In 2005, a group of Urhobo scholars converged at the Department of Languages and Linguistics, Delta State University, Abraka, in response to UNESCO’s dire warning that nearly half of the world’s 6,000–7,000 languages might disappear by the end of the century. Already, some 40 percent were endangered, many with fewer than 10,000 speakers, and some with only a handful left. UNESCO further cautioned that a language vanishes every two weeks.

Urhobo, like many small-group languages, had been losing ground to English and Nigerian Pidgin (Naija). Determined to halt this decline, the scholars established the Urhobo Studies Association (USA) with a clear mission: to revitalise Urhobo, document it systematically, and ensure its intergenerational transmission.

The founding members included Profs. Aguonorobo Eruvbetine, Godini Darah, and Tanure Ojaide; Drs. Rose Oro Aziza, Atiboroko Uyovbukerhi, Sunny Awhefeada, Igho Onose, Elizabeth Ogini, and James Obitaba; and Mrs. Emuobonuvie Ajiboye, Mr. R.A.M. Ogbe, Mr. S.O. Ugheteni and Mr. Anthony Obakponovwe Ukere. Their first milestone was the development of a standard orthography in 2005, an achievement that provided the foundation for teaching, research, and preservation.

This initiative built on an earlier milestone: the establishment of the world’s first B.A. programme in Linguistics/Urhobo at Delta State University in 2001 under the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uvie Igun and the head of Department, Dr. Anthony Biakolo. The pioneer intake including myself in 2002/2003 represented a bold step in institutionalising the study of Urhobo.

Over the years, the Association has pursued landmark projects. In 2008, under Prof. Rose Aziza’s chairmanship, it organised a symposium in Abraka in memory of Oshue Ogbiyerin of Orhughworun, who famously resisted the colonial tax of 1927. Prof. Friday Onoge was among the distinguished participants. Funding challenges were overcome through support from Hon. Henry Afure Sakpra of Udu Local Government Council and his colleagues, the Council Chairmen of Delta Central.

That same year, the Association convened its first workshop (25–26 November 2008) themed “Developing the Urhobo Language to Cope with Modern Realities.” The goal was to approve a standard orthography and produce a school curriculum for Urhobo. Staff of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Dr. Chinyere Nwagbara, Mr. O.S.Salami and Mrs. Nkechi Adiele attended, and the Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Matthew Edirin Egbi, Owahwa II, gave the symbolic kola-nut blessing. Prof. Imelda Udoh (the current President of Linguistic Association of Nigeria, LAN) delivered the keynote on language documentation, while the NERDC’s Executive Secretary, Prof. Godswill Obioma (represented by Mr. O.S. Salami), spoke on orthography development strategies.

Further progress came with a two-day critique workshop in 2012 on curriculum development for Urhobo at the Basic and Senior Secondary levels, followed by another in February 2013. These efforts were funded largely through the generosity of Sen. Pius Akpor Ewherido, who donated ₦1 million before his untimely death.

In 2014, Dr. Nyerhovwo Johnbull Tonukari (the present Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education) stepped in with decisive financial support of ₦750,000, enabling Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ogini and the writer to travel to Abuja, where the Urhobo Language Curriculum was formally approved by the Joint Consultative Committee on Education (JCCE), alongside Jukun of Taraba State. Diaspora support also played a key role, National President of UPU United Kingdom, Olorogun (Barr.) Okpako Ganiga, donated ₦1 million, while Prof. Tonukari during his professorial thanksgiving in Sapele later contributed another ₦500,000. These funds made it possible for NERDC to print 3,000 copies of the curriculum for use in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools.

Despite these advances, domestication of the Curriculum by the Delta State Government proved difficult. Bureaucratic hurdles demanded curricula for all Delta languages before Urhobo could be considered. It took the intervention of Lady Dame Christi Siakpere, President of the UPU Women’s Wing, and the decisive backing of former Governor James Onanefe Ibori, to secure approval. The curriculum was officially unveiled at the Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge-Agbarho by Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and UPU President-General Chief Moses Taiga in 2017. Unfortunately, the pilot project started through selected schools stalled due to the non-availability of trained teachers. While over 100 Linguistics/Urhobo graduates were presented for employment, none was absorbed into the system.

Still, USA consolidated its foundation, registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for legal recognition. It also organised teacher-training workshops to equip educators with the skills to teach Urhobo.

In 2019, it produced a textbook plus an audio disc: Learning Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Urhobo: Speak a New Language for National Unity, with support from Engr. Moses Kragha, reflecting its commitment to positioning Urhobo within Nigeria’s linguistic landscape. By 2025, in collaboration with the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS), the Association also produced a comprehensive Scheme of Work for the 9-year Basic Education Curriculum, ensuring structured teaching across schools. Supported by a dedicated website (www.urhobostudiesassociation.org), its flagship academic journal, Aridon: International Journal of Urhobo Studies, with three volumes already published, provides a global platform for Urhobo scholarship.

