Urhobo People

Urhobo Association of Georgia

Urhobo People

Urhobo is a major Nigerian ethnic nationality in tropical Niger Delta.The Urhobo people are located in the present Delta State of Nigeria.

They occupy the southern portion of the Benin lowland and the floodplains and swamps of the petroleum-rich Niger delta. With a population of some two million people, the Urhobo people are the 5th largest ethnic group in Nigeria and constitute the largest single ethnic group in Delta State. The population density in Urhoboland is about 660 persons per square kilometer.

The Urhobo nation is made up of twenty sub-groups. The Urhobos are noted for having their own unique style of speaking Nigerian Pidgin English. Since their language is very demonstrative that translates into their style of speaking English and Pidgin English. As a result of their unique language style, their names are also unique.

For traditional Urhobo, community is much more than simply a social grouping of people bound together by reasons of natural origin and/or deep common interests and values. It is both a society as well as a unity of the visible and invisible worlds; the world of the physically living on the one hand, and the world of the ancestors, divinities and souls of children yet to be born to individual kin-groups. In a wider sense, Urhobo traditional community comprehends the totality of the world of its experience including the physical environment, as well as all spirit beings acknowledged by a given group.

For a more detailed review of Urhobo history and culture please click here

Urhobo Names and meanings:

Every Urhobo name given to a child has a meaning attached to it. The Urhobo believe that a child lives up to the likeness or meaning of the name that she or he bears. Urhobo parents are therefore very careful of the names that they give to their children.

For the most part, grandparents or close older relatives have the privilege of giving names to new-borns. Parents are not permitted by Urhobo cultural practices to count their children. The number of fingers often represents a count of one's children. Urhobo names have deep meanings. Names are not mere labels, as they are in some other societies. Many Urhobo names invoke SPIRITUAL or religious significance. Sometimes we give names to connote a CHALLENGE to self or others. Urhobo people thrive best when challenged.

Do you know the meaning of your name, visit Urhobo Names and Their Meanings or download the PDF document here

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UAG News

a) Feb. 13, 2012 - Next General Meeting of Urhobo Association of Georgia . See schedule>>.

UAG Mission

UAG’s mission is to serve our local community as well as our country Nigeria through empowerment, cultural enrichment and education of women, youth and children, thereby fostering togetherness and excellence in our collective pursuits.