From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
A group, Uromi Like Minds Initiative, has donated essential foodstuffs, medical supplies, personal hygiene materials, and modest financial aid to orphanages and elderly homes in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Addressing reporters at the event, Mr Sylvester Ezehi, Chairman of the Welfare Committee of ULMI, described the exercise as a noble and consistent gesture that has brought hope and relief to the underprivileged over the past five years.
“Our mission is simple yet profound — to bring smiles to the faces of the needy, the forgotten, and the less fortunate in our community. It is a cause we have embraced wholeheartedly, and we are committed to sustaining it for years to come,” he said.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of ULMI, Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray, calls for unity, compassion, and collective responsibility in rebuilding Uromi and the greater Esanland, particularly at a time when the community grapples with security challenges and negative media portrayals.
“The Easter season reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice — the giving of God’s only begotten Son for the redemption of mankind. In that same spirit of selflessness and love, we must rise to the occasion and extend a hand of kindness to those who are disadvantaged,” he stated.
“As sons and daughters of Uromi, both at home and in the diaspora, we have a moral obligation to reshape the prevailing narrative about our homeland. Uromi is a town blessed with an illustrious heritage and a legacy of greatness.
“We are the birthplace of national icons such as the late Chief Anthony Enahoro, a foremost nationalist, and Chief Tony Anenih, a political colossus. It is incumbent upon us to honour this legacy by championing peace, charity, and communal progress.”
The Executive Chairman further stressed that the activities of ULMI are not only humanitarian in nature but are also deeply symbolic, serving as a platform for promoting hope and restoring dignity to those in need while projecting a more positive image of Uromi to the wider world.
“The unfortunate spate of insecurity that has plagued our beloved town in recent times has undoubtedly cast a shadow on our collective reputation.
“However, we are not defined by those isolated incidents. Through initiatives such as this, we aim to illuminate the true essence of Uromi — a people of warmth, resilience, and unity,” he said.
Okpebholo Ray also used the opportunity to extend an open invitation to Uromi sons and daughters and friends of Uromi who are yet to join the initiative, urging them to identify with the group and actively contribute to the transformation of the town.
“We call upon every well-meaning indigene of Uromi, irrespective of status or location, to align with ULMI in this noble quest. Let us consolidate our efforts, pool our resources, and forge a future that reflects the pride and dignity of our heritage. Uromi is a peaceful land, and through our shared commitment, we shall ensure that peace is not only preached but practised and preserved,” he concluded.
The Easter Outreach Programme, according to the organisation’s leadership, will continue in phases over the coming days, reaching more vulnerable groups across the region.
The Uromi Like Minds Initiative has also pledged to intensify its developmental interventions in the months ahead.