By Saintmoses Eromosele
The Esan Descendants Assembly (EDA), the globally recognized organization representing Esan people and their interests, convened a crucial General Council meeting on Sunday, January 5, 2025. The session brought together an impressive array of stakeholders, including members of the Executive Council (EXCO), the Board of Trustees (BOT), and the Patrons Council, to address pressing issues and outline key initiatives for the year ahead.
The meeting was chaired by the BOT Chairman, Air Vice Marshall Antony Okpere (Rtd.), CFR, and Prof. G.R.A. Okogun, who leads the EDA Council. Both leaders emphasized the significance of building on the foundation laid by the previous EXCO under the leadership of Prof. Oyaziwo Aluede. Prof. Aluede, a distinguished academic and member of the Edo State Government Transition Committee in 2024, was lauded for his contributions to strengthening the organization.
Among the major announcements was the completion of the EDA Website Project, unveiled by Prof. Godwin Ray Okogun, the current Chairman of the EDA Executive Council. The new website is designed to enhance member registration, host a Yellow Pages directory for Esan businesses, and attract foreign investments to the region. Prof. Okogun, a seasoned academic and chemical pathologist, expressed confidence that the platform would serve as a vital resource for the Esan community.
Another highlight of the meeting was the approval of the upcoming Esan Mega Summit and Merit Award 2025, themed “Celebrating Esan.” Scheduled to hold in Ekpoma during Easter, the event is being organized by the newly renamed Esan Mega Summit and Merit Award Committee, chaired by Prof. Omon Owolabi of the University of Benin.
In leadership updates, Saintmoses Eromosele (SME), a rights advocate and Executive Director of Oneghe Sele Foundation, was confirmed as the new General Secretary of the EDA. He replaces Dr. Alex Orukpe, who recently stepped down for personal reasons. To ensure continuity, Dr. Orukpe was appointed as an Ex-Officio member of the Executive Council, while Prof. Owolabi was nominated as the new Treasurer.
Other resolutions included plans for increased engagement with key stakeholders, enhanced participation from BOT, Patrons, and EXCO members, and improvements in secretarial operations. The Patrons Board is also set to welcome a new head, following AVM Okpere’s decision to step down from the role.
In a bid to enhance communication and preserve institutional memory, the EDA Secretariat launched the Esan Descendants Newsletter, aimed at providing regular updates and fostering transparency within the Assembly.
The meeting, lasting just over an hour, concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing Esan interests and ensuring 2025 becomes a transformative year for the organization.
Issued by the EDA Secretariat
Published: January 7, 2025
Visit: Esan Descendants Assembly
