By Victor Lewis
The Board of Trustees of the Urhobo Leadership Forum, Abuja, has lauded the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone him as a blend of pragmatic, accessible and effective representative whose stewardship is unbeatable.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Senator, the Board, led by its Chairman, His Excellency Ambassador Brownson Dede, said Senator Dafinone has distinguished himself as a dependable voice for the Urhobo people, adding that his immense contributions at the Red Chamber have consistently reflected the collective aspirations of the Urhobo nation.
According to the Board, his legislative engagements have been marked by a superlative principle, focus and a clear understanding of issues critical to the development of Urhobo land.
Board members highlighted the Senator’s role in facilitating the release of the Ovie of Ewu, describing the intervention as timely, courageous and indicative of responsible leadership.
They also commended his open-door policy, noting that his regular meet-and-greet engagements have helped to bridge the gap between representation and the grassroots, while strengthening trust between the Senator and his constituents.
The Forum further appealed to prominent sons and daughters of Urhobo land to rally behind Senator Dafinone at all levels, stressing that unity and sustained support remain indispensable to the long-term growth and development of Urhobo communities.
At the meeting, the delegation briefed the Senator on plans for a proposed Urhobo National Summit, envisioned as a platform to spotlight the development challenges and strategic relevance of Urhobo land within the national discourse.
They equally sought his legislative backing for an amendment to the law establishing the Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, to enable the institution expand its academic scope beyond petroleum-related programmes.
Responding, Senator Dafinone expressed appreciation for the visit and the confidence reposed in him by the Forum. He assured the delegation which included Olorogun Peter Igho, Professor Vremudia Diejomaoh and Okakuro Bright Igbako, of his unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of the Urhobo nation, particularly in the areas of education, infrastructure and economic empowerment.
The Senator also disclosed that discussions extended to the long-awaited revitalisation of the Sapele Port, describing it as a strategic economic asset for the region.
He disclosed that funding for the first phase of the port’s rehabilitation has been secured in the 2025 national budget through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, reaffirming his determination to pursue sustainable and inclusive development across Urhobo land.
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