A renewed wave of optimism is sweeping through the Urhobo Nation as prominent political, traditional, and media leaders prepare to converge on Ughelli for the Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance (UEPA) Unifiers’ Inauguration and Annual Conference, a landmark event poised to rekindle unity, strengthen cultural identity, and inspire a new era of progressive engagement among the Urhobo people.
The high-profile gathering, themed “Revitalizing Urhobo’s Traditional Institutions in the Digital Age,” is expected to draw an impressive line-up of dignitaries including Senator Ede Dafinone, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Rt. Hon. Rev. Francis Waive, Hon. Stella Okotete, and Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.
The event will feature Dr. Obire Odiakpo as Guest Speaker, who will lead discussions on leveraging technology and communication to preserve Urhobo heritage and promote social cohesion.
In a joint statement, UEPA Chairman, Comrade Frederick Emuerure, and Secretary, Mr. Akpovoke Otiti, described the conference as “a clarion call for unity and self-definition through the power of the media.”
“It is time for the Urhobo to speak with one voice,” they declared. “Our values, culture, and political relevance must be boldly projected through informed, responsible, and strategic communication.”
The event will be chaired by Chief (Dr.) Christopher Obiuwevbi Ominimini, National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF and Special Adviser to the Senate President on Niger Delta Matters, while Olorogun Jaro Omovudu Egbo, KSC, will serve as Chief Host.
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, will grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour.
UEPA also acknowledged the steadfast support of Chief Onoriode, Director of Protocol, and Hon. Onoriode Agofure, Honourable Commissioner for Transport, whose encouragement and commitment continue to strengthen the Alliance’s mission.
According to Organising Committee members, Comrade Godwin Utuodoye and Comrade Victor Okies, Chairman of the Warri NUJ Chapel, the unity of Urhobo media practitioners is critical to the nation’s development.
“This is not just another meeting,” they stressed. “It is a declaration that the Urhobo media will no longer be silent. We must make the Urhobo voice resonate across Nigeria and beyond.”
The Ughelli conference is expected to attract lawmakers, traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, business executives, and professionals from across diverse fields. Key sessions will explore digital innovation, heritage preservation, political communication, and community development.
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, the message from UEPA and its partners remains resolute and inspiring:
“Make Urhobo Great Again — Let Our Voice Be Heard.”
