NINTH 2014 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND
GENERAL MEETINGS
FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
Urhobo Historical Society's
Ninth Annual Conference
& General Meetings
November 13 - 16, 2014
~ ~ ~ ~
UHS General Meeting: Ishaka Hotel, Refinery
Road, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria, Thursday, November 13,
2014, 2:00 p.m
General Meeting of Board of Trustees of
Urhobo Historical Society Endowment Fund:
UHS Headquarters, 3 Ekeh Street, (Opposite
Catholic Church), Okpara Inland,
Ethiope East LGA, Delta State
Friday, November 14, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
UHS 2014 Annual Conference: Petroleum Training Institute,
Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria,
Saturday, November 15, 2014
UHS Thanksgiving Ceremonies in Olomu
Communities,
Sunday,
November 16, 2014
~ ~ ~ ~
The Editorial & Management Committee of Urhobo Historical Society cordially
invites all Urhobo sons and daughters, as well as friends,
scholars, and students of Urhobo history and culture, to
participate in our Ninth Annual Conference and Annual General
Meetings, which will be held on November 13 - 16, 2014.
Venues:
Ishaka Hotel, Refinery Road,
Effurun, Delta State, Thursday, November 13, 2014, starting
at 2:00 p.m
UHS
Headquarters, 3 Ekeh Street, (Opposite
Catholic Church), Okpara Inland, Ethiope East LGA, Delta
State, Friday, November 14, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Conference Hall, Petroleum
Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State, Saturday, November
15, 2014, starting at 9:00 a.m.
Olomu Communities (Visits to Ovwor, Agbon, Okpȩ & Ogoni
and Ecumenical Thanksgiving Mass at Okpare), starting at
9:00 a.m.
About Urhobo Historical Society & Its Conferences
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 Urhobo Historical Society, also highlights
issues of oil pollution and environmental degradation in
Nigeria's Niger Delta. Besides its defence of Urhobo interests
in general, Urhobo Historical Society has provided a valuable
documentation of Urhobo history and culture hitherto unknown
in cyberspace. Our main web site waado.org has emerged as an important reference point
for Urhobo history and culture. Our publication of British
"Treaties of Protection" in the Western Niger Delta in the
1880s and 1890s has compelled an opportunity for
a fresh re-examination of the history of Warri City and of the
Western Niger Delta. Through its web sites, Urhobo Historical
Society has also become a strong voice in defence of Niger
Delta interests.
Urhobo
Historical Society also propagates its mission of "Serving
Urhobo History and Culture" through its Annual Conferences.
The first two Annual Conferences of the Society were held in
North America. We held our First Annual Conference and
Meeting in Niagara Falls,
Ontario, Canada, on November 3-5, 2000 . Senator David
O. Dafinone was the Keynote
Speaker. Our Second Annual Conference
and Meeting took place in Persipanny,
New Jersey, USA, on November 2-4, 2001. Its
scope was limited as a result of the disruptions in
international travel, after the attack in New York on
September 11, 2001, which prevented Nigerian participants from
travelling to North America.
Our Third
Annual Conference was held in London on November 1-3, 2002.
Chief D. A. Obiomah was our Special Guest of Honour
in the Third Annual Conference and Meeting; Professor David
Okpako gave its keynote
address; and Olorogun Felix Ibru, first
civilian Governor of Delta State, presided over the opening
ceremonies. Our Fourth Annual Conference was also
held in London, October 31 - November 2, 2003. Deacon Gamaliel
Onosode and Governor James Ibori were the Conference's Special
Guests of Honour; Olorogun Moses Taiga, represented by Chief
Godwin Ogbetuo, was the scheduled Chair of the Opening
Ceremony; and the Very Reverend Prof. Samuel Erivwo delivered
the Fourth Annual Conference's keynote address.
Our Fifth Annual
Conference was held at Petroleum Training Institute,
Effurun, Ibru Centre, Agbarha-Otor, and Niger Delta Cultural
Centre, Agbarha-Otor. It was the first convention of Urhobo
Historical Society held in Urhoboland. Attendance was
international, with Urhobos in North America and Europe
registering a strong presence. It was coordinated by a
formidable team of Urhobo leaders, led by Chief Johnson
Ukueku, Dr. T. E A. Salubi, and Chief Johnson Barovbe. The
Opening Ceremonies were presided over by General D. E. Obada
(rtd), representing Justice V. E. Ovie-Whiskey (rtd). Senator
David Dafinone was recognized as Chief Patron. Olorogun Moses
Taiga was the Conference's Special Guest of Honour. A book, Warri City
& British Colonial Rule in Western Niger Delta, edited by Peter Ekeh and published by
Urhobo Historical Society, was launched. Chief E. K. Clark
served as Chairman of the launching ceremony, Professor F. M.
