In a joint show of commitment to the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages, FOOSTODEY and the You Matter Charity Foundation have donated ₦1 million to support the upcoming Urhobo Studies Conference and Pre-Conference Workshop for Urhobo Language Teachers.
The announcement was made by the International Coordinator of FOOSTODEY and Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, in collaboration with the First Lady of Delta State, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, founder of the You Matter Charity Foundation.
According to Izeze, the gesture reflects both organisations’ shared dedication to safeguarding the Urhobo language, culture, and heritage for future generations.
The donation will go to the Urhobo Studies Association (USA), Department of Languages and Linguistics, Delta State University, Abraka, which is hosting the twin events from September 1–3, 2025.
In a letter signed by its Chair, Prof. Rose Aziza, Vice Chairman, Prof. Sunny Awhefeada, and Local Organising Committee Chair, Dr. Mrs. Eseoghene Aleh, the Association commended the support, noting it will boost preparations for the conference and the one-day workshop for Urhobo language teachers in primary and secondary schools.
Established two decades ago, the Urhobo Studies Association has been instrumental in revitalising Urhobo scholarship, producing a standard Urhobo language curriculum, organising teacher-training workshops, and publishing “Aridon: The International Journal of Urhobo Studies”.
This year’s conference aims to convene scholars, researchers, educators, and cultural stakeholders to deepen academic and practical engagement with Urhobo studies while enhancing the capacity of teachers entrusted with passing on the language to younger generations.