Monarch Sues For Peace, Unity, Development In Urhobo Land

The Ovie of Umiaghwa-Abraka, Delta State, AVM Lucky Ararile (rtd), has called for enduring peace, unity, stability and development in Urhobo land.

Ararile made the call yesterday in Abuja at the 2026 Ukoko r’Ighelle Festival, organised by the Abuja branch of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Ighelle.

The annual cultural festival, themed “Igniting the Power of the Youth for a Stronger Urhobo Nation,” brought together sons and daughters of Urhobo from different walks of life.

The traditional ruler said peace and unity remained essential to the progress of the Urhobo nation, while urging stakeholders to engage young people and harness their potential for development.

“We must continue to sue for peace, engage our youths and harness their potential in the development of the Urhobo nation,” he said.

Earlier, the president of the UPU Abuja branch, Olorogun Felix Edewor, said the festival provided an avenue to showcase Urhobo culture, promote networking and engage youths in meaningful development.

Edewor, who was represented by the association’s secretary, Mr Israel Eseoghene, said the event also enabled young Urhobo men and women to connect with one another and interact with elders for guidance on cultural values.

He said the gathering offered participants an opportunity to identify fellow Urhobo indigenes living in Abuja, strengthen relationships and build networks across communities.

The association’s youth leader, Mrs Bezi Oghenekevwe, also highlighted the festival’s importance in promoting Urhobo culture, unity and development.

The event attracted Urhobo indigenes from various walks of life, including Mr Peter Igho, playwright, television producer and former Executive Director of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).