In less than 30 days, Urhobo around the world will gather in Detroit for the first annual North America convention of the 21st century.

The Board of Trustees (BOT) and Executive Council (EC) of Urhobo Progress Union, North America (UPUNA) cordially invite all Urhobo, friends and well-wishers to join us in the celebration of Urhobo culture during the United States Labor Day weekend, from August 31 to September 3, 2001.

The National Convention Planning Committee (NCPL) and host chapter, Urhobo Association of Michigan (UAM), have concluded plans aimed at easing accommodation and travel needs of delegates.

ACCOMMODATION AND VENUE: Southfield Hilton Inn, MI. Call 1-800-HILTONS or 1-800-774-1500 and request the UPUNA discount rate of $75 per room, King or Double. Make your reservation NO LATER than August 10, 2001 to receive the discount rate.

In addition, many members of UAM have volunteered to host delegates, especially families, that would  prefer a home to a hotel environment as long as such people are prepared to share their homes in the spirit of Urhobo hospitality.

TRAVEL: UAM has offered to transport delegates from and to either airports (Detroit Metro or City) on Friday, August 31 (arrival date) and on Monday September 3 (departure date).

Should you wish to utilize both or either offer, please, call any of the following numbers 248-968-0779, 248-352-2690, 248-350-2018 NO LATER THAN AUGUST 20, 2001.

However, should you decided to use a rental vehicle, directions from the airport to the Southfield Hilton are as follow:

FROM DETROIT METRO AIRPORT: Take I-94 West (toward Chicago). 2 to 3 miles from the airport, Exit unto I-275 North (toward Flint). 20 t0 25 miles down I-275, Exit to I-696 East (toward Port Huron). Watch for Southfield Exits. Exit I-696 toward the Lodge Freeway (M-10) and Telegraph Road (M-24). Exit Telegraph Road South. Take first street on the Right (Swanson). Take Swanson to Franklin.  Make a Right on Franklin to American Drive. Make a Left on American Drive. Hotel is at 26000 American Drive.

FROM DETROIT CITY AIRPORT: Take I-94 West. Exit at M-39 North (Southfield Freeway). Exit North Lodge Freeway (M-10). BE SURE TO FOLLOW NORTHWESTERN HIGHWAY LANE. Turn Left on Beck Road. Turn Left on Franklin to American Drive.

Issued by:

The Directorate of Publicity
Urhobo Progress Union, North America
P. O. Box 431663
Pontiac, MI 48343, USA
Phone: 248-332-4184; Fax: 248-332-3329; E-mail: okugbe@aol.com.