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Esan Nation
Congress Convention 2009 in Atlanta
Esan
Progressive Association of Atlanta (EPAA) hosted the 2nd Esan
National Congress Convention from May
22 through 24, 2009.
The
Convention attracted dignitaries from all over the world including
some prominent Nigerians Politicians.
Esan National Congress (ENC) 2ND International Convention
Transforming Esanland thru Atlanta, Georgia USA.
www.esancongress.org
The weekend of May 22 – 24 will never be the same again in Atlanta. Esan men,
women, children, and supporters from all works of life besiege the city, took
over the Renaissance Concourse 5-Star Hotel and within 3 days, created a
silver-light future that will forever transform Esanland.
The success of an association is not often predicated on the years of existence
but on the actions and results attained. The track record of the ENC,
impressive as it is, reflects the amazing dedication of its members.
Google, HP, Apple, Cisco and even Wal-Mart are corporations that were created by
the visionary ideas of one or a few members with compassionate goals. Through
the ideas of a few people, these corporations rose to become some of the biggest
entities in the world. The Esan National Congress is fast toiling this line of
growth. Born out of the visionary thoughts of a few Esan men and women and
officially formatted in January 2007 in Chicago, Illinois, the ENC in less than
2 years is quickly attaining the success
fortitude of a fast growing association fully bent on developing Esanland and
Edo State in general.
Investing in our Youths
Over the past 7 months the Governor of Edo State talked extensively about
creating jobs. This is a positive step in developing the state if achieved.
Attaining this goal requires a strong foundation and a well planned system that
recognizes how to invest in our youths thru reverse job creations and employment
of our college graduates by large international corporations. Strategic
planning, cross-lateral value based benefits and innovation is the key. Youth
Development, Education, and Health Care Support in Esanland were the key
components of the ENC’s 2009 Convention. The subject of Job Creation and
Sustainability was discussed and ideas peculated around the convention.
Strategic ways of ensuring that medical equipment were obtained and shipped to
the Otibhor Okhai (Ambrose Alli University Teaching) Hospital successfully, were
crystallized after extensive discussions.
Friday May 22, 2009 – ENC Events Report
The Esan National Congress (ENC) repeated its domination of a city and hotel
when Esan men, women and children started arriving amass at the Hartsfield
International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. Very quickly, the Esan language
became the most commonly spoken language at the Renaissance Concourse Hotel. The
enthusiasm and euphoria of happiness among members, guests and dignitaries from
around the world can only be best captured in three words “Inspirational,
Empowering, Experience.” It was clear through the inspiration displayed by
those in attendance that the ENC was on track to galvanizing the vast
experiences and strength of it members worldwide to transforming Esanland.
After engaging in a variety of delicious meal prepared by the host Esan
Progressive Association of Atlanta (EPAA), the ENC General Assembly team went to
work. The National Chaplain, the gifted and motivational Dr. A. Michael Jarman
opened the session with prayers, and the team of Mr. Collins Igberaese and Mr.
Oboh Aigbehi synchronized excellence in their overall
facilitation of the Friday session bringing experience and passion to every wing
of the discussions and recognition of the Leadership Team made up of the Council
of Presidents, Board of Trustees and Executives. This was followed by the
Chairman of the Convention, Mr. Kess Agbi who ignited the floor with his
empowering and highly passionate speech that welcomed everyone to the City of
Atlanta that was made exotic-ready for the event. He challenged us to stay on
track to ensure that Esan Youths are developed and supported recognizing they
are our future. To this effect, he challenged every chapter to embrace the idea
of creating a “Youth Wing” to help expand and engage our children to the ENC
fold.
Open completion of the Chairman’s speech, the State of the Union Report was
presented by the ENC President and his team of Napoleon Akhuemokhan (VP), Frank
Ativie (PRO), Jacobs Unubun (Secretary General), Greg Enaholo (Organizing
Secretary), Fred Abienekpen (Financial Secretary), Genesis Inibhunu (Chief
Whip), Priscilla Ikharebha (Treasurer), Cynthia Omo-Osagie
(Asst Organizing Secretary*) and Dr. A. Michael Jarman (National Chaplain).
