By Ambrose Ologide.
HRM Dr Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso JP OON Abe 1 the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom has appreciated Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for approving the teaching of Uvwie dialect of Urhobo language in Uvwie Local Government Area.
This was contained in his key note address during the 17th Uvwie cultural day celebrated at Urhobo College Playground Effurun on Thursday 26th December, 2024 .
The traditional ruler also appreciated all those who supported the venture financially and morally .
While reflecting on the theme of the event, : ‘ Sustaining Uvwie Cultural Heritage And Values’, the Uvwie monarch, stated among other things that ” The biggest challenges of Uvwie people in sustaining our cultural heritage and values are urbanization, and neglect/ decay due to lack of interest.”
The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom therefore called on all Uvwie sons and daughters to embrace the rich Uvwie culture and values.
The President General of Uvwie General Improvement Union ( UGIU) Chief Abovi Hope Erute had in his welcome address, appreciated and commended the traditional ruler for his efforts in sustaining and advancing the rich culture and values of Uvwie people.
Erute had also suggested ways of sustaining the culture and values of Uvwie people as he suggested that ” We must recognize the importance of our cultural heritage as it brands us as Uvwie people, we must take deliberate steps to transmit our cultural values through education, cultural events and economic programs, we must support our musicians , cultural groups, artists and singers, we must be mindful of the insidious influence of external influence, while in given that culture is dynamic, we must not compromise our core values, finally, we must endeavor to document our history and tradition, we should encourage the documentation of our past as this is a useful method of keeping the past alive ”
The Chairman of the annual event, Mr Hope Oborevwori, a biological brother Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori in his brief address stated among other things that” The Uvwie hospitality is legendary and we recognize the contributions of non indigenes to enhancing the development of the kingdom. Hopefully their stay will continue to enrich our culture ”
On his part, the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council Chief Hon Anthony Ofoni in his address stated among other things Uvwie people are gifted with great strength and intelligence.
