By Igbotako Nowinta
It was a beehive of activities on Sunday 11th, December 2022, as prominent Urhobo sons and daughters, trooped to Oviri-Ogor town in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, for the grand launching of the first Urhobo Current Affairs book, compiled and authored by Assin Godstime.
The ceremony was chaired by a former Federal Minister of Information & Culture, Okakuro (Prof.) Sam Oyovbaire.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, applauded the author for his enormous contribution to Urhobo history and vowed to network him with the Urhobo Department in the Delta State University, where Oyovbaire is also Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the university.
According to Prof. Oyovbaire: “Assin is a blessing to Urhobo. His contribution to Urhobo History has earned him a name in the league of prominent Urhobo people. Little wonder he was recently honoured by the Urhobo Progressive Union, (UPU).”
Also speaking at the event, the Nigeria Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo- Age, who was ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Otive Igbuzor said:” This vibrant young author is one of the greatest gifts to Urhobo and literary world.”
Others who took turns to speak included: Senator Ighoyota Amori (represented by Dr. Chris Oharisi); HRM Onajite Igere I, Ovie of Ogor Kingdom; HRM Akpomeyoma Majoroh Ojeta II, Ovie of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom; HRM Oba (Barrister) Rufus Olarenwaju Ajayi Ogidi Olu Arilewola ll, Oba of Gbomina Ekiti Tapa kingdom, amongst others.
The Chief Launcher of the epic ceremony was the Delta State Executive Director, Board of Internal Revenue, Hon Kelly Oghenekevwe, while the following personalities were in attendance: Olorogun Solomon Chapel of Agbon Kingdom; Olorogun Francis Arhiyor (State Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers), Olorogun Otoroba; Mrs Alice Jegede; and friends and family members.
HRM (Oba) Barrister Rufus Olarenwaju Ajayi Ogidi Olu Arilewola ll, Oba of Gbomina Ekiti Tapa kingdom, who specifically came from far Ekiti State, to honour Assin Godstime’s book launch, has scheduled December 28th 2022,for his chieftaincy title in Ekiti State.