The night ended on a high note as members retrieved to various zones within
the luxury hotel to continue varied levels of networking and celebrations
into the wee hours of the morning.
Saturday May 25, 2009 – ENC Events Report – Day of
Reckoning
This was the main day of reckoning and it commenced with opening prayers
followed by the excellent work of facilitators Mr. Frank Ativie and Attorney
Chris Ekoh. The President of the Esan Progressive Association of Atlanta Mrs.
Margaret Akhabue Onabanjo delivered a strong, passionate, welcome address from
the heart based on personal experiences during a visit to
Esanland and this was followed by the recognition of our special guests ranging
from the VP of the Edo National Association (ENA) Dr. Solomon Uwadiale and the
VP of the Afeimai World Congress, Mr. Dennis Abuda. Also present were
representatives of the Edo State House of Assembly: Hon. Dr. Israel Aguele, Hon.
Sunday E. Ereghan, Hon. Frank O. Okiye (Majority Leader) and Hon. Shaibu
Phillips.
The following notable and highly insightful Local Government Chairmen (Mr.
Andrew E. Ojiemhenkele (Esan South Local Government Council) and Mr. Kashitu
Ohiwere (Owan East Local Government Council) were in attendance on behalf of
Senator (Elder) Odion Ugbesia who sent an official message to the ENC body. The
Keynote Speaker Mr. Abraham Eichie gave a memorable speech of his background
which culminated in a request to ensure that the ENC continues to grow and
attain its goals in highly collaborative ways. To these honorable men and women
we say “Thank You.”
Hon. Chief Andrew Agbi, a two-time commissioner in Edo State brought experience
and wisdom to the forum. He commended the ENC for its efforts and challenged
members to broaden the scope of focus and establish committees to help create an
expanded impact in Esanland and Edo State. Chief Agbi, we “Thank You” for your
words of encouragement and wisdom.
The ENC President Dr. Sylvester Omosun Fadal spoke on the goals achieved over
the past months and presented a progress report on ENC’s health care goal of
obtaining medical equipment for the Otibhor Okhai Teaching Hospital in
Esanland. He noted that the Health Care Committee led by Mr. Joseph Abhulimen
was in the final stages of procuring over $300,000.00 or N43,
500,000.00 worth of medical equipment including X-Ray, EKG, Blood Pressure
machines and lots of medical supplies to be shipped within the next few months.
To ensure this success several members stood up and pledged to see thru this
goal no matter what it took. There is an old saying that “The strength of a man
isn't seen in the width of his shoulders” and this was proven by key members and
supporters of the ENC who stood up and volunteered to serve in a critical roles
(cash or kind) to ensure that this goal is not only attained but exceeded. Our
brother, Mr. Steve Oziegbe, a power house, compassionate and integral member of
the ENC, companioned with other supporters and associations gave generously to
make the health care goal a reality within a few months. These actions were
truly indications of a day worth recognizing. To these men and women that
donated bigheartedly through financial support and other critical ways, we say
“Thank You.”
The ENC was truly excited to have the following outstanding new associations
attend, join and support the goals of the association in strong fashion.
ISHAN ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY led by its President: Mr.
Davis Amedu
ESAN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: President: Mr. Julius Irumondumon
ESANKUGBE ASSOCIATION OF VIRGINIA: President: Mr. David Ebute
EGBE-ESAN ASSOCIATION OF NC: President: Mr. Eddyson Okhihan
ESAN ASSOCIATION INC, (WASHINGTON BALTIMORE METRO AREA): President: Mr. Desmond
Okougbo
To these new Esan Associations that not only attended the convention but
immediately impacted the achievement of our goals, the ENC says “Welcome” and
“Thank You.” We are excited to have you as members of the ENC family and look
forward to your active participations in the attainment of ENC’s overall
missions and goals.
The ENC President further spoke on the subject of Youth Development and
Education noting that one of the principal ways to mitigate crimes and empower
Edo State youths was through strategic job creations for college graduates
within the confines of Edo State. He presented sample tactical approaches that
could be adopted by the State Government if it truly wants to create jobs and
enhance employment opportunities and jobs sustainability. The President noted
that the ENC over time will outline initiatives and
designate a team of experts to share with the Governor of Edo State, Comrade
Adams Oshiomhole, in-depth plans on jobs creation and sustainability to help
brighten the future of our youths.
