More than 5,000 members of the Egba National Association (ENA), USA/Canada, have arrived in Abeokuta, Ogun State, for the association’s 10th Biennial Convention, tagged “The Homecoming: Connecting the People, Protecting Our Heritage.”
The week-long convention, which marks the first time the association will hold its biennial gathering outside the United States and Canada, is aimed at reconnecting Egba people with their ancestral home while promoting the preservation and development of Egbaland.
Chairman of ENA USA/Canada, Arch. Olufela Yemitan, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference held at the Alake Palace in Abeokuta to announce the commencement of the convention’s activities.
Yemitan, who was accompanied by members of the association’s executive council, said the programme would feature visits to royal palaces, cultural events, a business forum, religious services, community engagements and sightseeing activities.
According to him, activities scheduled for Thursday, September 3, include a tour of the association’s land project at Osile, visits to the Olubara and Olowu palaces, and a Diaspora Night at the Owu Palace.
Other activities include visits to the Agura and Alake palaces, a Jumat service at Kobiti Central Mosque and an Adire and Award Night on Friday, September 4.
The convention will continue on Saturday, September 5, with a business forum and picnic at the Abeokuta Sports Club, followed by the Egba National Association Night at the same venue.
On Sunday, September 6, participants will attend a church service at St Peter’s, Ake, before rounding off the day with a Gala Night at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Event Centre.
Yemitan said the programme would conclude on Monday, September 7, with a city tour featuring visits to Olumo Rock, Ijemo Rock and the Adire Market at Itoku.
He described the convention as a landmark event for the association, noting that its decision to bring the gathering to Abeokuta was designed to strengthen ties between Egba people in the diaspora and their homeland.
“On behalf of the National Executive Council of the Egba National Association USA and Canada (ENA-USA/Canada), I am pleased to announce our very first convention outside of USA/Canada. Our 10th Biennial Convention, tagged, ‘The Homecoming—Connecting the People: Protecting Our Heritage’,” he said.
Yemitan said ENA had 20 chapters across the United States and Canada, with a mandate to unite Egba sons and daughters around the world, support one another and contribute to the development and protection of their ancestral communities.
He said the association had continued to support Egbaland through initiatives including scholarships for students and community development projects.
According to him, the 10th convention represents decades of unity, service and cultural preservation by Egba people living in North America.
“The homecoming is more than an event; it is a call to reconnect with our roots, strengthen the bonds that unite Egba sons and daughters across North America, and recommit ourselves to protecting and promoting our rich heritage for future generations,” he said.
The chairman added that the convention would bring together Egba indigenes, traditional rulers, community stakeholders and friends of Egbaland from Nigeria, the United States and Canada for cultural celebrations and discussions on community development, youth empowerment and the sustainable advancement of Egbaland.
The association expressed appreciation to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, and other traditional rulers, including the Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akamo, and the Olu of Orile Imo, Oba Olawambe Sogaolu, who attended the press conference.
It also acknowledged the support of Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and sponsors and partners, including Wema Bank, for their contributions towards the convention.
In his remarks, the Alake commended ENA for bringing the biennial convention to Abeokuta, saying the initiative would reduce the burden on Egba people in the homeland who would otherwise have to travel abroad to participate in the association’s activities.
The monarch expressed confidence in the success of the convention and assured the organisers that he would personally attend the ceremony.
