The Urhobo Progress Union [UPU] and Isoko Development Union [IDU], both umbrella bodies for the twin tribes of Urhobo and Isoko speaking people in Delta State respectively, have pledged their support for the oncoming Urhobo/Isoko Cultural and Comedy All Stars Show.
At a separate meeting with the leadership of the UPU at the country home of its President General, Chief Joe Omene at Mosogar in Ethiope West Local Council, and the President General of IDU Gen. Paul Ofuoma Omu [rtd] at Igbide in the heart of Isokoland in Isoko South Local Government Areas respectively, pledged their maximum support for the initiative.
Chief Joe Omene promised to grace the occasion, while also calling on all Urhobos sons and daughters to see the event as theirs.
In same vein, the IDU under the leadership of Gen. Omu [rtd] also pledged its support and promised to mobilize all Isokos to be part of the event.
The UPU and IDU praised the initiator of the event, Lucky Onoriode George for the vision and noted that programs like this will only bring together the twin tribes, it will also give the young ones role models to look up to.
On their parts too, the spokesmen of UPU, Chief Mike Okenini and Mr. Daniel Odhomo of IDU, assured Onoriode George, that the two bodies are ready to work in any capacity the organizers would assign to them for a successful event.
The event tagged Urhobo/Isoko Comedy All Stars show is a forum for unifying the people of the region, according to ace comedian and co-organizer, Atunyota Akporobomerere (Ali Baba).
The show billed for October 25 will feature comedy icons Ali Baba, Gordons, I-Go-Die and Bovi in comedy, Daddy Showkey, Dr. Sid in music and Arts, as well as showcasing the rich culture of the Delta people and celebrating their achievements nationally and internationally.
According to George of African Travel Times, the organizer of the event, the choice of comedy as a handle for the show was based on the fact that the country’s foremost comedians, at this time, are from that axis and are tagged the ‘Golden Generation’ and that should be used to encouraged the teaching of Urhobo/Isoko to the young ones; especially those born to Urhobo/Isoko mothers or fathers.
Jude ‘Away Away’ Onakpoma, followed by Ali Baba, both Urhobos paved the way. Several others have also hit the road and carved niches for themselves – Gordons, I-Go-Die, Onobrakpeya, the Ejiros, the Amatas, Mofe Damijo, Mudi (fashion) and several others in the music industry are all very successful brands from that region.
“If you take a look at the entertainment landscape, you will see that the big names, in fact, the movers and shakers are either Urhobos or Isokos. Is it Ali Baba or Gordons, I-Go-Die or Sammy Okposo? Name them, they are all from that region”, he said.
He stated further that apart from comedy and entertainment in general, their people have also excelled in fashion, noting that through hard-work and diligence, names like Tex Egbedi of Texen, Kesse Jabari and Clement Mudiaga Enajero [Mudi Africa] are now household names nationally and internationally.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate these great achievers and to call on Nigerians to celebrate with us,” he surmised.
The show will also feature cultural displays, oral tradition and music by traditional and contemporary artistes, such as Johnson Adjan [Ogbu ‘ri ne], Okpan Arhibo, Daddy Showkey, Dr. Sid as well as sculpture and paintings from the area.
