The Urhobo Studies Association (USA) is marking 20 years of promoting and protecting the Urhobo language and culture. The group was founded in 2005 at Delta State University, Abraka, after UNESCO raised an alarm that many languages, including Urhobo, might go into extinction.
One of the association’s first significant achievements was creating a standard way of writing the Urhobo language, which made teaching and learning easier. Since then, USA has produced school textbooks, trained teachers, and started its academic journal called Aridon. It also began the Urhobo Language Competitions in 2012 and again in 2024 to encourage young people to learn the language.
Despite ongoing challenges, including inadequate government support and a shortage of teachers, the association continues to make significant progress with the support of scholars, politicians, traditional rulers, diaspora groups, and philanthropists.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, USA is holding an international conference at Delta State University, Abraka, from September 1 to 3, 2025. The theme of the anniversary is “Two Decades of Advancing Urhobo Studies,” and the event will focus on past achievements and plans of the association
