Urhobo Solidarity Club Marks 40th Anniversary, Inaugurates New Executive

BY ODEYA OGBETUO

Urhobo Solidarity Club (USC) has inaugurated its national executive members to run the affairs of the socio-cultural organization.

Dr. Henry Sota who emerged as the new national president of the USC was inaugurated with the other executive members during the National Conference and 40th Anniversary celebration of the club held at Isiokolo (Otorho Agbon) headquarters of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Henry Sota promised to make USC more vibrant with an increase in its services to humanity as well as increase its membership.

He urged his executive and other members of USC to be committed and uphold the core values and promote the progammes of the Association.

Dr. Sota commended the founding fathers of the Association and promised to liaise with the Board of Trustees and members of the Club to promote and execute its outlined programmes.

Those to run the affairs of USC with Dr. Sota are Dr. Tony. A. Onohwakpor, National Vice chairman. Professor Onomuodeke Ogheneruona, National Secretary, Barr. Omovuhoyi Ebruphiyor, Assistant National Secretary, Godfirst Ubiedi, National Treasurer, Tony Akpoyibo, National Fin. Secretary , Chief Obatare Emarievwe, National Publicity Secretary, Chief Major James Osirim (Rtd) ,National Provost Marshall and Mr. Justice Umuago, National Auditor -General.

In his valedictory speech, the out-gone national president, Chief George Owarieta said that USC deliberately departed from the self servicing mandate of most social-cultural organizations to a focused service of protecting the Urhobo traditional heritage and advancement of Urhobo people.

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Chief Owarieta said that the Club has achieved a lot in the past 40 years of its existence and is ready to do more for the promotion of peace, progress and unity of Urhobo people and humanity in general.

He disclosed that the main objective of USC is the promotion of Urhobo unity and cultural heritage as well as promotion and fostering of the speaking of Urhobo language in our homes, diaspora and during social engagements.

“The Club has made countless donations and support as a relief to people and communities affected by fire, storms or flood disaster. We also award bursaries and scholarships to assist indigent Urhobo sons and daughters to acquire education. USC places a high premium on Urhobo language and culture.”

Chief Owarieta who runs the affairs of USC for a decade assured that USC would continue to collaborate with Urhobo umbrella body, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) in fostering unity, peace and development in Urhobo land among other social cultural activities.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, HRM RTN Noble Oyibo Eshemitan, Orefe III, Uku Oghara N’ame, Ovie of Oghara Kingdom said that Urhobo Solidarity Club is well known in Urhobo land and beyond for its good works and positive contributions to humanity.

HRM Eshemitan further said that it was a milestone achievement of the club at 40th anniversary, adding that the club would do more for humanity in the years ahead.

He thanked the president USC, National Executive and the Board of Trustees for piloting the affairs of the club and specially thanked the National president, Chief George Owarieta for his purposeful good leadership since he assumed office a decade ago.

HRM Eshemitan, a past president of USC called for more membership to improve and strengthen the humanitarians’ services of the club. “Membership remains the strength of any organization or club. Our service is to improve quality of life and promote peace and unity of Urhobo land and beyond” he added.

A lecture titled: “Challenges of Insecurity in Nigeria to the Urhobo Nation” was delivered by Professor Sunny Awhefeada, Dean Faculty of Arts, DELSU Abraka.