WARRI — The Urhobo Historical Society (UHS) will this Friday, October 29, 2004 begin its 5th Annual Conference with the launching of a book entitled: “Warri City and British Colonial Rule in Western Niger Delta.” The launching will take place at the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State by noon.
Edited by Prof. Peter Ekeh, the book will be reviewed by Prof. F.M.A. Ukoji, while Chief E.K. Clark will chair the event.
In a release by the editorial and management committee of the society, the book launch is part of activities lined up to mark the 5th Annual Conference of the society, which ends on Sunday, October 31, 2004 with an ecumenical Thanksgiving Church Service at Agbarha-Otor by 9.00am. The open-air church service will be co-celebrated by Monsignor Anthony O. Erhueh of the Catholic Diocese of Warri and the Very Rev. Samuel Erivwo, Provost of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Warri.
Governor James Onanefe Ibori of Delta State is expected to be the guest of honour, while Olorogun Moses Taiga will be the Chief launcher, assisted by Chief J.O. Edewor, The Oloku of Eku as Co-launcher.
Established in August 1999, Urhobo Historical Society provides a forum for the publication of works in Urhobo history and culture. URHOBO WAADO, web site of the society also highlights issues of pollution and environmental degradation in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
The First two Annual Conferences of the society were held in North America; the third in London in 2002 and the fourth also in London in 2003.
The 5th conference will be the first convention of the society that would be held in Urhoboland.
“Attendance will continue to be international, with strong teams of participants expected to travel from the United States and United Kingdom. We expect full attendance from the Urhobo homeland, in addition to substantial participation by the Urhobo in Diaspora”, the statement said.
The key note address of this year’s conference will be delivered by Prof. Omafume Onoge of the University of Jos. He will speak on: “Urhobo Youth and the Urhobo Future”, with Olorogun Moses Taiga presiding.
The opening ceremony of the conference at Effurun will be chaired by Justice V.E. Ovie-Whiskey (Rtd.) and will be addressed by Governor James Ibori and UHS Chairman, Prof. Peter Ekeh. Chief David Dafinone will be Chief patron.
The Conference closing ceremonies on October 31 at Agbarha-Otor will be chaired by Maj. Gen.David Ejoor (Rtd.).
