In a historic moment for the Urhobo Nation, the Urhobo Foundation successfully convened a Global Webinar on Thursday, May 1st, 2025, under the theme “Advancing Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Urhoboland: Strategies for 2030 and Beyond.” The highly anticipated event, which began at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom, brought together hundreds of distinguished Urhobo professionals, policymakers, traditional leaders, youth representatives, diaspora stakeholders, and development experts from around the world.
Organised as part of the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to catalyse strategic planning and development in Urhobo land, the webinar marked the official activation phase of the Urhobo Nation 25-Year Development Master Plan (2025–2050)—a comprehensive and people-focused blueprint for industrialization, inclusion, and prosperity.
Key Highlights and Resolutions:
1. Establishment of the PSD Platform:
The Foundation announced the creation of a Partners for Sustainable Development (PSD) platform, envisioned as the central hub for coordinating multi-sector implementation of the 25-Year Master Plan.
2. Formation of Technical Working Groups (TWGs):
Sector-specific TWGs will be inaugurated across 14 strategic areas to formulate detailed action plans, KPIs, and resource strategies.
3. Urhobo Development Fund:
A clarion call was made to all Urhobo sons and daughters globally to contribute towards a dedicated fund that will drive catalytic investments in infrastructure, human capital, and local enterprise.
4. Infrastructure Revitalization Push:
Strong emphasis was placed on engaging with federal authorities and legislators to:
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Reactivate the Delta Steel Company, Aladja
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Revive the Sapele Port for improved logistics
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Extend the Osubi Airport runway and transform it into a world-class aerotropolis, complete with export terminals, conference facilities, a 5-star hotel, and cultural tourism infrastructure such as a Film Village and Golf Course.
5. Cultural Revitalization:
The Foundation will facilitate the establishment of an Urhobo Language and Cultural Academy, with deliberate campaigns to integrate Urhobo language into educational curricula at all levels.
6. Diaspora-Homeland Youth Network:
A new initiative will connect global Urhobo youths with local communities for mentorship, skills transfer, and collaborative enterprise.
7. Entrepreneurship and SME Financing:
Plans are underway for strategic partnerships with institutions like the Bank of Industry (BOI) to create funding pipelines and project-specific investment instruments for SMEs in Urhoboland.
8. Local Economic Development (LED):
The plan includes launching cottage industries across villages to boost agro-processing, artisanal production, and rural employment.
9. Blended Finance Strategy:
An innovative financing model combining donor grants, federal support, and private capital will be pursued to fund large-scale interventions.
10. Youth and Social Engagement:
Town hall meetings and structured engagements with Urhobo youth will address moral decline, unemployment, and civic disengagement.
11. Policy Advocacy Unit:
A lobbying team will be constituted to engage with federal ministries, donor agencies, and multilaterals for policy and funding alignment.
12. Monitoring and Evaluation Framework:
A strong M&E system will be developed to track results, document success stories, and promote transparency.
13. Digital Communication and Coordination:
Web-based platforms and volunteer tools will be launched to support real-time coordination across all pillars of the Master Plan.
14. Progress Webinars:
Quarterly webinars will be held for stakeholders to review progress reports, share updates, and recalibrate strategies.
15. Institutional Archiving and Knowledge Sharing:
The Foundation pledged to document the entire process—both the 25-Year Master Plan and webinar proceedings—for global dissemination and legacy preservation.
Immediate Action Plan:
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May 2025: Setup of WhatsApp coordination group and distribution of attendee list.
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June 2025: Activation of PSD Platform and formation of TWGs.
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Q4 2025: First progress report webinar with stakeholder updates.
A Turning Point for Urhobo
As a publisher and attendee, Standard News witnessed a renewed spirit of unity, vision, and accountability. The conversations reflected a deep resolve to shift from rhetoric to action, from isolated efforts to collaborative impact.
The Urhobo Foundation, by galvanizing this broad spectrum of actors, has taken a decisive step toward shaping a future where the Urhobo Nation thrives economically, culturally, and socially.
We commend the leadership of the Foundation and urge all Urhobo citizens—at home and abroad—to engage actively with the process and own this transformative journey.
