By Victor Lewis
Against the backdrop of the seeming backwardness of Delta Central Senatorial District among the comity of nationalities across the country,, the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone has called on Urhobo sons and daughters in privilege positions to show more than passing interest in the development of the Urhobo nation.
Making this call in a keynote address he delivered virtually on the occasion of the inaugural Urhobo Leadership Series, organized by Urhobo Consultative Forum, UCF, Senator Dafinone observed that the task of transforming the Urhobo nation cannot be left for one person.
While encouraging those in different leadership positions to create opportunities for others to rise, he however condemned the increasing spate of politically-motivated attacks on the few leaders who are daily making sacrifices for the progress and development of the Urhobo nation.
Describing the current situation as “pull him down” syndrome, the national lawmaker called on Urhobo people not to disparage their champions, adding that the development of any nation depends on the unflinching support the people give to their first eleven rather than running them down for political reasons.
He expressed disappointment over some media attacks targeted at him in recent times by those politically motivated, adding that he was not ready to return fire for fire as he was engrossed on how he could deliver the dividends of democracy to the majority of the people of his Constituency.
According to him, there is an urgent need for purposeful and dependable think-tank leadership within the Urhobo nation who could rise up to the occasion whenever there is an urgent need to address a challenge amongst the people.
“As champions in our community, we must stand together. If we continue to undermine one another, we risk losing our place at the table when it comes to the distribution of Nigeria’s resources,” he noted.
Answering questions on the remaining Okuama indigenous still languishing in military detention since last year following the killing of 17 soldiers in the community, he assured that he keeps pushing and making contacts to release others still in detention, adding there was the need for other Urhobo sons and daughters in different positions of power to collaborate in exploring possible ways to get those still detained out or given the opportunity to defend themselves in the law court.
Commenting briefly on the ongoing Constitutional Review process, especially the agitation of creation of states, Dafinone expressed support on the proposed Ethiope State. He however advised that there was need to still consult more widely.
Commenting on the role of leadership to preserve the Urhobo culture, Dafinone who is the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, lamented the downward trend of the Urhobo language, calling on all to emphasize the teaching and learning of the language to the coming generation to avoid it going extinct.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for UCF, Abraham Ogbodo, in underscored the need for effective leadership within the Urhobo Nation, calling on the UCF and similar bodies across Urhobo land to spearhead collective efforts aimed at fostering effective leadership and governance in the Urhobo nation.
He underscored the need for the Urhobo people to ensure that the best material of Urhobo stock candidates for leadership roles to ensure they can effectively leverage the resources available to their community.
In his remark Chief Richard Iyede, Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, UCF, welcomed participants and reiterated the forum’s dedication to promoting cultural preservation and cohesive development across Urhobo land through initiatives like the ‘ARISE’ initiative.
The UCF leadership series serves as a vital platform for discussions aimed at advancing Urhobo unity and fostering progress amidst challenges faced by Urhobo people.
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