Against the backdrop of rising insecurity and ensuing fear amongst the people, the future of Esanland, located in the Central Senatorial zone of Edo State, will top the agenda of the Leadership Summit, to be held in May. It is being organised by the American wing of the Esan World Congress (EWC).
According to the organisers, the global summit, scheduled to hold on Saturday, 10 May 2025 by Zoom, will feature some distinguished Esan academics and professionals as discussants of the theme, ‘Esan Heritage, Leadership and Legacy’.
It will also include conversations on Esan’s rich cultural heritage, leadership and the general welfare development of the people. The organisers said that the vision is to ‘make Esanland great again’.
Esan sons and daughters, based in Esanland comprising five local government areas of Edo State, those living in big Nigerian cities like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Abuja and in Diaspora, are expected to join this conversation, which also promises to stir up critical issues impacting on agricultural production, the people’s mainstay and social life amidst heightened cases of kidnapping, invasion of farm lands and raping of women that have enveloped the area.
Founded in October 2007, the American branch of EWC, led by Dr. Eromonsele Idahosa, serves as a unifying force for all Esan associations in North America, with the commitment to unite the community, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering developmental initiatives in Esanland.
A former chairman of Esan Central Local Government Council, and physician, Idahosa said: ‘Over the years, EWC has actively supported efforts to improve the security landscape in Esanland. We are now broadening our focus to include healthcare support in the region. These initiatives reflect our commitment to fostering sustainable development and uplifting our homeland through collaborative leadership and strategic partnerships’.
According to EWC’s Secretary General, Prof. Ehiyamen Osezua, ‘EWC is bringing together distinguished Esan intellectuals and professionals to engage with Esan sons and daughters both in the Diaspora and within Esanland. This summit will focus on our rich Esan heritage, leadership, and legacy.
‘This event marks a significant step forward as EWC facilitates a meaningful conversation on leadership, cultural heritage, and the future of Esanland. Together, we can safeguard our vibrant cultural legacy and build a solid foundation for future generations’.
Leading intellectuals including Professor of Linguistics at the University of Port Harcourt, Philomena Ejele; scholar in Francophone Literature, Prof. Simeon Osazuwa: frontline scholar in Ethnomusicology and Music Therapy, Prof. Charles Aluede; and a distinguished academic, Prof. Tina Osezua will deliver presentations at the event to be held under the chairmanship of a registered engineer, and an IT specialist, Air Commodore Patrick Udabor (rtd.).
