By Nelson Agbajor,
Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has announced sponsorship of the second edition of the Urhobo Language Competition, dedicated to the memory of the late Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido, who first initiated the programme in 2012.
In a statement released on Saturday, September 6, 2025, Dafinone said the competition was designed to inspire Urhobo youths to embrace, preserve, and sustain their mother tongue through active participation in both written and spoken forms. He stressed that the Urhobo language is a vital part of the people’s identity and must not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
The contest, open to Urhobo-speaking students from Primary 1 to university level, provides a platform for showcasing linguistic talent and cultural pride. Registration is already ongoing at https://tinyurl.com/edeurhobo25
“I am honoured to sponsor the second edition of the Urhobo Language Competition this year, held in memory of the late Distinguished Senator Pius Ewherido,” Dafinone said. “This initiative is designed to inspire the younger generation to embrace, preserve, and sustain the Urhobo language.”
By reviving and re-sponsoring the competition, Dafinone has renewed Ewherido’s legacy while reinforcing his own commitment to cultural preservation and youth development across Urhoboland.
