Ibori, Oborevwori, Emerhor, Tonukari, Asagba, Others Receive USA Awards

By Moses Darah

The Urhobo Studies Association (USA) has honoured distinguished personalities for their contributions to the promotion and preservation of Urhobo language, culture, and heritage.

The awards were presented on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Faculty of Education Lecture Theatre C, Delta State University, Abraka, during the opening ceremony of the Association’s 20th Anniversary/Conference themed “Two Decades of Advancing Urhobo Studies: Reflections, Progress and Future Directions.”

Plaque awards were conferred on the Association’s Founding Visionaries: Profs. Agwonorobo E. Eruvbetine, Godini G. Darah, Rose Aziza, Tanure Ojaide, Anthony O. Ukere, and Sunny I. Awhefeada. The Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo J. Tonukari, was recognised for Selfless Advocacy of the Urhobo Cause. Former Governor James Onanefe Ibori of Delta State was celebrated as a Statesman and Icon for All Seasons, while Delta First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, was honoured for her Commitment to Safeguarding Urhobo Heritage. Dr. Ernest Adogbejire Ideh received recognition for Steadfast Patriotism.

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Certificate awards for Institutional Support and Advocacy went to Prof. Samuel Asagba (VC, DELSU), Prof. Ben Oghojafor (VC, Dennis Osadebay University), Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo (Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly), Chief Samuel Mariere (Chairman, SUBEB), Mr. Abraham Ogbodo (Former editor of The Guardian Newspaper), Chief Simeon Ohwofa, Olorogun Paul Abu, Prince Efe Duku, Hon. Reuben Izeze (Commissioner for Works, Highways & Urban Roads), and Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State).

By these recognitions, the Association reaffirmed its mission of honouring visionaries and advocates whose sacrifices safeguard the Urhobo identity for generations to come.

Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Ogbodo expressed gratitude to the Association and pledged continued commitment to promoting and supporting the development of the language.