The grand finale of the Sen. Ede Dafinone Urhobo Language Competition in memory of the late Sen. Pius Akpor Ewherido, took place on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the Faculty of Arts Complex, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka. The event brought together the 30 top finalists from primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions across Delta Central. The oral presentation marked the climax of a multi-stage contest designed to promote the writing, reading, speaking, and preservation of the Urhobo language among young people.

The competition, sponsored by Sen. Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, is organised by the Urhobo Studies Association (USA). It continues the legacy of the late Sen. Ewherido, who first sponsored the competition in 2012. Over the years, the initiative has gained wide recognition for its mission to revive interest in Urhobo language and culture.

Saturday’s final round featured 30 outstanding contestants who qualified from earlier stages held in Abraka, Effurun, and Ughelli. Participants were tested on spoken Urhobo, social organisation, indigenous expressions, and knowledge of Urhobo culture and history.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the USA, Prof. Rose Oro Aziza, expressed gratitude to Sen. Dafinone for his unwavering commitment to supporting programmes that strengthen Urhobo identity. She emphasised that language remains at the core of any people’s heritage and commended the Senator’s efforts to ensure that young Urhobo people grow up with pride in their linguistic and cultural roots.

Officials of the Urhobo Studies Association praised the high level of performance displayed during the finale, noting that the enthusiasm of the students reflected a renewed interest in the language. They described the competition as a strategic intervention to safeguard the Urhobo language from gradual decline.

Winners across the three categories, Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary, will receive their prizes at the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Cultural Day scheduled to hold in Uvwiamuge-Agbarho in the first week of December. Prize packages range from ₦100,000 to ₦700,000, depending on category and placement.

Parents and teachers who attended the Abraka finale also commended Sen. Dafinone for investing in the preservation of Urhobo heritage. Many described the competition as a legacy project that will leave a lasting impact on future generations.

The event concluded with group photographs involving participants, USA members, and invigilators.