By Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori JP, has urged apex sociocultural group— Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) to build on the existing relationship with other ethnic nationalities in the state and country.
The speaker gave the urge, Monday, at the opening ceremony of the 90th Anniversary celebration of Urhobo Progress Union.
Represented by the deputy chief whip of the House, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, the speaker said he was proud of the achievements of the group so far in its effort to foster a united, peaceful and progressive Urhobo nation.
While saying that it was honour and privilege for him to be considered worthy to chair the opening ceremony
Addressing the occasion as chairman, Oborevwori said as Nigeria’s foremost socio-cultural organisation, being 90 truly calls for celebration, adding that as an umbrella body of all Urhobo people at home and in the Diaspora, the group has a long history of landmark accomplishments.
According to him, the dreams of the founding fathers of UPU to unite the Urhobos and also be a strong voice on issues bordering the Urhobo nation had been substantially achieved “but we need to build on those successes”.
“As we celebrate 90 today, I wish to harp on unity, progress and cohesion for the sake of Urhobo. Let us be guided by history and protect this inheritance bequeathed to us by our fathers.
“As we begin the week-long celebration of this landmark event, I want to specially thank the President- General, UPU worldwide, Olorogun Dr. Moses Taiga and the Chairman, Planning Committee, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire for their patriotism, commitment and dedication to the Urhobo course”, the speaker added.
The event featured a lecture session on the theme, “Challenges and Prospects of the Urhobo Progress Union in Contemporary Times”.
