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Kingsley Ohens reporting

The Ewu community in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State has taken a significant step toward strengthening community security, promoting inclusive governance and preserving its cultural heritage with the inauguration of the Ewu Central Security Network, the 2026 Annual Festival Sub-Committees and an expanded National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Ewu Development Association (EDA).

The landmark ceremony, held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, brought together traditional and community leaders, security agencies, corporate representatives, youth groups, stakeholders, and sons and daughters of Ewu from across Nigeria and the diaspora, reflecting a shared commitment to the community’s growth and collective future.

Delivering his address, President of the Ewu Development Association (National), Pastor E. E. Iriogbe, described the inauguration as the beginning of a “new dawn” for the Ewu community. He reaffirmed the association’s determination to pursue sustainable development through strategic collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders.

He commended the presence of security personnel at the event, describing their participation as a strong demonstration of partnership in safeguarding lives and property. He also charged the newly inaugurated committees to begin work immediately by putting effective structures in place to strengthen security across the community and ensure the successful hosting of the 2026 Ewu Annual Festival scheduled for December.

In a move aimed at deepening inclusiveness, Pastor Iriogbe announced the expansion of the EDA National Executive Committee with the inauguration of Deacon Alex Irabor as the representative of Uzogholo Community. The addition completes the representation of all Ewu communities within the association’s leadership structure and further reinforces its commitment to participatory governance.

The inauguration of the Ewu Central Security Network formed the highlight of the ceremony. The community-based initiative is designed to complement existing security efforts by promoting intelligence sharing, community vigilance and coordinated responses to emerging security challenges across all quarters of Ewu.

The newly inaugurated security network is chaired by Engr. Fidelis Edokpa, with Comrade Isikhemen (Easy Motor) serving as Vice Chairman, while representatives from the various development associations, youth organisations, community groups and the diaspora make up its membership.

Preparations also gathered momentum for the December 2026 Annual Festival with the inauguration of six strategic sub-committees covering central planning, publicity and publications, mobilisation and welfare, cultural activities, logistics and security, as well as fundraising. The committees were tasked with ensuring that the annual festival reflects the rich cultural heritage, unity and aspirations of the Ewu people.

The expanded NEC was equally inaugurated to broaden participation in community decision-making by bringing together NEC members alongside chairmen and presidents of Ewu development associations and affiliated organisations from both home and the diaspora.

The event featured goodwill messages and security briefings from senior officers representing key security institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Edo State Security Corps, the Hunters Association and private security organisations.

In their separate remarks, the security officials underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies. They encouraged community members to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly, monitor the welfare and activities of their neighbourhoods, and pay closer attention to the safety of school children. They unanimously described the establishment of the Ewu Central Security Network as a timely and commendable initiative capable of strengthening grassroots security.

Formally commissioning the committees, Pastor Iriogbe presented their terms of reference and urged every member to approach the assignment with dedication and integrity. He also appealed to sons and daughters of Ewu, particularly those in the diaspora, to support the community’s security architecture through financial and material contributions that will strengthen its operations and long-term sustainability.

The ceremony attracted widespread participation from members of the Ewu Development Association National Executive Committee, representatives of the various quarters of Ewu, youth leaders, community stakeholders, corporate organisations and other distinguished guests. It concluded with a commemorative group photograph marking what many described as a defining moment in the community’s development journey.

With the inauguration of a community-driven security framework, broader leadership representation and strategic committees for its annual cultural celebration, Ewu has laid a solid foundation for greater security, stronger unity and sustainable community development, while positioning the 2026 Annual Festival as a celebration of its enduring heritage and collective progress.