities marking the 90th Anniversary of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide at Urhobo House, Uvwiamuge, Agbarho, Delta State.
Among the awardees are former governors of Delta State, Olorogun Felix Ibru and Chief James Ibori; former Midwest governor, Chief Samuel Jereton Mariere; former military administrator of Midwest, Major General David Ejoor and former military governor Ogun State, Brigadier Harris Eghagha.
Others are former military governor of Abia, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena; former military governor of Kebbi, Major General Patrick Aziza; former military governor of Abia and Enugu States, Navy Commodore Temi Ejoor; former military governor of Ondo State, Colonel Mike Torey and former military governor of Benue and Kano States, Brigadier Dominic Oneya.
Also honoured were legendary Olympic and World Championships medalists, Blessing Okagbare and Ese Brume; while Clement Mudiaga Enajemo (Mudi Africa) and Benson Uwheru bagged Urhobo young innovators awards.
Check full list of awardees below:
FRIDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2021
LIST OF UPU @ 90 AWARDEES
CATEGORY 1: PIONEER NATIONALISTS AND UPU ICONS
i. Chief Ovedje Sadjere
ii. HRM Onajite Igere Adjara III
iii. Hon Justice Joseph Akpovi
iv. HRM Richard Layeguen Ogbon Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom
v. Mr. George Akaghoro
vi. Chief Ogheneakpobo Adjekughele
CATEGORY 2: LEGENDS OF INDUSTRY, ENTERPRISE AND THE PROFESSIONS
i. Chief Patrick Gbinije
ii. AIG Dickson Sanomi
iii. Chief Edward Esiso
iv. Chief W. T. Odibo
CATEGORY 3: LEGENDS IN POLITICS AND PUBLIC SERVICE
i. Deacon Gamaliel Onosode
ii. Engr. Damrere Dede
iii. Chief G. N. O. Sefia
iv. Major General Felix Mujakperuo
v. Chief Richard Oduaran
CATEGORY 4: PIONEERS AND PROPRIETORS IN EDUCATION
i. Ezekiel Igho
ii. Justice Victor Ovie-Whiskey
iii. Dr. Mayirue Kolagbodi
iv. Professor F. M. A. Ukoli
v. Chief A. T. Rerri
vi. Chief Johnson Barovbe
CATEGORY 5: DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS AND WRITERS
i. Professor Onigu Otite
ii. Professor Peter Ekeh
iii. Professor David Okpako
iv. Professor Isidore Okpewho
v. Chief Daniel Obiomah
vi. Professor Tanure Ojaide
CATEGORY 6: OUTSTANDING SPORTS MEN AND WOMEN
i. Professor Ajovi Scot-Emuakpor
ii. Toni Urhobo
iii. Blessing Okagbare
iv. Ese Brume
CATEGORY 7: ARTS, MUSIC AND MEDIA
i. Dr. Alex Ibru
ii. Andy Akporugo
iii. Dr. Peter Igho
iv. Chief Ogute Ottan
v. Mr. Ted Mukoro
vi. Daniel Iriferi (Sally Young)
CATEGORY 8: YOUNG PACE SETTERS AND INNOVATORS
i. Clement Mudiaga Enajemo
ii. Benson Uwheru
CATEGORY 9: DISTIGUISHED DAUGHTERS OF URHOBO
i. Mrs. Joan Ibuje
ii. Mrs. Mary Lakeru (nee Mowoe)
iii. Chief (Mrs) Lady Agbaza
iv. Chief (Mrs) Christiana Siakpere
v. Chief (Mrs) Victoria Agodo
vi. Chief (Mrs) Margaret Unukegwo
vii. Professor (Mrs) Rose Aziza
CATEGORY 10: GOVERNORS OF URHOBO EXTRACTION (ELECTED AND APPOINTED)
i. Chief Samuel Jereton Mariere (Midwest)
ii. Major General David Ejoor (Midwest)
iii. Brigadier Harris Eghagha (Ogun)
iv. Olorogun Felix Ibru (Delta)
v. Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Abia)
vi. Major General Patrick Aziza (Kebbi)
vii. Navy Commodore Temi Ejoor (Abia and Enugu)
viii. Colonel Mike Torey (Ondo)
ix. Brigadier Dominic Oneya (Benue and Kano)
x. Chief James Ibori (Delta)