Boston, Massachusetts – By Alltimepost.com.
Edo National Association Worldwide president, Mr. Franklin Omoruna has urged Edo people all over the word to imbibe the spirit of unity and patriotism for the common good of the state.
Patriotism and unity, according to him have remained the driving force of meaningful achievement as evidenced by the great achievements of those “who came before us,” borrowing the words of Dr. Martin Luther King: “we must work together as brothers or get lost as fools.”
“The unity of Edo people in the Diaspora cannot be separated from the overall unity and development of our homeland,” he emphasized.
Omoruna who was speaking recently as chairman at the twentieth anniversary celebration of Idia Ladies club of Boston, Massachusetts reminded the audience of Edo nation’s unique and enviable place in history, adding that “we are a great people imbued with both human and natural resources imperative for the advancement of the state.”
He commended members of the club for their sense of vision, lofty ideals and achievement in the midst of obstacles and difficulties and enjoined other clubs, sons and daughters of Edo state to emulate the good example of the organization named after Queen Idia of Ancient Benin Kingdom which symbolizes strength, courage and unity.
Omoruna touted the achievements of Edo National Association Worldwide since the assumption of the mantle of leadership by his executive, adding that they came in with great vision, dynamism and purpose to positively impact the lives of Edo people and visitors to the state.
He also said that it was the vision of the executive to make ENAW a formidable organization and a force to reckon with in Nigeria.
The ENAW president told the gathering that such vision gave birth to the initiation and implementation of a bi-annual medical mission in Edo state and the launching of an International Amusement park project within the complex of the Benin Heritage Center in the outskirt of Benin City.
The project, when completed, he said would not only depict the rich cultural heritage of Edo Kingdom, but serve as a modern recreational center that would benefit the generality of “our people and visitors,” thereby promoting economic development of the state.
Omoruna thanked members of the Benin Cultural Heritage Center for their magnanimity in giving ENAW a portion of the land donated to them by the Oba of Benin for the project.
He commended the efforts of the organization’s organizing secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Ighile in making it possible and appealed to all Edo indigenes and other people of goodwill to support the projects.
In her welcome address, Idia Ladies’ Club president, Princess (Mrs.) Omosefe Obasohan paid a glowing tribute to the founder of the club, Ms. Patience Iziegbe Abbe for her vision and sense of dynamism in laying a solid foundation that has today made the organization formidable.
According to her, the organization decided to mark its 20th anniversary with the launching of a multicultural youth initiative program and appealed to all people of goodwill to support the project aimed at the development of the youths and community.
“We are dedicated to bringing our youths out in the forefront as children of immigrants who have brought pride and joy to their parents, their government and society at large.”
The main purpose of the initiative, she continued was to involve children in after school program and leisure activities, group outing and many other events dedicated to fostering the spirit of friendship, knowledge and understanding among them.
The program which has been packaged to have notable members of the black community speak to the youth from time to time, she said would feature yearly events of group trips/excursions to various places of leaning and leisure.
In her speech, the founder of the organization and current president of Benin Club of Massachusetts, Patience Iziegbe Abbe reflected on her inspiration that gave birth to the club in 1994.
At the back of her vision, she said was the need which bore the following components, namely: to associate with other people of like minds to foster community development and promote the enviable Edo cultural heritage; to explore all avenues to help the development of basic social and economic needs of Edo women in the community; to promote economic wellbeing and enhance unity among members.
As part of her evidence of the tremendous success of the organization’s mission, Abbe proudly showcased some of her club’s landmark contributions to community development since inception to include: the refurbishing of the maternity ward of specialist hospital in Benin City, Edo State, with the supply of birthing beds, baby cribs, new mattresses, suction machines, oxygen tanks, night stand, beddings, window curtains and the installation of a bore-hole to provide uninterrupted drinkable water supply to the facility.
Highlight of the occasion was a presentation of an award of excellence in leadership to Idia Ladies Club founder, Patience Iziegbe Abbe by the organization’s president, princess Obasohan.
The occasion was attended by dignitaries from various works of life, including the chairman, the Council of President, Edo National Association Worldwide, Inc., Barrister Dickson Iyawe; the president of Edo United for Homeland Empowerment and human rights activist, Mr. Frank Ekhator and a member of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, Alhaji Mohammed Ighile who flew in from Nigeria to attend the event, and the vice president of Benin Club of Massachusetts, Mrs. Yvonne Omoruyi-Ukhuedoba.
Others were businessmen and women, including: the president of Boje Group of Companies, Inc., Prince Ayo Oluboj; the president, S &T Associates, Inc., Mr. Skelly Enabulele; the president, Osas Services, Inc., Mr. Osaze Owens; the president, Beyond Healthcare, LLC., Mrs. Naomi Osagiede; the president, Dependable Healthcare Services, Inc., Mrs. Dala Girolamo; Retired Major Leonard Ativie, president Ideal Healthcare, Inc.; Law partner of the Law offices of Nzepuome and Egbe, Attorney Sunday Egbe; the vice president, Franklin International Beauty Supply, Inc., Mrs. Bridget Ekhator and a host of others.
