UDU UNION UK, BRINGS HEALING HOME, Wins Royal Commendation

By Henry Ubus

In the heart of Udu Kingdom, compassion found its voice and service took the form of healing hands as the Udu Union in the United Kingdom returned home with a gift more precious than gold health, hope, and humanity.

Across the communities of Ovwian, Otor-Udu, and Ubogo, thousands gathered as a remarkable free medical outreach unfolded, offering care to those who might otherwise have gone without. For many, it was more than treatment; it was a reminder that distance may separate a people, but it cannot diminish the bonds of home.

The humanitarian initiative was formally declared open on Monday, March 16, 2026, by the revered Ovie of Udu Kingdom, Michael Ogheneovo Orugbo. The monarch warmly commended members of the Udu Union UK for their steadfast devotion to the welfare and progress of their ancestral land.

Describing the outreach as both timely and transformative, the royal father noted that it would greatly improve access to healthcare for residents who often struggle with the rising cost of medical treatment.

At the centre of the effort stood the President of Udu Union UK, Olorogun Ovo Agbodje, whose words carried the humility of service and the pride of collective purpose.

Speaking with journalists, he explained that the outreach was conceived as a simple but powerful act of giving back to the land that shaped them.

“We are carrying out a free medical outreach across Udu Kingdom. We began on the 16th and 17th at Ovwian Town Hall, moved to Otor-Udu on the 18th and 19th, and continued to Ubogo. The turnout has been overwhelming. On the first day alone, we treated about 250 patients, and we are recording similar numbers each day.”

The medical team, he revealed, was composed of experienced professionals general practitioners, eye specialists, and other healthcare experts providing consultations, medications, and vital eye-care support.

The spirit behind the outreach was never about personal recognition of the UDU UNION UK, rather it is the shared responsibility to uplift our community.

“We are giving back to our people. It is not about me; it is about the union and our shared responsibility to bless & uplift our communities.”

Beyond medicine, the vision extends into the classrooms of tomorrow. Agbodje disclosed that he has also invested in educational development, helping to establish book clubs and chess clubs in schools, with plans for competitions and the donation of learning materials aimed at nurturing young minds across Udu Kingdom.

Yet even amid celebration, he voiced concern for fellow Urhobo sons of the Okuama community in Ughelli Local Government Area who remain in detention by the Nigerian Army, calling on relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts toward securing their release.

Leading the medical effort on the ground was Dr. Martins Kediehon, whose team worked tirelessly to attend to the steady flow of patients.

According to him, the outreach treated a wide range of medical conditions — from hypertension and diabetes to rheumatism, cataracts, and glaucoma.

“On each of the first two days we attended to about 250 patients. The response from the communities has been overwhelming,” he said.

Patients suffering from eye-related conditions were provided with free glasses, eye drops, and professional consultations, while more complex cases were referred for further medical care.

Despite the scale of the operation, Dr. Kediehon noted that the outreach ran smoothly, thanks to the cooperation of patients and the dedication of the medical team, and their Admin Team led by the Laudable Matthew Bukata.

And so, beneath the warm Delta sun, in town halls filled with gratitude and relief, the people of Udu witnessed a powerful truth: that even across oceans, the love of home endures — and sometimes, it returns carrying healing in its hands.

Special appreciation was extended to the leadership of the Udu Union UK led by Olorogun Ovo Agbodje, the Vice President Chief Young Eruenah, the Chairman of the Free Medical Outreach Committee Chief Alex Obar, and the Secretary Mr Peter Kedienhon for their dedication and service.

A big thank you, to all members of the UDU UNION UK who have made a commitment & contribution to this effort and special mention must be made of soon to be Chief, Namode Riebelle who has been providing foot care and treatment at our various locations.

SPECIAL THANKS to HRM, Okporua I, the Ovie of UDU for his support and magnanimity, UDUOVO WOSU TOR!! Kudos to Comrade Mathew Bukata, one of the Chief Organisers, among others.