The President concluded his speech by again reiterating the need for Esan men
and women to continue to work collaboratively as a team to ensure that the plans
of the ENC are achieved as measured thru “Deliverables and Goals Attainment.”
He emphasized the need to make sure the Health Care Mission is achieved within a
few months. To this effect, several members and
associations again gave support in cash and kind. It is notable to recognize
Dr. Sylvester Odigie Osazuwa; the Esan Union of Northern CA. and its President
Mr. Gabriel Egberuare, Dr. Dorcas Okor; Mr. Sumaina Ibrahim and many more that
displayed amazing generosity to the ENC. We unreservedly, “Thank You” for your
support.
Sunday May 24, 2009 – ENC Events Report
The day started with a strong praise and worship session led by Mrs. Pauline
Aikhuele whose melodious rendition of Christian songs brought spiritual
enrichment and nostalgia of the good ole days in Nigeria and Esanland to the
forum. Those in attendance rejoiced gracefully as Pastor Joe Olobor conducted
the invocation and Minister Simon Ogbeide led the scripture reading. The
spiritual message was presented by ENC National Chaplain Dr. A. Michael Jarman
who preached on the importance of unity and togetherness. Having blessed members
and asking for journey mercies the final phase of the convention commenced.
Debriefs were held and a vote was taken approving Dallas, TX as the 2010
convention location. The euphoria was enormous as the convention hall ignited
into loud cheers when it was clear that we were heading to Dallas, Texas under
the Presidency of Mr. Michael Aigbedion and joint chairmanship of Mr. Steve
Oziegbe and Mr. Sumaina Ibrahim. The expectation is high and the excitement can
only be best described as the “convention of conventions” feeling recognizing
the team-in-charge.
All roads lead to Dallas, Texas for the ENC 2010 Convention. This is an
official invite to Esans around the world, get ready to join us in Dallas next
year. Start planning your trips today.
By 1:00 PM on Sunday, members started drifting to the airport, rejoicing at the
accomplishment of the Association, celebrating the addition of new member groups
and expressing a high sense of satisfaction that is reflective of the words of
Paul the apostle, a spiritual warrior, who testified as he came to the end of
his embattled life, saying: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the
race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).
All Esan men and women that attended the convention fought a great fight,
strategizing and planning step-by-step approaches to meeting critical Health
Care goals and Youth Empowerment initiatives it came to finalize. These members
finished the race and kept their faith in knowing that the ENC will transform
Esanland in view of its solid leadership team made up of the COP,
BOT and ENC Executives. Unlike Paul the apostle however, this is just the
beginning for the ENC. Its members vowed not to forget the people of Esanland
who like Paul the apostle have been “whipped (by poor leadership), beaten (by
neglect), stoned (by starvation), and imprisoned (within the confines of nothing
to rely on), and was often hungry, thirsty, cold, and weary (2 Cor. 11:22- 28).
To our people, we say “hang in there” rescue and support is on the way.
In all, it is important to recognize the amazing team in Atlanta. The efforts
and hard work of the Esan Progressive Association of Atlanta led by the
President Mrs. Akhabue Onabanjo and the Convention Chairs of Mr. Kess Agbi, Mr.
Louis Ebodaghe and Mr. Mark Aikhuele in addition to the overall EPAA body that
spent sleepless nights ensuring that the convention was successful must be
commended. It was Margaret Mead who once said “Never underestimate the power of
a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only
thing that ever has." True to this quote, EPAA’s committed team raised the
foundation required to transform Esanland and people in Atlanta. You all did
great and on behalf of the ENC and Esan people worldwide, we say “Thank You.”
Mhah Khato, Mhan Khale, Ise!
Dr. Sylvester Omosun Fadal, Executive President
Esan National Congress, USA/Canada
Raffle Drawing
Winning Raffle Tickets as drawn on May 23rd 2009 are as follows:
Ticket #80428 First
Price Winner: Teddy
Ticket #78187 Second
Price Winner: Dr. H.Eromosele
Ticket # 81341 Third
Price Winner: SubbaRao
 Convention
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