The Urhobo Patriotic Movement (UPM) has congratulated renowned scholar and literary critic, Professor Sunny Jijhevwwe Awhefeada, FANA, MNAL, on the successful delivery of his 117th Inaugural Lecture at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, describing it as a milestone in Nigerian literary scholarship.
In a congratulatory statement signed by Abraham Ogbodo, the movement said Professor Awhefeada’s lecture, titled “The Literature of Our State: An Evolutionary Engagement with Modern Nigerian Literature,” was a “profound affirmation of intellectual excellence, cultural depth, and scholarly leadership.”
UPM noted that the lecture reflected “decades of rigorous academic engagement” and reinforced “the place of Urhobo thought, creativity, and cultural identity within the broader Nigerian and African literary canon.”
The group expressed particular pride that “an Urhobo son continues to shape national discourse through scholarship, mentorship, and cultural advocacy,” describing the lecture as evidence of Awhefeada’s enduring influence in academia and the humanities.
According to the statement, the inaugural lecture represents “a testament to your enduring commitment to knowledge, excellence, and the preservation and evolution of our literary heritage.”
The Urhobo Patriotic Movement further praised the professor’s contributions to African literature and intellectual leadership, wishing him “continued strength, inspiration, and greater accomplishments as you advance the frontiers of African literature.”
The statement reads in full: "URHOBO PATRIOTIC MOVEMENT CONGRATULATES PROF. SUNNY AWEFEADA ON SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY OF 117TH INAUGURAL LECTURE AT DELSU
"The Urhobo Patriotic Movement (UPM) heartily congratulates Professor Sunny Jijhevwwe Awhefeada, FANA, MNAL, on the successful delivery of his 117th Inaugural Lecture at Delta State University, Abraka, titled “The Literature of Our State: An Evolutionary Engagement with Modern Nigerian Literature.”
"Professor Awhefeada’s lecture stands as a profound affirmation of intellectual excellence, cultural depth, and scholarly leadership. It not only reflects decades of rigorous academic engagement, but also reinforces the place of Urhobo thought, creativity, and cultural identity within the broader Nigerian and African literary canon.
"We are particularly proud that an Urhobo son continues to shape national discourse through scholarship, mentorship, and cultural advocacy. This milestone is a testament to your enduring commitment to knowledge, excellence, and the preservation and evolution of our literary heritage.
"The Urhobo Patriotic Movement celebrates this remarkable achievement and wishes you continued strength, inspiration, and greater accomplishments as you advance the frontiers of African literature and intellectual leadership.
"Congratulations once again, Professor."
