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Caption: Senator Omo-Agege (middle), Olorogun Moses Taiga, others during the 90th UPU lecture at Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Ughelli, Delta State on Monday.
Rita Enemuru, Reporting
UGHELLI: The Deputy President of the Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has, on Monday 29, November, 2021, beseeched Urhobos worldwide on the need to unite in order to bring a paradigm shift to the current challenges confronting the nation.
This is just as the number-four-man of the country called on Urhobo leaders to lead and foster unity among themselves in order to enhance development in Urhoboland.
He made the call while delivering the anniversary lecture at the opening ceremony of the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) held at the Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State.
Senator Omo-Agege stressed that unity was a potent virtue that needed to be cultivated among the Urhobo people for the advancement of Urhobo national interest and for defending themselves against different competitors posed by different multi-subgroup organisations in the state.
The Obarisi of Urhoboland lamented in anguish the consequences orchestrated by disunity among Urhobos, decrying the economic, political and technological downturn of the people.
He recounted that the thriving economy, businesses and the political ladder of the ethnic group rose to in time past, which were made possible only because the Urhobos spoke with one voice and acted collectively.
He said that the Urhobos were created for greatness and the greatness can only be realized if they stuck together in unity, bemoaning the fact that lack of unity has made economic empowerment and development of Urhoboland difficult.
“Let me be emphatic; we are better and stronger together. The consequences of lack of unity have been dreadful. Urhobo was created for greatness.
“We had a thriving economy and Urhobo led in politics and business, but all that is now history.
“We lost our way and lost our pride in the comity of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
“We have fallen behind in all spheres of life; be it politics, economy, science, technology, arts or sports.
“As I speak, majority of Urhobo graduates are unemployed and are roaming the streets.
“The loss of political power as a consequence of lack of unity among Urhobos has made development of Urhoboland difficult,” he lamented.
President-General of UPU, Olorogun Moses Taiga, in his welcome address, also reiterated the need for called for the unity of purpose among Urhobo people, urging the people to “revisit the ideals of ‘higher thoughts, higher aims’ that fired the resolve of the founders of the UPU.”
Dignitaries at the event included House of Representatives member representing Ughelli North/South/Udu Federal Constituency, Rev. Francis Waive, former Minister of Information, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Professor Emeritus GG Darah and Professor in the Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka, Sunny Awhefeada.
Others were Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Hon. Solomon Oviakpata, royal fathers such as Ovie of Idjerhe kingdom, HRM Monday Whisky and Presidents-General of Urhobo clans across the senatorial district.
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