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Smarting from what it described as marginalisation in the nation’s socio-economic and political landscape, the Urhobo ethnic nationality has demanded a better deal in Nigeria in view of its contributions to the nation’s resources.
Consequently, the who-is-who in Urhobo met at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Warri, Delta State on Independence Day to brainstorm on the way forward for the ethnic nationality in the polity.
The event, tagged, “Urhobo Rebirth” which held at the behest of the Urhobo Renaissance Movement (URM), was attended by some elites of Urhoboland, while the key lecture was delivered by Prof. Joseph Abugu of the University of Lagos
Those who spoke at the event are a former Minister of Information and Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Convener, Prof. Hope Eghagha, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, Prof. Rose Aziza, Chief Ighoyota Amori, immediate past editor of The Guardian, Abraham Ogbodo and Prof. Sunny Awhefeada of the Delta State University, who moderated the session, among others.
They canvassed a united adventurous Urhobo nation that would provide the required leadership to shape and build a befitting future for future generations.
Speaking, Eghagha noted that the URM seeks to rekindle the spirit of unity and leadership among the Urhobo hence the choice of ‘Renaissance’ in the group’s name, noting that with their numerical strength in Delta State, the Urhobo should harness their strength in the nation’s politics and all spheres of life.
“We set out to complement the efforts of some other groups in Urhobo who have intervened in its affairs since 1970 in support of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).
“We thrive on ideas, for, as we know, ideas rule the world. Not money. Not wealth. A nation blessed with natural and other resources, but fails to deploy the resources for development would remain stunted or recced into cultural and economic oblivion.
He said the movement would guard the Urhobo identity and take a resolute and principled stand, if and when the configuration of the country changes.
In his lecture titled, “A Renaissance In The Urhobo Nation And Quest For Leadership,” Abugu canvassed economic, cultural and political renaissance for the Urhobo nation, saying the Urhobo need small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), as it contributes enormously to the nation’s economic development.
He noted that successive governments in Delta State have not seen the necessity to diversify the state’s economy and exploit other areas of comparative and competitive advantage, adding that youth restiveness in Urhobo should be brought under control, as it had contributed to the closure of industries and a disincentive to investments.
