Former Chief Medical Director, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Michael Okoeguale Ibadin has commended the Uromi Peoples Movement for honouring distinguished Esan sons with life membership awards and induction of a Philanthropist, Hon Prince Joe Okojie as Patron of the movement
Speaking during the life membership awards/ induction of a patron ceremony in Benin City, Prof. Ibadin congratulated the executive of Uromi Peoples Movement for keeping the flag flying despite the numerous challenges.
While urging them to continue in this stead, he noted that an association that has stood the test of time since it was founded forty one years ago, need to be encouraged because most associations have gone into extinction after some few years.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the nominees, Prof. Mike Obadan, an accomplished economist, educationist and public service administrator; Prof. Eugene Okpere, Teacher, Mentor, distinguished Academician, Expert in Manteno-Fetal Medicine and former Chief Medical Director , University of Benin; Sir Vincent Otoide, a foundation member of the Uromi Youth Movement now known as Uromi Peoples Movement, a retired Director Planning at the Rubber Research Institute and Hon Prince Joe Okojie, am entrepreneurial leader, global marketer, philanthropist, financial analyst former Commissioner and Special Adviser on Agriculture to Edo state government are well deserving of these honours.
“These are not honours that are bought, it is expected to strengthen the bond in the association and we must realize that the challenge is that life membership means that whether they are here or not they must be accorded with whatever privileges they are entitled to and the beneficiaries must realize that they also have a role to play in this association which is the flagship of associations in Uromi
“It is not easy to be recognized amongst your peers. If your peers say you are deserving of an award it means such awards are well merited and we must congratulate them,” he added.
The President of Uromi Peoples Movement, Hon. Engr. Victor Okoduwa disclosed that the primary aim of the movement is to promote the welfare of Uromi and her citizens and since the present administration came on board a year ago, the association has given scholarships to fifteen students in Universities and all of them were fully paid.
“As soon as we resume duties the movement was concerned on how to assist in the fight against insecurity in Uromi. In that regard the movement had series of meetings with the vigilante group at Uromi where strategies on how to curb the activities of Fulani herdsmen menace were discussed.
“On September 18th 2021 at Ebhoiyi Police Station, Uromi, the movement presented working tools worth about one million naira to Esan Atanakpa vigilante group, Uromi command, 75 pairs of security and safety boots, 40 industrial torch lights, 10 long range walkie talkies gadgets.
“They were presented to the vigilante group to boost their morals and enhance the performance of their operational duties of protecting lives and properties of our people and today we shall launch the second phase of the security initiative support fund,” he added
The President appealed to members who have not been participating in the activities of the movement to contribute their quota to the development of Uromi as they have no other place to call home he used the opportunity to invite all well meaning sons and daughters of Uromi resident in Benin city who are yet to enroll with the movement as members to do so without delay.
