By Moses Darah,
Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori; Delta First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, and business mogul Olorogun O’tega Emerhor were among prominent personalities honoured on Tuesday, as the Urhobo Studies Association (USA) celebrated its 20th anniversary in Abraka, Delta State.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Faculty of Education Lecture Theatre C, Delta State University, Abraka, marked the opening of USA’s anniversary conference themed “Two Decades of Advancing Urhobo Studies: Reflections, Progress and Future Directions.”
Awards were conferred on the Association’s Founding Visionaries: Profs. Agwonorobo E. Eruvbetine, Godini G. Darah, Rose Aziza, Tanure Ojaide, Anthony O. Ukere, and Sunny I. Awhefeada. Delta’s Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo J. Tonukari, was recognised for Selfless Advocacy of the Urhobo Cause, while First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, received an award for her Commitment to Safeguarding Urhobo Heritage. Former Governor Ibori was celebrated as a Statesman and Icon for All Seasons, and Dr. Ernest Adogbejire Ideh was honoured for Steadfast Patriotism.
Other awardees included Prof. Samuel Asagba (VC, DELSU), Prof. Ben Oghojafor (VC, Dennis Osadebay University), Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo (Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly), Chief Samuel Mariere (Chairman, SUBEB), Mr. Abraham Ogbodo (former Guardian editor), Chief Simeon Ohwofa, Olorogun Paul Abu, Prince Efe Duku, Hon. Reuben Izeze (Commissioner for Works, Highways & Urban Roads), and Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN (Delta Attorney-General).
By the honours, USA reaffirmed its mission of recognising visionaries and advocates whose sacrifices safeguard the Urhobo identity for future generations.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, Mr. Ogbodo expressed gratitude to the Association and pledged continued commitment to advancing Urhobo language, culture, and scholarship.
