Dafinone Urges Urhobo Language Preservation

Senator representing Delta Central, Ede Dafinone, has called on parents to teach their children the Urhobo language to prevent its potential extinction.

Speaking at the grand finale of the Urhobo Language Competition over the weekend, Senator Dafinone stressed the importance of preserving the language, which he believes is crucial to maintaining cultural identity.

The event, held at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State, was part of an initiative sponsored by Dafinone and the Urhobo Studies Association, USA, in memory of the late Senator Pius Ehwerido.

It saw participants from all 24 Urhobo kingdoms compete, with Onoji Ogheneruona from the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, winning the Senator Pius Akpor Ehwerido Prize of N500,000. Miss Izobo Favour and Miss Urhobe Onome secured second and third places, respectively, with prizes of N300,000 and N200,000. Seven other contestants received N100,000 each as consolation prizes.

Represented by Chief Tuesday Onoge, former Deputy President-General of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Senator Dafinone highlighted the urgent need to prevent the loss of the Urhobo language.

“Language is a core part of our identity, When a language dies, so does the identity of its speakers. This competition is a significant initiative. Some of the world’s leading scientists learned in their native languages, but in our region, we were once punished for speaking our mother tongues.” He said.

Dafinone noted that teaching children in their native language enhances their learning process.

On her part, Professor Roseline Aziza, Chairperson of the Urhobo Studies Association, USA, noted that native language is essential for sustaining culture and teaching children about their heritage. “Languages are dying out, and with them, the identity of the people.”

Warri Sentinel gathered that the competition, which had three stages—online registration, exams at various centers, and a final round was revived by Senator Dafinone in 2012 following Ehwerido’s passing.

Meanwhile, the overall winner, Master Ogheruona expressed his appreciation for the initiative. “I wasn’t extensively prepared, but I saw it as a chance to showcase my skills. I had previously won another Urhobo language competition, and I am grateful to Senator Dafinone for this opportunity.