Today in Itsekiriland, the group, Ugbaho Itsekiri USA Inc., is unarguably the most outstanding Itsekiri association in the diaspora, particularly in terms of adding value to Itsekiri as an ethnic nationality in Nigeria.
            Since its formation some years ago, members of Ugbajo Itsekiri USA Incorporation under the incumbent Presidency of Mr. Hector Ayu, have demonstrated patriotism and dedication to the corporate survival of the Itsekiri nation, even in the face of aggression from ever hostile neighbours.
            The present Executive committee of the Ugbajo parade other prominent Itsekiri sons and daughters like Olayinka Boyo-Bankole (Vice President), Patience Edremoda (Secretary), Tunde Johnson (Treasurer), Josephine Erewa (Financial Secretary) and Kingsley Onuwaje (Publicity Secretary).
            It is therefore a big deal when a group of this nature with its credibility and integrity deemed it fit to dole out award to select leaders of the Itsekiri nation in recognition of their service to the Itsekiri people and the Itsekiri community.
            Leading the pack of awardees is the Iyatsere of Warri Kingdom, Chief Gabriel. U. Mabiaku, an octogenarian who still looks 60. Two names that can never be missed out in the struggle for the survival of Itsekiri are Pa J.O.S Ayomike, another octogenarian still kicking on fine and his ally in the Itsekiri project, Chief Isaac Jemide, the Otsodi of Warri Kingdom. The last but certainly not the least among the awardees is the Amazon of our time and the Igba of Warri Kingdom, Chief (Mrs.) Rita Lori-Ogbebor.
            According to the Ugbajo, the award to these men and women of honour is a token of the Ugbajo Itsekiri USA Incorporation’s appreciation and to let them (awardees) know that they (members of Ugbajo) are indeed encouraged that the Itsekiri people have leaders like the awardees.
            Warri Mirror visited the awardees one after the other and they have this to say:
Pa J.O.S. Ayomike
            I deeply appreciate the recognition. Since my open heart surgery in the USA two years ago, I have virtually withdrawn from ‘active service.’ However, in this year, I have been involved with two other Itsekiri stalwarts in writing a very comprehensive book on Itsekiri of Warri Kingdom. It is now with the publishers. I hope it will be out for launch early in the New Year. Then, I can say, as Paul to Timothy, that in my generation “I have fought the good fight to the end, I have run the race to the finish, I have kept the faith.” And now, I belong to the ages.

Chief Gabriel Mabiaku
It is a good thing that I am being recognised by our people abroad. To me, it is a case of a prophet who is not recognised at home but by outsiders. I feel highly elated. I cherish the award. I hope to do more within the time I have left on earth to put Itsekiri on the global map. The award is quite encouraging.

Chief Isaac Jemide
I am very pleased about the award. I appreciate the degree of recognition. I was not even expecting it because I do whatever I do for my people, without expecting any form of reward. That is basically what it should be; do your best and live the rest. The award spurs one on to do even better. If we were to lobby for it by cash, I would not have been able to afford it. Even if I have the money, I will not do it. That perhaps is why I am not a SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria). In fact, I thank the Ugbajo and God for this award.

Chief (Mrs.) Rita Lori-Ogbebor
Quite naturally, one should feel pleased that you are recognised for your efforts. I thank the Ugbajo; but really speaking, deep down inside me, I feel nothing because I have not been able to achieve my goal. My goal is freedom for my people, justice for my people, poverty eradication for my people and day-to-day security for my people. None of these I have achieved, I think. However, my heart is a bit lightened receiving this award because there was a time I was called a troublemaker. The Itsekiris in America were told half truth. I was left to suffer huge financial losses because people waited and some even said it that it is because I have money that I was going to courts for Itsekiri interest but when I go bankrupt, I will learn my bitter lesson. It is true I had huge financial losses up to the point of selling my house to fight what I see as an injustice to my people. You can imagine being denounced by your colleagues as a troublemaker because you are trying to defend them and their children yet unborn. Your colleagues putting your name on both print and electronic media and denouncing you for a cause you think is right for your people. Today, my biggest fight for which I was denounced is the 13 per cent derivation. My colleagues and other people have been made chairmen while others given various other appointments. I can tell you that I don’t grudge or envy them. I thank God that this has come to pass in my life time. I forgive them. So, the award is one such case that the good Lord has brought to pass. I thank the Ugbajo. May God survive Itsekiri and Itsekiris at this time.