In a heartfelt nod to heritage and legacy, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, has announced the sponsorship of the second edition of the Urhobo Language Competition—an initiative designed to inspire pride and proficiency in the Urhobo language among the youth.
This year’s edition, slated for 2025, carries special significance: it is dedicated to the memory of the late Senator Pius Akpor Ewherido, the original architect of the competition, first launched in 2012. Senator Dafinone’s revival and continued sponsorship of the initiative marks a renewed commitment to cultural preservation and educational engagement within the Urhobo-speaking community.
“The Urhobo language is a cornerstone of our identity. We must protect it, nurture it, and pass it on to future generations,” Senator Dafinone said in an official statement released on Saturday, September 6, 2025. “I am honoured to sponsor this second edition in memory of the late Distinguished Senator Pius Ewherido. His vision lives on through the voices of our children.”
The competition is open to all Urhobo-speaking students, from Primary 1 to university level (up to 500-level), ensuring a wide and inclusive platform for participants across various educational stages. This deliberate inclusivity is aimed at fostering a deep-rooted appreciation for the language across generations.
Registration is currently underway, and interested participants can sign up online via the official link: https://tinyurl.com/edeurhobo25. Organisers encourage early registration, noting that the competition serves not only as a test of linguistic ability but as a celebration of Urhobo cultural identity.
Senator Dafinone’s sponsorship of the Urhobo Language Competition continues to breathe new life into a legacy started over a decade ago. His support affirms a belief that language is not merely a means of communication, but a vessel of history, heritage, and collective memory.
As the 2025 edition unfolds, the echoes of tradition are set to resound once more—stronger, prouder, and more vibrant than ever.
