United States-based entrepreneur, Engr. Bose Ogbeifun-Oviasu made history on Sunday September 25, 2022, when she took the oath of office as the first female National President of Edo apex organization in the Diaspora, known as Edo National Association World-wide (ENAW).
The very symbolic and monumental ceremony took place at the Council of Presidents’ meeting, climaxing the organization’s three-day annual convention which took place at the Tuscany Suites and Casino Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States of America from September 23rd to 25th.
Engr. Ogbeifun-Oviasu, who is the President of Trust Care Group Homes, Inc., Michigan succeeded Mr. Edison Oyiboke-Osifo who successfully served two terms in office.
Others sworn in as members of the new executive included, Engr. Charles Iguobadia, Vice President; Engr. Charles Oviawe, Chairman of the Council of Presidents (COP); Mrs. Adesuwa Obasohan, Women Leader; Mr. Osaguona Ogbebor, General Secretary; Dr. Osagie Igbinosun, Cultural Director; Dr. Rosemary Obanor, Financial Secretary; Dr. Peter Atakpu, Treasurer and Engr. Usiosefe Aimiuwu, Public Relations Officer.
Mr. and Engr. Bose Oviasu (4th and 5th from left), with family and ENAW members, including Engr. Greg Ogbeifun (6th from left), immediately after the swearing in ceremony.
Engr. Charles Oviawe succeeded Mr. Martins Idemudia who successfully served two terms in office as Chairman, the Council of Presidents.
In her inaugural address at the ENAW’s maiden inaugural ball in the evening of that day, Engr. Ogbeifun-Oviasu reiterated her earlier promise to ensure that the new administration works hard “to unite everyone in one love.”
She assured that diligence, transparency, inclusiveness, true representation, and accountability would be the hallmark of her administration.
The new President said her decisions and actions would be guided by the ENAW Constitution, with inputs from and consultations with the COP and executive members.
“In a few weeks, after consultation with the COP Chairman and executive members, I will be sending for approval my list of constituted committees. These committees are necessary to coordinate the various activities of ENAW and support the programs we plan to execute during our tenure,” Ogbeifun-Oviasu hinted.
She called on all ENAW members for collective support and cooperation to make the noble plans of her administration a success.
“Elections have come and gone. Today marks the beginning of a new era in ENAW, a renewed hope and the beginning of God’s Manifestations on us. We must all bury our hatchets, work together as brothers and sisters of a united family to move ENAW forward,” she said.
She thanked the outgoing COP Chairman, Mr. Martins Idemudia, National President, Mr. Edison Oyiboke-Osifo and members of the executive for their services to ENAW.
“To my husband, I say a very big thank you for your selfless and endless support from the time I told you I was running for the position of ENAW President till the end of the election.
“You stood by me and when the process was becoming overwhelming, you gave me the courage, motivation and hope to continue to the finish line.
“I am profoundly grateful to my children for their understanding and perseverance.”
In his speech at the event, Engr. Ogbeifun-Oviasu’s oldest brother and mentor, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun reflected on his sister’s great leadership qualities, among others, saying he was pleased that the Edo community in the Diaspora recognized those qualities by entrusting her with the leadership of ENAW.
While pledging his continued support for ENAW, he advised the new National President to work with everyone and always be cognizant of the fact that as a leader, not everybody, including her supporters would agree with her on every issue and must be able to absorb criticism for positive change.
Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Starz Marine and Engineering Limited prayed to God to grant her the wisdom and understanding to lead the organization, while congratulating other members of the new executive.
The inaugural ball was a night of celebration, filled with pomp and pageantry, attended by several dignitaries, including Edo elders, some past leaders of the organization, amongst whom were, Physician, Dr. Osahon Ukponmwan who was Chairman of the 29th ENAW convention; former National President of ENAW, Mr. Franklin Omoruna; former Chairman, ENAW Council of Presidents, Barrister Dickson Iyawe; former Chairman Board of Advisers, Dr. Dickson Idusuyi; former ENAW Women Leader, Mrs. Esther Thomson; former Chairman, ENAW Board of Advisers, Dr. Hilary Evbayiro; former National Vice President of ENAW, Mrs. Katie Salami and Engr. Felix Iyoha, former COP Chairman, ENAW.
Dancing continues at the inaugural ball in Las Vegas.
