In a united effort to preserve and promote indigenous languages, FOOSTODEY and the You Matter Charity Foundation have jointly donated ₦1 million to support the forthcoming Urhobo Studies Conference and Pre-Conference Workshop for Urhobo Language Teachers.
The announcement was made by the International Coordinator of FOOSTODEY and Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, alongside the First Lady of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation.
According to Izeze, the donation underscores both organisations’ shared commitment to safeguarding the Urhobo language, culture, and heritage for future generations.
The Urhobo Studies Association (USA), Department of Languages and Linguistics, Delta State University, Abraka, will host the two events from September 1–3, 2025.
The Association, in a letter signed by its Chair, Prof. Rose Aziza; Vice Chairman, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada; and Local Organising Committee Chair, Dr. Mrs. Eseoghene Aleh, expressed gratitude for the support, noting it will significantly strengthen preparations for the conference and the one-day workshop for Urhobo language teachers in primary and secondary schools.
Founded two decades ago, the Urhobo Studies Association has been at the forefront of revitalising Urhobo scholarship.
Its achievements include developing a standard Urhobo language curriculum, organising teacher training workshops, and publishing Aridon: The International Journal of Urhobo Studies.
This year’s conference is expected to bring together scholars, researchers, educators, and cultural stakeholders to deepen academic and practical engagement in Urhobo studies while enhancing the capacity of teachers entrusted with passing the language on to future generations.
