The people of Urhobo, Nigeria’s fifth largest ethnic group, have said that despite all the oil resources tapped from their land, the Delta State and Nigerian government have continued to neglect them.
President-general of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Joe Omene, made this known during the annual Urhobo prayer and thanksgiving day which held at Mosogar in Delta State.
The venue of the event, the Paragon Holiday Resort, was filled beyond capacity as women groups, men’s associations and youth cultural troupes adorned in various colourful fabrics and attires took over the arena.
The UPU President-General, who said that the Urhobos are not celebrating, seized the occasion to appeal to Urhobo politicians to desist from truncating the unity and peace of the UPU for self-interest.
He, however, urged them to see the 2005 UPU Constitution as a viable tool for the unity and progress of Urhobo people.
While commending his royal majesty, Oruarivie of Abraka for his unshaken belief and respect for the UPU Constitution, Omene also appreciated the patriotic efforts of Mike Igini, Joe Asah, and Prof. Andrew Onokeraye in their effort to resolve the UPU crisis.