By Kesiena Fegor Ogene
At this pivotal juncture in Urhobo history, as the 2025 UPU election draws near, the destiny of our people hangs on a simple but profound decision to choose wisely, to choose unity, and to choose leadership that truly reflects the greatness of the Urhobo spirit. The Urhobo Nation stands once again at the crossroads of opportunity and responsibility. It is a moment that calls for introspection, for courage, and for the collective will to redefine our place in Nigeria’s political, cultural, and economic future.
The story of the Urhobo people is one of resilience, intellect, and enduring contribution. For generations, we have produced men and women of exceptional talent, scholars, administrators, captains of industry, and patriots whose legacies have shaped Nigeria’s growth. Yet, amid these successes, our political voice and internal cohesion have too often been weakened by division and short-term interests. The 2025 UPU election offers us the rare opportunity to rebuild that unity and restore the dignity of Urhobo leadership through a man who represents the best of our heritage, experience, and moral strength. That man is Chief Simeon Akpovwoghokohwo Ohwofa.
A Life That Defines Urhobo Leadership
Chief Simeon Ohwofa is not just a respected elder in our society; he is a distinguished leader whose character, integrity, and wisdom embody the very ideals the Urhobo Nation must now reclaim. His life of selfless service, both in private enterprise and public commitment, continues to inspire generations of Urhobo sons and daughters. He is a man who has lived not for himself, but for his people and through his actions, has built a legacy that speaks louder than words.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Biochemistry & Nutrition, and an MBA from the University of Benin, Chief Ohwofa combines academic brilliance with administrative excellence. His professional journey began in one of the world’s most respected global companies, Roche Nigeria Limited (Vitamin Division) where he rose to become Departmental Head before retiring honorably in 1995. That experience in global corporate leadership became the foundation for his vision of development rooted in discipline, innovation, and human capital.
As the founder and Managing Director of Nutrivitas Limited and O.M. Simons Nigeria Limited, he built enterprises that not only contributed to Nigeria’s food and animal-nutrition industry but also empowered young professionals across the country. Through his businesses, Chief Ohwofa demonstrated that true leadership is not about personal gain, but about creating opportunities for others to thrive.
A Legacy of Service and Cultural Stewardship
Beyond his professional success, Chief Ohwofa has been an unwavering pillar of Urhobo unity and identity. As Coordinator of the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS), he has worked tirelessly to preserve Urhobo history, culture, and intellectual heritage ensuring that our story remains alive in the consciousness of future generations. As former President of the Urhobo Social Club, Lagos, he brought Urhobo professionals and elites under one purpose, community advancement and mutual support, strengthening the social fabric that binds our people both at home and in the diaspora.
His philanthropy is equally profound. Through scholarship programs for Urhobo students at both secondary and tertiary levels, he has touched lives and invested in the future of Urhobo youth. In Chief Ohwofa, we see a man who believes that education is not a privilege, but a pathway to dignity and progress.
His role as Director of DavoDani Microfinance Bank also reflects his enduring commitment to financial empowerment and grassroots development. He has consistently championed economic inclusion, helping families, small businesses, and rural communities gain access to credit and financial growth.
A Statesman for the Present and the Future
Chief Simeon Ohwofa’s leadership philosophy is rooted in humility, vision, and moral clarity. At a time when Nigeria is redefining regional and ethnic alliances, the Urhobo Nation needs a leader who commands respect, not just for his titles, but for his values. Chief Ohwofa’s calm strength, refined intellect, and unwavering respect for Urhobo tradition make him the ideal bridge between generations, uniting elders and youths, professionals and traditionalists, those at home and those abroad.
This election is not merely about positions, it is about purpose. It is about giving Urhobo a voice that cannot be ignored, a direction that cannot be lost, and a leadership that cannot be compromised.
Chief Simeon Ohwofa embodies all three; competence, credibility, and character. His leadership is not about politics; it is about people. It is about restoring Urhobo dignity, renewing Urhobo unity, and redefining Urhobo destiny.
A Call to Urhobo Conscience
In Chief Simeon Ohwofa, we find a mirror of what Urhobo greatness truly means, intellect guided by humility, power shaped by service, and legacy built on love for one’s people. His life story is proof that leadership is not a pursuit of privilege, but a commitment to principle.
As Urhobo moves toward the 2025 UPU election, let history record that we chose not just a man, but a mission. A mission to rebuild, to reawaken, and to rise again as one united Urhobo Nation under the steady, selfless, and visionary guidance of Chief Simeon Akpovwoghokohwo Ohwofa, the man whose legacy already speaks for him…
