Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has called on Urhobo media professionals to elevate the standards of journalism, strengthen unity, and help drive the development of Urhoboland, describing the press as “one of the strongest pillars of democracy.”
Speaking at the inauguration of the Urhobo Editors and Publishers Alliance on Friday at Wetland Hotel, Ughelli — through his representative, Hon. Mercy Okiemute Orhierhor Lance — the Senator applauded the formation of the group and urged members to embrace integrity and purpose.
He reminded them of their role as watchdogs and advocates, stressing the need to project Urhobo culture and values with pride.
He pledged close collaboration with the Alliance, adding that credible journalism remains essential to public accountability.
In his goodwill message, APC chieftain Olorogun O’tega Emerhor commended the group’s emergence and urged members to use their platforms to advance Urhobo interests.
He said all well-meaning Urhobos must unite to promote their heritage, insisting that the Urhobo story must be told “clearly and loudly.”
The tone shifted when the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chris Obiuwevbi Ominimini, delivered a blunt and confrontational address.
He welcomed the Alliance but criticised what he described as self-inflicted setbacks within Urhoboland. According to him, the absence of a widely accepted Urhobo leader reflects deep internal fractures.
He lamented the contradiction of an oil-rich region whose people remain marginalised in key decision-making spaces.
He blamed internal rivalry and political gatekeeping for the stagnation and urged the media to expose leaders who fail the people. Ominimini promised the Alliance his full support.
Guest Speaker, Dr Obire Odiakpo, broadened the discussion by highlighting the human cost of poor leadership.
He pointed to decaying roads, schools, and health facilities, and criticised the growing rejection of the Urhobo language.
He argued that cultural erosion has become a source of division and called for leaders driven by courage, competence, and genuine commitment to the people.
He urged the media to build platforms that preserve Urhobo identity and inspire collective progress.
Earlier, the Alliance Chairman, Comrade Fredrick Umurure, positioned the group as a necessary intervention to reclaim a diminishing Urhobo voice in national discourse.
He pledged collaboration with traditional institutions, political leaders, and local communities to ensure Urhobo narratives are boldly and accurately projected.
With editors, publishers, traditional leaders, council chairmen, and representatives of the Delta State Governor in attendance, the conference ended with a shared commitment: Urhobos must assert control over their story — or risk having others define it for them.
