By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The 2025 Urhobo Cultural Day and Symposium in Abuja took a compelling turn as political leaders from Delta Central called for the revival of Urhobo influence in national affairs, stressing the urgent need for unity, self-upliftment, and strategic collaboration among the Urhobo people.

Speaking with journalists, the Distinguished Senator Representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Olorogun Ede Dafinone, represented by Barr. Adelabu Ejiroghene said the Urhobo nation must return to the values that once placed it at the forefront of national leadership in the economy, education, and public service.

Barr. Ejiroghene, who stood in for Senator Dafinone as Chairman of the Occasion, lamented the decline in Urhobo presence across Nigeria’s leadership spectrum, particularly in the armed forces, where, according to him, Urhobo once produced several top-ranking generals.

He said the Senator’s message centred on unity, love, and the upliftment of the Urhobo people, warning that internal division was responsible for years of “retrogression.”

“If we don’t love ourselves, we cannot uplift ourselves. The Urhobo used to lead in education and economic life. We produced the first Nigerian who sign the national currency, Chief Jabez. We produced icons like Chief T.E.A. Salubi and several generals in the armed forces. Today, people ask, ‘Where are the generals?’” he said.

He urged Urhobo sons and daughters in positions of authority to use their offices to uplift their people, stressing that even small acts of support could “grow into a big guava tree.”

“My message is simple: unity, love, and upliftment. That is the path out of the retrogression we have experienced.”

We Must Continue to Meet as One Urhobo Nation, Hon. Etanabebe

Also speaking, the Member Representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, Hon. (Barr.) Benedict Etanabebe described the Abuja Urhobo Day as a strategic platform for national dialogue and collective advancement.

He said gatherings such as the cultural day are essential for articulating and defending Urhobo interests in the Nigerian federation.

“Urhobo Day is not just cultural; it is developmental. We must continue to meet like this because we cannot wash away Urhobo interests in Nigeria.”

Etanabebe highlighted the multi-sector contributions of the Urhobo nation, noting that they remain central to Nigeria’s oil, gas, palm oil, rubber, and agricultural production.

He stressed that Urhobo contributions to national development stretch from the colonial era to the First Republic and into contemporary governance.

“From colonial times, Urhobos have played prominent roles. In the First Republic, in the military, and even today, many Urhobos occupy strategic positions—some quietly. We have done much, and we can do more.”

He encouraged more engagement, cohesion, and visibility among Urhobo stakeholders, emphasizing that the people must continue to project their capabilities and push for greater representation.

The event, attended by prominent sons and daughters of the Urhobo nation, formed part of wider calls for political repositioning, cultural preservation, and renewed advocacy ahead of the 2027 political cycle.