Delta Senator sponsors second edition of Urhobo language competition 2025

Warri, Delta – In a significant move to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Urhobo people, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has announced the sponsorship of the second edition of the Urhobo Language Competition 2025.

The event, held in memory of the late Distinguished Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido, was unveiled today via a vibrant social media post on X, sparking widespread interest and discussion.

The competition, set to kick off on October 18, 2025, at Delta State University, Abraka, aims to engage students from Primary 1 to University 500 level across Nigeria and its diaspora.

Senator Dafinone, a prominent Nigerian chartered accountant and philanthropist, emphasized his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Urhobo language, which is spoken by approximately 2 million people in the Delta and Bayelsa regions of southern Nigeria.

The Urhobo Language Competition will unfold in three stages:

First Stage: October 18, 2025, at Delta State University, Abraka, Urhobo College, Effurun, and Government College, Ughelli.

Second Stage: November 8, 2025, at Delta State University, Abraka.

Third Stage: November 22, 2025, also at Delta State University, Abraka.

Participants can register online via the provided link: https://tinyurl.com/edeurhobo25.

The competition offers substantial cash prizes to encourage participation and excellence:

Tertiary Institutions: First Prize - ₦500,000, Second Prize - ₦300,000, Third Prize - ₦200,000.

Secondary Schools: First Prize - ₦200,000, Second Prize - ₦150,000, Third Prize - ₦100,000.

Primary Schools: First Prize - ₦200,000, Second Prize - ₦150,000, Third Prize - ₦100,000.

The event pays homage to the late Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido, a former representative of Delta Central, whose legacy of service and dedication to the Urhobo people continues to inspire.

The competition seeks to foster pride in the Urhobo language through writing and active engagement, bridging generations and institutions.

The announcement has elicited a mix of praise and constructive feedback on social media.

Supporters have lauded the initiative as a vital step toward preserving Urhobo heritage, especially as younger generations show declining interest in the language.

Others, while acknowledging the cultural significance, have called for broader efforts to address socio-economic challenges in the Urhobo land, highlighting the region’s poverty despite its natural resource wealth.

Critics have questioned the senator’s focus on cultural initiatives over infrastructure development, citing a perceived lack of tangible projects like schools or roads in the region.

Despite the mixed reactions, the competition has ignited a conversation about the balance between cultural preservation and economic progress.

Senator Dafinone, whose political journey includes roles in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), has long been involved in initiatives that blend his professional expertise with community service.

This competition aligns with his family’s legacy, as his father, the late Chief Senator David Dafinone, was also a notable political figure in the region.

As the event approaches, stakeholders anticipate a robust turnout, with the potential to set a precedent for language preservation efforts across Nigeria.

The Urhobo Studies Association and similar cultural bodies may find renewed momentum in their work, thanks to this high-profile endorsement.