By Emuesiri Obah
The applause began before she even reached her seat.
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Akperhe-Olomu in Olomu Kingdom of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State was alive with recognition. Leaders and top executives from Olomu Ward 2 and across Ughelli South Local Government Area, alongside party executives of the African Democratic Congress, Olomu Ward 2 Chapter, and representatives of other political tendencies, converged to welcome one of their own: Olorogun Dr Mrs Onome Bernice Dema.
The hall was filled with familiar names. They include Rev. Sunday Okoyoyo, Ojose Akponwonwon, Youth Leader; Ekpiroro Najite, Public Secretary; Chief Austin Etata, Comrade Samson Erurave of APGA, Engr. Joseph Esisorigho, ADC Olomu Ward 2 Chairman; Mrs Aghogho Kaki, ADC Women Leader, Ughelli South; and former President-General Olorogun Samuel Ekatukator. Others are Barr. Oghenefejiro Edjeme, Comrade Joseph Oghenekparobo, Engr. Emmanuel, Daniel Olomu, Comrade Appolus and more. But it was not titles that drew attention. It was the recognition of a life devoted to service, culture, and community advancement.
Dr Dema’s journey has been one of preparation and impact. A distinguished optometrist based in the United States, she combined professional excellence with leadership that transcends borders. She made history as the first woman to serve as President of the Urhobo Progress Union, America, leading the organisation for two tenures. Her stewardship strengthened institutional cohesion, expanded diaspora engagement, and projected Urhobo identity with pride across North America.
Under her leadership, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders found common purpose, guided by her vision and strategic discipline.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her selfless service, she was honoured with the Distinguished Daughter of Urhobo award by the Urhobo Progress Union in December 2022, an accolade reserved for those who have significantly impacted the Urhobo Nation through philanthropy, leadership, and advocacy.
The award signals not only gratitude but also confidence in her ability to represent the interests of her people on broader platforms.
Her influence extends through the diaspora and professional networks. As Senior Vice President and Board member of the Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC), she engages with business leaders, policymakers, and professionals across North America.
She has also built strong relationships within the African-American community and Nigerian-American circles, creating pathways for investment, mentorship, and collaborative development projects that could directly benefit Delta Central and the Urhobo Nation.
Yet, despite her global exposure, she remains deeply Urhobo. Her dress, language, and demeanour reflect her heritage, commanding respect in professional halls abroad while inspiring pride at home. This cultural confidence signals that global relevance does not require erasing origin.
Her record on the ground reinforces her credibility. Between 2019 and 2022, she facilitated free medical outreach programmes during the Annual Urhobo National Day celebrations and in surrounding communities, providing essential eye care to those in need.
She has supported scholarships for Urhobo students, investing in education as a vehicle for long-term development. Her engagement is hands-on, targeted, and transformative, the kind that brings relief, opportunity, and hope.
For Delta Central and the Urhobo Nation, her blend of diaspora reach, cultural rootedness, and tangible community impact promises a new dimension of advocacy.
In the National Assembly, such a leader could leverage global networks to attract investment, advance healthcare infrastructure, strengthen educational initiatives, and ensure that development conversations reflect the real needs of her people.
The ovation in Akperhe-Olomu lingered long after the hall emptied. It was recognition of preparation, service, and vision. Olorogun Dr Onome Bernice Dema embodies the rare combination of global experience, local empathy, and cultural pride. She carries Delta Central with her wherever she goes, and through that presence, she offers her people a future where competence, connection, and commitment converge.
As the gathering gradually dispersed and conversations thinned into the evening air, there was a quiet clarity among those present. The reception had not been accidental, nor was the enthusiasm misplaced. It reflected a growing conviction that should Olorogun Dr Onome Bernice Dema take her service to the Senate, Delta Central would not merely occupy a seat at the National Assembly, it would command attention.
With her tested leadership, international reach, and the credibility affirmed by honours such as the Distinguished Daughter of Urhobo recognition, many left Akperhe-Olomu persuaded that the Urhobo Nation would, in her, find a voice both resonant and unshakeable.
