Urhobo Progress Union Ohio (UPU Ohio) was founded and registered in Ohio on April 6, 2018. It was led by both Okakuro Dr. Felix O. Okpe (PhD) and Hon. Mrs. Oghenenemine Etuk, who served as the founding leaders. They spearheaded and funded the initiative with their resources and professional expertise. UPU Ohio became an independent cultural organization and joined UPU America (UPUA) in April 2018, while Okakuro Dr. Felix Okpe served as Secretary-General of UPUA.
Hon. Mrs. Oghenemine Etuk was the first President (April 2018 - August 2019), credited with launching and stabilizing UPU Ohio. She was followed by Dr. Ovie Fred Okotie, who served as President until December 2023. He built on the progress made by the first President and led charitable programs that increased the membership and stature of UPU Ohio.
The current President of UPU Ohio, Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Louisa U. Oyoyo-Ukoch, PhD, took office in January 2024. Since then, she has led a vigorous expansion of the organization's membership base and charitable initiatives.
Under her strategic guidance and building on the foundation laid by previous Presidents, UPU Ohio has significantly expanded its activities throughout Ohio and Urhoboland. This includes launching innovative projects using advanced technology such as mobile applications 📱 and online platforms.
In December 2024, the organization hosted a well-attended fundraiser in Cincinnati, successfully raising funds to improve healthcare infrastructure, support sustainable agriculture programs, and enhance human capital development initiatives. Additionally, in summer 2025, UPU Ohio collaborated with UPU America to lead a comprehensive women’s shelter project in Cincinnati, supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Currently, UPU Ohio boasts a large membership, including many seasoned professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners dedicated to community development. Looking ahead, the organization aims to expand its charitable outreach in Ohio and within Urhobo communities in North America and beyond, focusing on empowering marginalized communities and fostering sustainable social change.
Urhobo Progress Union Ohio (UPU Ohio) was founded and registered in Ohio on April 6, 2018. It was led by both Okakuro Dr. Felix O. Okpe (PhD) and Hon. Mrs. Oghenenemine Etuk, who served as the founding leaders. They spearheaded and funded the initiative with their resources and professional expertise. UPU Ohio became an independent cultural organization and joined UPU America (UPUA) in April 2018, while Okakuro Dr. Felix Okpe served as Secretary-General of UPUA.
Hon. Mrs. Oghenemine Etuk was the first President (April 2018 - August 2019), credited with launching and stabilizing UPU Ohio. She was followed by Dr. Ovie Fred Okotie, who served as President until December 2023. He built on the progress made by the first President and led charitable programs that increased the membership and stature of UPU Ohio.
The current President of UPU Ohio, Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Louisa U. Oyoyo-Ukoch, PhD, took office in January 2024. Since then, she has led a vigorous expansion of the organization's membership base and charitable initiatives.
Under her strategic guidance and building on the foundation laid by previous Presidents, UPU Ohio has significantly expanded its activities throughout Ohio and Urhoboland. This includes launching innovative projects using advanced technology such as mobile applications 📱 and online platforms.
In December 2024, the organization hosted a well-attended fundraiser in Cincinnati, successfully raising funds to improve healthcare infrastructure, support sustainable agriculture programs, and enhance human capital development initiatives. Additionally, in summer 2025, UPU Ohio collaborated with UPU America to lead a comprehensive women’s shelter project in Cincinnati, supporting survivors of domestic violence.
Currently, UPU Ohio boasts a large membership, including many seasoned professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners dedicated to community development. Looking ahead, the organization aims to expand its charitable outreach in Ohio and within Urhobo communities in North America and beyond, focusing on empowering marginalized communities and fostering sustainable social change.
