UGHELLI/Nigeria: Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, has called on Urhobo media professionals to embrace responsible journalism, promote unity, and drive positive transformation across Urhoboland, describing the press as “one of the strongest pillars of democracy.”
Speaking on Friday, November 21, at the Wetland Hotel, Ughelli, during the inauguration of the Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance, the Senator, represented by Hon. Mercy Okiemute Orhierhor Lance, commended the formation of the body and charged members to live up to their historic responsibility. “You are the watchdogs of society, the voices of the voiceless, and the bridge between the people and their leaders,” he said, urging the media to uphold integrity and boldly preserve Urhobo culture and values.
He pledged to work closely with the Alliance, noting that credible journalism is indispensable to accountability. “Let this conference not only celebrate your achievements but chart a clear vision for responsible reporting, unity, and the positive transformation of Urhoboland,” Dafinone added, calling for “a stronger voice for the Urhobo nation — a voice of truth, progress, and pride.”
In a goodwill message, Delta APC founding leader, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, commended the initiative and tasked members to deploy their platforms strategically in advancing Urhobo interests. “All well-meaning Urhobo sons and daughters must unite to promote Urhobo culture. Time has come for the Urhobo voice to be heard clearly and loudly. We must tell our story and tell it well,” he said.
The tone intensified when the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chris Obiuwevbi Ominimini, delivered a blunt critique of what he described as Urhobo’s “self-inflicted setbacks.” He lamented the absence of a universally accepted Urhobo leader and condemned those in authority who fail to uplift the nation. “Any Urhobo person in power who refuses to elevate Urhobo is nothing but a fool,” he declared.
Highlighting massive oil resources within Urhobo land, he decried the exclusion of its people from decision-making roles. “These resources are enough to make Urhobo great, yet our people are nowhere to be found,” he said, warning against politics, division, and selective opportunity. He called on the Alliance to serve as a watchdog by exposing underperforming leaders. “If you are not ready to serve, don’t go near the office,” he cautioned, pledging his full support “anytime, any day.”
Guest Speaker, Dr. Obire Odiakpo, shifted focus to the human impact of leadership failures, citing poor roads, schools, and health facilities. He lamented the declining use of the Urhobo language, which he said now serves as “a weapon of bitterness and division” instead of unity. He called for visionary and courageous leaders and urged the media to create platforms that serve as “shrines of Urhobo honour.” He added, “Urhobos should not follow history — we should make history.”
Earlier, Alliance Chairman, Comrade Fredrick Umurure, described the group as a movement of necessity, insisting the Urhobo voice has become faint and must be reclaimed. He said the Alliance will collaborate with traditional institutions, political leaders, and the wider community to ensure Urhobo stories are told boldly, accurately, and proudly.
The event, attended by editors, publishers, journalists, council chairmen, traditional rulers, and representatives of the Delta State Governor, closed with a renewed commitment to the cause. The resounding message was clear: Urhobo must tell its own story, or risk having others tell it instead.
