Nigeria Will Defeat Terrorism – Col. Osifo

Boston – By Alltimepost.com

As Nigeria continues to battle Islamic Boko Haram insurgency, with scores of innocent people being killed, Nigerians home abroad have been assured that the Nation will defeat terrorism.

Deputy Defense Attaché to the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington D.C., United States of America, Col. Julius Ehioze Osifo gave the assurance recently in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Nigerian Diplomat was speaking as a guest at the 14th anniversary celebration of a humanitarian and philanthropic organization, The League of Committed Friends which took place on July 11.

Col. Osifo who spoke on the topic: Supporting Community Development and Innovations delved into Boston’s history, describing the city as a center of great development.

He paid tributes to the patriots who made it possible and all those who made America a great country.

Great examples like that, he said should continue to inspire all Nigerians to contribute to the development of their homeland.

He acknowledged the concern of all Nigerians about security problem and said that the government was doing everything possible to ensure safety and security in the country.

Col. Osifo said terrorism was a global phenomenon and that the nation needed the cooperation all people of goodwill to help overcome the problem. “Nigeria will defeat terrorism,” he assured.

He told Nigerians in the Diaspora not to forget their root, saying: “No matter where we are, no matter our status, we must not lose our sense of identity as Nigerians and we must contribute to the development of our country.”

He thanked the organizers of the event for choosing the topic as the theme of their anniversary, saying that the essence of community development was to make life worth-living for all. The development of any nation, he continued, is the hallmark of good governance.

Earlier in his welcome address, The President of the organization, Mr. Emmanuel Okunmwendia who is the publisher of Alltimepost.com and a human rights/community activist said the purpose of the organization was to engage in social, financial, humanitarian and philanthropic activities.

According to him fourteen years after, the organization has lived up to its core values and beliefs.

“Today, I am proud to say that our organization is strong, despite the challenges we encountered in the course of our journey. We have grown from five members to 14, with a stronger belief that the greatest of all service is that which is rendered to humanity.”

He enumerated the achievements of the organization to include: establishment of an annual scholarship fund to benefit two high school graduates from under-served communities who successfully gained admission into colleges; financial support for community development activities and innovations; an endowment fund to benefit bereaved family members and donation to Edo National Association Worldwide towards a medical mission and Park project.

According to him, the organization has also rendered Financial/moral support to victims of disasters, such as fire, flood, etc., with particular reference to a pathetic case of an elderly Nigerian widow who lost her only home to fire while visiting with her daughter in the U.S.

“It is our goal to continue to partner with various non-profit organizations and government agencies in the United States and Nigeria, with a view to promoting community development and innovations.”

Part of the organization’s five years goal, he continued is to donate hospital equipment and medicines to a healthcare center in Nigeria, establish a thrift shop and invest in commercial real estate and support organizations that provide shelter to the homeless.

Mr. Okunmwendia appealed for moral, material and financial support in pursuance of these goals.

The occasion was marked by presentation of scholarship awards to two high schools graduates who gained admissions into colleges.

Also, community development service awards were presented to deserving members of the public who have distinguished themselves in supporting community development and innovations.

Recipients of the scholarship awards were Ashlee Fiore and Daniel Ssozi, both 2015 graduates of Lynn Classical High School in Lynn Massachusetts. The scholarship amount is $500.00 each.

Among recipients of community development award were, Mrs. Dala Girolamo, President Dependable Healthcare Services Incorporated; Mr. Ewaen and Mrs. Naomi Osagiede, owners of Beyond Healthcare services, LLC; Prince Ayo Oluboje, President Boje Group of Companies and community activist, Barrister Dickson Iyawe.

The two other community awards went to the Executive Director, Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Lynn, Mr. James Cowdell and Mrs. Omo Idusuyi, Executive Director, Nigerian International Humanitarian Foundation of New England.

The duo were unavoidably absent at the occasion to receive their awards.

Scholarship recipient, Daniel Ssozi, on behalf of his colleague thanked the organization for the gesture, saying that although money was hard to get, the organization was able to commit such fund to supporting their academic pursuits.

In her community development award acceptance speech, Mrs. Dala Girolamo thanked the organization for deeming it fit to give her an award and pledged that she would continue in her community development efforts.

She paid tribute to her parents to whom she attributed her success and her husband for his support over the years.

Soaked in emotions, Mrs. Girolamo brought the audience to a standstill when she humbly asked that her father who came with her mom, Deaconess A.A. Osemwengie all the way from Nigeria to attend the event be allowed to receive the award on her behalf.

An elated dad, Barrister F.I. Osemwengie expressed delight at the award and lauded the organization for recognizing excellence. He said he felt honored to be part of the historic, memorable and lifetime event.

He praised the organization for blazing the trail in organizing such an event and urged them to continue in their humanitarian and philanthropic gestures.

Also in his acceptance speech, Barrister Iyawe thanked the organization for recognizing his community work. He dedicated the award to his family, whom he said had to suffer his absence from home while he was out there helping in the community.

Also speaking, Boston-based businessman, Certified Public Accountant and President of Osas Services, Inc., Dr. Osaze Owens described the event as one that was worthy of emulation, calling on the community to support the organization in its humanitarian and philanthropic activities.

According to him, the organization epitomizes community development, describing it as “The League of the world”

Religious Minister, founder of Fire of Life Ministries and President of Beyond Healthcare Services, LLC. Apostle (Mrs.) Naomi Osagiede commended the organization for its meaningful community development goals and urged them to remain consistent in the implementation of their humanitarian and philanthropic programs.

The occasion was chaired by businessman, Certified Public Accountant and President of S&T Associates, Mr. Skelly Enabulele in company of his wife, Princess (Mrs.) Judith Enabulele.

The event was attended by dignitaries from various works of life, including retired Major Leonard Ativie, President, Ideal Healthcare Services, Inc.; Prince Davies Aiwerioghene, President Phaesphoria African Development Company, Inc. Dr. Osilama Osime, President, Best Healthcare Services, Inc.

The Lady Chairperson of the occasion and founder, Born Again International Ministries Pastor Bridget Aikhionbare was unavoidably absent, but was represented by senior member of the church and community activist, Mrs. Kate Igiede.

Others included, Egr. Oduwa Osagiede, Frances Igiebor, President Frances Healthcare Services, Inc.; Mr. James Asemota, President, Centro Liquor, Inc. and Mrs. Bridget Ekhator, Vice President, Franklin International Beauty Store; Dr. Osaze Uwoghiren; community activist, Mr. Eric Idahor; Mr. Godwin Omorotionmwan, former Principal of Edo College, Benin City and Mr. Tony Omoruyi, former president, Benin Club OF Massachusetts.

Several organizations were represented at the occasion by their presidents. They included Ms. Pat Abbe, president, Benin Club of Massachusetts; Mr. Frank Ekhator, president, Edo United For Homeland Empowerment; Mr. Charles Idemudia, president G-12 of Boston; Princess Obasohan, president, Idia Ladies Club of Boston and Mrs. Adesuwa Otote, president, The Divine Women’s Club.

Esan Association of New England, Elite Club of Massachusetts, Idia College Old Girls Association and The Dynamic Club of Toronto, Canada were represented by Dr. Osilama Osime, Mrs. Bernie Ogbevoen, Mrs. Isuan Owens and Mr. Greg Eguavoen, respectively.

Budding artist, Young Nehizena Edo sang the national anthem to declare the event open.