A. Ukoli reviewed the book, and Olorogun Moses Taiga was the
its Chief Launcher. A second book, Where Gods
and Mortals Meet: Continuity & Renewal in Urhobo Art, edited by
Perkins Foss, was also launched. Chief Johnson Ukueku presided at this
ceremony, and Mr. Goodie Ibru, represented by Samson
Okuesa, served as the Chief Launcher. A central event of each
of the Society's Annual Conferences is the keynote address.
Professor Omafume Onoge delivered the Fifth Annual
Conference's keynote address. This conference added a new
theme to the Society's conventions: an Ecumenical Thanksgiving
Service. It was held at the Ibru Centre, Agbarha-Otor, and was
presided over by Monseigneur Anthony Erhueh of the Catholic
Cathedral, Warri City, and the Very Reverend Professor Samuel
Erivwo of the Anglican (Communion) Cathedral, Warri City, with
a large attendance.
The Sixth Annual Conference of Urhobo
Historical Society was an expansive undertaking. Presided by
retired Justice Akpiroro, its opening ceremony featured an
Isoko delegation whose leader, Chief James Otobo, addressed
the gathering on difficulties in Urhobo-Isoko relations.
Professor Obaro Ikime gave the conference's keynote address on
Isoko-Urhobo
relations. A twelve-month calendar
featuring Urhobo cultural themes and episodes from past UHS
conferences was launched, with Simeon Ohwofa as its chief
launcher. Also launched was a second book from UHS, Studies in
Urhobo Culture. It was reviewed by Dr. Hope
Eghagha of the University of Lagos. Olorogun Oskar Ibru served
as its chief launcher. On Sunday, November 6, 2005,
following a moving open-air Ecumenical Church Service at
Sapele Athletic Club, there was a memorable Women's Forum that
featured traditional Urhobo brides. Olorogun Moses Taiga was
recognized as the Conference's Chief Patron.
The
Society's Seventh Annual Conference
was
especially productive. The Opening Ceremony was presided over
by Chief Johnson Ukueku. The presence of His Majesty Orhueh I
Orodje of added an exceptional royal colour which had
been absent from our previous Conferences. UHS launched its
third major book: History of
the Urhobo People of Niger Delta at a packed gathering. Two
leading experts on the geography and agriculture of
Urhoboland, Professor Albert Aweto and Professor Malachy
Akoroda, both of the University of Ibadan, delivered two
lectures on the rainforests of Urhoboland and on cassava
farming in the region of Urhoboland. At the Thanksgiving
Session on Sunday, November 5, 2006, an Ecumenical Service was
conducted by Rev. Fr. Jude Obiunu at Agbarho.
The Eight Conference of the Society, held on November 26-29, 2009, had its own distinctions. First, it featured the publication of a major book by Urhobo Historical Society, namely, T.E.A. Salubi: Witness to British Colonial Rule in Urhoboland and Nigeria, edited by Peter P. Ekeh. Second, an important lecture on "Fish and Fisheries of Urhoboland: An Investment Option" was given by Solomon Ovie, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Water & Fisheries Research, NIFFER, New Bussa, Nigeria. Third, a penetrating symposium on �Scope of the Personal Security Crisis in Urhoboland� was chaired by Dr. Peter Obakponovwe, with participation from several �presidents-General� of Urhobo communities, including prominently Chief Tuesday Onoge of Uvwie. Fourth, the Thanksgiving ceremonies at Ovu on November 29, 2009, were splendid. (See �A Photo Gallery of 8th UHS Annual Conference.�) The President-General of Urhobo Progress Union, Olorogun Felix Ibru, led a large entourage of the UPU chieftains who honoured three past Presidents-General of the Union: Chief Omohwovo Okoro, Chief John Okpodu, and Chief T. E. A. Salubi by laying wreaths on their graves. In addition, the UPU also recognized the memories of the wives of two past Presidents-General who hailed from Ovu: Mrs. Mary Mowoe and Mrs. Okumagba. Sixth, several UHS awards were given at Ovu to individuals for important services to Urhobo causes. Two of these were awarded to two distinguished Urhobo chieftains in their 90�s. Chief L. U. Ighomrore of Uvwie negotiated the grant of land to Urhobo College and also served as the Bursar of Urhobo College. Chief Gordon Mukoro of Ujevwe was a long-term under-secretary of UPU under the Presidency of Chief T. E. A. Salubi.
Book Fair
UHS displays its book
publications at its Conferences. This year we will feature our
latest book publication: Olomu and Development of
Urhoboland and Western Niger Delta. Ancient and Modern
Versions,
edited by Peter Ekeh, Onoawarie Edevbie, and Peter Ishaka.
In
addition, copies of the following previous UHS book
publications may be available for purchase:
(a) Warri City &
British Colonial Rule in Western Niger Delta, edited by Peter Ekeh
(b) Studies in
Urhobo Culture, edited by Peter
Ekeh
(c) History of the
Urhobo People of Niger Delta, edited by Peter
Ekeh
(d) T. E. A.
