Oyibode’s Appointment of Henry Ubus as CPS: A Testament to Experience, Competence and Leadership

By Udu Council Media Unit

The appointment of Comrade Henry Aghogho Ubuvwerorose, popularly known as Henry Ubus, as Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Olorogun Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode JP, FCIA, upon his assumption of office in 2024, has continued to underscore the value of experience, competence and proven leadership in public communication.

A veteran journalist, accomplished writer, publisher and grassroots communicator, Ubuvwerorose is a man whose professional and leadership journey spans journalism, student unionism, community advocacy and public service.

His appointment by Chairman Oyibode was not without precedent. Prior to his current assignment, Henry Ubus had served as Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past Executive Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Jite Brown. His return to the local government’s media structure under the present administration is widely regarded as a recognition of his experience, institutional knowledge and capacity to effectively communicate government policies, programmes and achievements.

Currently, Ubuvwerorose serves as the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ughelli Correspondents Chapel, further demonstrating his standing and active participation in the journalism profession.

As a writer and publisher, he has carved a niche for himself through consistent reportage, public-interest journalism and the promotion of issues affecting the people at the grassroots. His contributions to media practice have made him a familiar figure in the political, social and community development space in Delta State.

A Legacy of Student Leadership

Long before his emergence as a professional journalist and public communicator, Henry Ubus had distinguished himself as a student leader.

He served as President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), College of Education, Warri, during the 2003/2004 academic session, where he demonstrated an uncommon commitment to student welfare, infrastructural development and responsible representation.

One of the major achievements associated with his administration was the construction of an ultra-modern SUG Secretariat, which provided a more functional environment for student leadership and administration.

His administration also took a strong position on infrastructure and accountability.

At a time when the College of Education road project had reportedly been abandoned by Dega Steel Construction Company, Ubuvwerorose mobilised students and took the matter to the company’s office in Warri. The students’ action drew attention to the abandoned project and contributed to the contractor returning to site.

That episode remains one of the defining moments of his student leadership career, demonstrating his willingness to move beyond rhetoric and take practical steps in pursuit of the interests of those he represented.

Leadership at Delta State University

Henry Ubus subsequently became President of the National Association of Urhobo Students at Delta State University, Abraka, where he also left indelible footprints.

His tenure was marked by advocacy, organisation and commitment to the welfare and advancement of Urhobo students. His leadership experience at the institution further broadened his understanding of grassroots mobilisation, stakeholder engagement and representative leadership.

These experiences, observers say, have contributed significantly to his effectiveness as a journalist and public communicator.

A Professional Who Has Continued to Evolve

Today, Henry Aghogho Ubuvwerorose combines journalism, publishing and public communication with years of leadership experience.

As a media practitioner, he has continued to demonstrate a passion for accurate reportage, effective communication and the documentation of events and developments within Udu Local Government Area and Delta State.

His professional journey reflects a progression from student leadership to journalism, publishing and public service—a trajectory that has positioned him as one of the experienced voices in grassroots media communication.

His appointment by Olorogun Vincent Oyibode therefore represents more than the filling of a media position; it reflects confidence in a professional with established institutional knowledge, leadership experience and an understanding of the dynamics of local government administration.

For an administration that places emphasis on communicating its programmes and achievements to the people, having an experienced journalist who understands both government and grassroots communication is undoubtedly an asset.

A Life of Service and Commitment

Beyond his professional engagements, Ubuvwerorose is known for his involvement in activities aimed at promoting community development and public awareness.

His years of service in student leadership and journalism have been characterised by advocacy, mobilisation and communication, qualities that continue to define his public profile.

He is legally married and blessed with children.

From the corridors of student leadership at the College of Education, Warri, to the leadership of Urhobo students at Delta State University, Abraka, and subsequently to the newsroom and public communication space, Henry Ubus’ journey is one of persistence, service, leadership and continuous growth.

His story is a reminder that leadership legacies built at a young age can become valuable assets in later years when combined with experience, discipline and professional competence.

For many who have followed his journey, the appointment by Chairman Oyibode is therefore a fitting recognition of a journalist and public communicator whose career has been built on experience, leadership, advocacy and service to humanity.