A renewed wave of unity and cultural pride is sweeping across Urhobo land as prominent political, traditional, and media figures prepare to converge on Ughelli for the Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance (UEPA) Unifiers Inauguration and Annual Conference 2025 — a landmark event poised to redefine the future of Urhobo identity in the digital era.
Themed “Revitalizing Urhobo’s Traditional Institutions in the Digital Age,” the gathering will feature top Urhobo leaders including Senator Ede Dafinone, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Rt. Hon. Rev. Francis Waive, Hon. Stella Okotete, and Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.
Expected to blend intellectual discourse with patriotic inspiration, the event will have Dr. Obire Odiakpo as Guest Speaker. His presentation will focus on empowering Urhobo media professionals to drive unity, progress, and cultural preservation through strategic communication and responsible reportage.
In a joint statement, UEPA Chairman, Comrade Frederick Emuerure, and Secretary, Mr. Akpovoke Otiti, described the forthcoming conference as a “wake-up call” to all Urhobo media practitioners, both at home and in the diaspora.
“It is time for the Urhobo to speak with one voice,” they declared. “Our culture, our values, and our political relevance must be boldly projected through the media.”
The event will be chaired by Chief Dr. Christopher Obiuwevbi Ominimini, National Publicity Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Special Adviser to the Senate President on Niger Delta Matters. Olorogun Jaro Omovudu Egbo, KSC, will serve as Chief Host, while His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, will grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour.
UEPA further commended Chief Onoriode, Director of Protocol, for his consistent encouragement, and Hon. Onoriode Agofure, Delta State Commissioner for Transport, for his steadfast support toward the success of the conference.
According to members of the Organising Committee, Comrade Godwin Utuodoye and Comrade Victor Okies, Chairman of the Warri NUJ Chapel, the unity of Urhobo media voices is crucial in securing the community’s rightful place in Nigeria’s national narrative.
“This is not just another meeting,” they emphasised. “It is a declaration that Urhobo media will no longer be silent. We must make the Urhobo voice great again.”
The Ughelli conference is expected to attract lawmakers, traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, business executives, and professionals across various sectors. Key sessions will explore digital innovation, heritage protection, political communication, and social development.
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, there is a growing resolve among Urhobo leaders to reposition the nation as a symbol of unity, strength, and vision.
The rallying message remains clear and resounding:
“Make Urhobo Great Again, and let our voice be heard.”