Salubi: Witness to British Colonial Rule in Urhoboland
& Nigeria, edited Peter Ekeh
We strongly urge publishers and sellers of any types of books
on Urhobo history and culture to participate in a book fair at
the venues of the Conference. Space will be made available at
all three designated venues of the Conference for the display
and sale of any type of publication on Urhobo, including those
on Urhobo's twenty-two cultural units. We would like to
publish information on participants and their book products in
the Web sites of Urhobo Historical Society. We recommend that
participants should provide such information in electronic
formats (e.g., computer disks) to UHS Secretary, Mr. Andrew
Edevbie, at the venues of the Conference.
Call for Papers
Our
conferences emphasize academic content of relevance to Urhobo
affairs. The concerns of the Conference will be transacted in
(a) round table panels featuring special topics; (b) academic
sessions; and (c) Annual General Meeting for members of Urhobo
Historical Society. We welcome papers on all aspects of Urhobo
history and culture. Please contact the Conference Chair, Dr.
Isaac James Mowoe, at biss.1@hotmail.com with your
thoughts and suggestions for a conference paper. Also copy all
correspondence on the Conference to UHS Secretary, Mr. Andrew
Edevbie, at kevtrics@juno.com.
* * *
AGENDA
Conference Theme: Bringing UHS Back to
Urhoboland
THURSDAY, November 13, 2014
Venue: Ishaka Hotel Refinery Road,
Effurun, Nigeria
|
2:00 p.m. -- 4:00 p.m. |
Annual General Meeting |
|
|
Information
on UHS�s new Headquarters at Okpara Inland will be
provided. In addition, the concept of Urhobo
Historical Society Endowment Fund will be discussed. |
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14,
2014
Venue: UHS Headquarters, Okpara
Inland, Ethiope East LGA
|
11:00 a.m. � 4:00 p.m. |
Meeting of Board of
Trustees of Urhobo Historical Society Endowment
Fund |
|
|
Only
Members of the Board of Trustees may attend. |
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2014
Venue: Conference Center, Petroleum Training
Institute, Effurun, Delta State
|
09:00 --10: 30 a.m. |
A Symposium: The Spirit of Community Service
and Development of Urhoboland |
|
|
Participants
to be announced. |
|
10:30 --11:45 a.m. |
A Symposium: Challenges of Personal
Insecurities in Urhoboland. What Are The
Solutions? |
|
|
Participants
to be announced. |
|
12:00 noon -- 1:50 p.m. |
Opening Ceremonies: Chairman�s Opening
Address; Welcome Address by
UHS President; Welcome Address by
Chairman-Board of Trustees of UHS Endowment Fund; |
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|
Chairman
and other Presiding Officers to be Announced. |
|
02:00 -- 03:45 p.m. |
Launching of Urhobo
Historical Society Endowment Fund |
|
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Chairman, Chief Launcher &
Other Officers to be announced later. |
|
04:00 -- 05:30 p.m. |
Luncheon Lecture: �Impact of Climate
Change on Urhoboland & Western Niger Delta.� |
|
|
Lecturer to be named later. |
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014
Venue: Olomu Towns (Ovwor, Agbon,
Okpȩ, Ogoni, & Okpare)
|
09:00 --11: 00 a.m. |
Remembering Ovedje Osadjere &
Laying Wreaths at the Graves of Olomu�s Ihworode |
|
|
Visits to Ovwor, Agbon. Okpȩ &
Ogoni |
|
11:30 a.m. � 12:00
noon |
Procession from Ohworode�s Palace at
Ogoni to Venue of Thanksgiving Ceremonies at
Okpare |
|
|
Royal Visitors from Urhoboland
& Isoko expected to attend. |
|
12:00 noon -- 01:00 p.m. |
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at
Okpare, Olomu |
|
|
Officiating Priests will be named
in a future announcement. |
|
1:00 -- 2:00 p.m. |
Addresses: Welcome Address by
Olomu Spokesman; Responses by
Representatives of Visiting Delegations |
|
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Speakers will be listed later. |
|
|
|
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2:00 -- 3:00 p.m. |
Urhobo & UHS
Service Awards: Conferment of David Dafinone & Michael
Ibru Business and Professional Award; UHS Golden Service
Award; UHS Life-Time Service
Award |
|
|
Recipients will be listed in a
later announcement. |
|
|
|
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3:00 -- 4:00 p.m. |
Launching of UHS Book: Olomu
and Development of Urhoboland and Western Niger
Delta. Ancient and Modern Versions. |
|
|
Reviewer of the book and Chief
Launcher to be announced. |
Signed:
|
Isaac James Mowoe, Ph.D., J.D. |
Chief
J. M. Barovbe, JP,
BA (Hons), MBA.
|
|
July 21, 2014 |
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