About us

Our Mission

To expand UPU Minnesota’s charitable potentials in Minnesota, Nationally, and Internationally by engaging in social and humanitarian activities geared towards promoting the welfare of the Urhobos and our communities at large, and to sustain the culture of the Urhobos.

UPU_MN
Urhobo6

Who we are

Urhobo people hail mainly from Delta State, Nigeria. Urhobos are the largest ethnic group in Delta State and the 5th largest ethnic group in Nigeria. UPU Minnesota, the main group catering to the cultural welfare of Urhobos in Minnesota, incorporated in 1991, was founded in the fall of 1989 in the basement of Mr. Michael Egi’s house on Burns Avenue in St. Paul, with the following founding members: Mr. Michael Egi (a tireless coordinator among the founding members), Late Mr. Samson Agbigbe (first treasurer), Mr. Godwin Wowo (first secretary), Ms. Queen Akakasiaka (first social secretary), Mr. Peter Avwunuma (late) and the first President of UPU Minnesota and Late Mr. John Igherighe.

Since then the mantle of leadership of Presidency has been honorably carried on by Mr. Michael Egi, Mr. Isaac Akpojotor, Mr. Fiakpore Etaghene, Mr. Peter Avwunuma(late), Mr, Bazunu, Mr. Jonathan Ejuwa, Mr. Joeseph Okrakene, Mr. Aruworay Memene, Dr. Efe Agbamu, Mr. Ochuko Okitikpi, Olorogun Godfrey Edaferierhi, Dr. Felix Eruotor, and Mr. Efe Shemi, and many more to come.

Over the past 30 years, UPU Minnesota has been at the forefront of promoting Urhobo culture and traditions in Minnesota with utmost pride and dignity. With the dedication and support of all our members, the founding members’ vision of fostering Okugbe (unity) and Eguono (love) among Urhobos in Minnesota has remained our compass as an association. UPU Minnesota is also part of Urhobo Progress Union America UPUA, where it joins with other local chapters and UPUA leadership to foster Urhobo culture and unity across North America and worldwide.

Urhobo9