By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide has renewed calls for the creation of an Urhobo State, citing decades of infrastructural neglect, political marginalization, and under-representation despite being one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic nationalities.

Speaking at the 2025 Urhobo Cultural Day and Symposium held in Abuja on Saturday, President-General of the UPU Worldwide, Olorogun (Barr.) Ese Gam Owe urged the Federal Government to urgently repair the dilapidated federal roads in Delta State and address the ongoing breakdown of the Ujevwu–Itakpe rail line.

Owe lamented that rail services in the corridor have become “seriously epileptic,” noting that operations only resumed briefly after the intervention of the Minister of Transportation but had “gone comatose again.” He further called for the implementation of Section 4(2) of the Nigerian Army Act, which mandates the protection of national transport infrastructure.

“Urhobo Nation Must Take Its Pride of Place”, UPU Abuja President.

Earlier, President of the UPU Abuja Chapter, Olorogun (Barr.) Felix Edewor described this year’s event as the fifth Urhobo Day celebration and the first symposium to be held in Abuja.
He said the theme, “Nigeria’s Development Agenda: The Place of the Urhobo,” was chosen to highlight the contributions of the Urhobo nation to national growth.

Edewor emphasized that the UPU, established in 1931 and reorganized in 1947, remains the oldest surviving self-improvement union in Nigeria, second only to South Africa’s ANC on the continent in terms of longevity.

Despite being Nigeria’s fifth-largest ethnic nationality, Edewor said it was “embarrassing” that the Urhobo remain “on the corridors of power in Delta State while minorities sit on the throne.”
He accused a section of the political class of manipulating the state’s political structure to the detriment of Urhobo interests.

As 2027 approaches, he appealed for unity:
“Urhobo must unite to produce the next governor, irrespective of political party.”

He also identified key challenges facing the Urhobo nation, including youth unemployment, environmental degradation from oil spills and gas flaring, and widespread poverty despite the area’s rich oil and gas reserves.

Keynote Speaker Makes Case for Urhobo State

In his keynote address, Prof. Park Odojoma Idise of the University of Abuja argued that the creation of an Urhobo State is both justified and overdue.

He estimated the global Urhobo population to be approximately 12 million, with 7–8 million residing in Delta State and 1.5 million spread across Bayelsa, Edo, Anambra, and Imo States.
He noted that the Urhobo, comprising 24 clans, contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy, politics, education, and leadership.

Prof. Idise highlighted that the Urhobo homeland hosts about 600 oil wells, 30 flow stations, and Africa’s largest gas plant, contributing remarkably to the nation’s GDP and export earnings.

He urged the Federal Government to create an Urhobo State, establish a conventional university in the region, and ensure equitable federal appointments:
“Now that we are in the APC, let the gains come. The Urhobo deserve their rightful portion as one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups.”

UPU Calls for Unity, Cultural Preservation,
Edewor concluded by appealing for support to secure a permanent UPU office in Abuja and urged Urhobo sons and daughters to avoid isolationism while promoting peaceful coexistence with other Nigerians.

The event featured rich cultural displays, traditional delicacies, and was attended by prominent Urhobo political leaders, traditional figures, and professionals from across the country.

The UPU reiterated its commitment to preserving Urhobo culture, strengthening unity, and advancing the collective aspiration for an Urhobo State within the Nigerian federation.