The Association organised the Urhobo Language Competition in 2012, sponsored by Sen. Pius Akpor Ewherido. In 2024, another edition was held, this time sponsored by the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Sen. Ede Dafinone in honour of the late Sen. Ewherido. Online registration for the 2025 edition is in progress via: https://tinyurl.com/edeurhobo25. The competition was designed to provide a vibrant platform for promoting proficiency, creativity, and pride in the Urhobo language among students and young people.

The USA has enjoyed support from the Management of Delta State University, Profs. Uvie Igun, John Okpako Enaohwo, Eric Arubayi, Osa Dennis Egonwa, Betty George, Jiff Mokobia, Emeka Ifesieh and Dr. (Mrs.) R. Okiy, alongside institutions like the UPU, Urhobo Historical Society, Ukoko R'Emotor, Urhobo Social Club Lagos, and Atamu Klub, Lagos. Traditional rulers, philanthropists, and professionals have also rallied behind the cause.

The Association draws its strength from a wide spectrum of distinguished members, ranging from renowned professors and academics to traditional chiefs, professionals, and community figures. Among the eminent scholars are Professors G.G. Darah, Tanure Ojaide, Aguonorobo Eruvbetine, Rose Aziza, Emperor Kpangban, Nyerhovwo Tonukari, Sunny Awhefeada, Macaulay Mowarin, Mark Omorovie Ikeke, Elizabeth Ogini, Patience Agbaire, Enajite Ojaruega, and James Obitaba, all of whom have made outstanding contributions to the growth of Urhobo scholarship.

The Association also enjoys the support of respected traditional chiefs such as Chiefs A. U. Ukere, Anthony Obakponovwe Ukere, M. O. Akanighan, Solomon Eyela, and Matthew Ovedje Eyuren, whose involvement bridges scholarship with cultural authority. In the academic and professional sphere, several vibrant researchers and lecturers enrich the Association’s work. These include Drs. Oghenekevwe Abamwa, Emuobonuvie Ajiboye, Lucky Ejobee, Eseoghene Aleh, Godwin Ivworin, Matthew Agbogun, Philip Ekiugbo, Richard Ikolo, Margaret Efurhievwe, Philo Okpeki, Peter Omoko, Stephen Kekeghe, Harrie Bazunu, Emmanuel Emama, Sylvester Otegbale, and Rebecca Ogbeide.

Beyond these, the USA draws inspiration from a wide network of committed members across various fields. They include Moses Darah, Igho Ojaide, Benjamin Overare, Deborah Arhagba, Solomon Ovwiuwa, Benard Enajeroh, Queen Esohwode, Princess Ohwavworua, Augustine Omohwo, Oghenerhoro Otovwe, Patrick Onomrobarakpor, Amos Dokaghwa, the late Julius Arerierian, Vitoria Umude, Victoria Ubiri, Akpobome Diffre-Odiete, E. E. Adegor, Christmas Uliemor, Lawrence Onoriose, Alfred Ojanuyovwi, Thomas Kasiaka, Ufuoma Ighomuaye, Eguono Umukoro, Jude Onose, Eguono Ikie, Samson Ekabo, Murphy Okpodu, Loveth Gometi, Samson Oghenerume, Victor Park, John Iyasere, Loveth Ayiofor, Barrister Enamuotor, Goodnews Eruemuare, Theresa Onojeharho, Samuel Nabofa, Felix Otuaga, Anthony Odiri, Efeurhobo Oghogho, Paradise Akakporo, Wilson Oghenevwede, Oghenerukevwe Orovwigho, Irene Efeakpor, Godstime Ukuanovwe, Wilson Darah, Emmanuel Darah, Philips Akpoghene, Clement Onakpoberuo, Daniel Sanudje, Faith Enyowhara, Ufuoma Okere, Shelah Itefa, Suzan Ohwonohwo, Emily Akpomedaye, Jessica Eseji, Joshua Godwin-Ivworin, Caleb Godwin-Ivworin, Victory Ophori, Godspower Aex Egbaroghene, Simeon Omote, Joseph Evughaye and Joseph Aluya.

Two decades on, the Urhobo Studies Association stands as a beacon of resilience and vision. To mark this milestone, it will host its 20th Anniversary International Conference at Delta State University, Abraka, from Monday, 1st to Wednesday, 3rd September 2025.

Themed “Two Decades of Advancing Urhobo Studies: Reflections, Progress and Future Direction,” the conference will feature workshop, plenary sessions, and cultural celebrations. It will serve not only as a commemoration of past achievements but also as a platform to chart new directions for the future of Urhobo studies.

The journey has not been easy, but the passion of scholars, the support of the Urhobo people, and the vision of the Association have kept the dream alive. As it turns twenty, the Urhobo Studies Association renews its commitment to language, culture, literature, and the enduring identity of the Urhobo nation.

Moses Darah is the Secretary of the Urhobo Studies Association.