By Sam Akadoro/Sapele
The Urhobo ethnic nationality as the fourth populated in Nigeria has been complaining about marginalization and subjugation in the socio-political arrangement of Nigeria. According to various shades of opinions ranging from individuals to groups, they averred that if an urgent measure is not taken to stop or ameliorate the trend in the scheme of things, a day would come when the Urhobo would be completely diminished, and frustration and disillusionment would set in. Urhobo scholars and pundits posit that in other to avoid such situations that could trigger violence, there is need for the Urhobo people to come together and brainstorm on how the ethnic nationality could avoid the trap like some ethnic nationalities that resorted to self-help.
In order to map out strategies to put the Urhobo nation on the front-burner, Lagos-based Atamu Social Club picked up the gauntlet to organize an international conference tagged, ‘Urhobo: This House Must not Fall.’
The pan-Urhobo club, which converged at the conference centre of Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurum, stated its vision as “to be the leading socio-cultural organization championing unity and sustainable development of Urhobo nation.” A quick look at its mission statement shows how it wants to achieve this: “We will provide a platform for the promotion of unity, growth and development of the Urhobo nation through interaction, empowerment and advocacy.”
Among those that presented papers at the occasion were Dr. Sunny Awheafade, who spoke on ‘Building and sustaining the socio-economy destiny of the Urhobo nation’; Professor Ben Oghojafor spoke on ‘The option available,’ while Mr. Mike Igini delivered a paper on ‘Reinventing the Urhobo nation for greater participation in the Nigerian Federation.’ Also participating were prominent Urhobo professionals, academicians, technocrats who included panelists like Chief O.C. Majoroh, Barr. Festus Kayemo, Chief Francis Okumagba, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Prof Samuel Iboje and Prof Rose Aziza. Other prominent people there included Mr. Abraham Ogbodo, the Editor Sunday Guardian Newspaper, who moderated the sessions, Prof Amos Utuama, the Delta State deputy governor who represented the governor.
In his remarks, the governor declared that in all ramifications, every son of Urhobo has equal stake in the affairs and progress of the Urhobo nation, and appealed to everyone to do their best to unite and come up with strategies that would move the nationality forward at all times. Mr. Johnson Agagbo, president of Atamu Social Club of Nigeria stated that the initiative was part of its corporate social responsibility.
He said, “As part of our strategy to achieve our corporate vision, the club decided to organise a pan-Urhobo international conference with the objective of bringing together sons and daughters of Urhobo extraction to envision an Urhobo land in the next 20 years. The recommendation of the conference is expected to form part of government in the coming years using our think-thank group to marshal policies to legislature and the executive.”
Continuing, Agagbo said, “It is important to state that this conference is a vision crafted and executed by a group of young men in different professions and businesses, committed to articulating and presenting the Urhobo view point at this time even as we seek to harmonise our strong component of the Nigerian federation. Specifically, we hope to inspire the needed confidence and energy through advocacy and direct action for an all-around development of the Urhobo land and.”
On the Urhobo voice and Niger Delta question, the club president said the Urhobo must admit that although they are located in the Niger Delta, their voice have been relatively weak in the articulation of proposal to address the historical neglect and exploitation of the zone. He pointed out that the relative aloofness of the Urhobo voice on this question caused them some embarrassment, pointing out that the Urhobo cannot isolate themselves from the zonal reality and that the UPU should henceforth make regular inputs in the discussion on how to develop Niger Delta.
Agagbo further revealed that Atamu Social Club has initiated a scholarship project to cater for students of Urhobo origin in universities, adding that the club and its members would continue to promote Urhobo cherished language and advocated that others follow suit.
The post Atamu: Rooting for Urhobo national relevance appeared first on Daily Independent Newspapers.
