•Wants solar power infrastructure for Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, admonishes Diaspora community to support healthcare initiative for Edo Central

A Clinical Application Specialist, Dr Bernadette Aluele-Amao has proposed the establishment of a Mobile Healthcare Outreach Programme that will deliver medical services directly to underserved communities across Esanland comprising five local governments in Edo State.

Speaking at the recently concluded 10th annual convention of the Esan World Congress (EWC) USA/Canada held in Dallas, Texas, USA, she posits this can be done through partnerships with Primary Healthcare Centers and the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH).

In a deeply emotional and thought provoking presentation titled “Renewing Esanland: Our Health, Our Heritage, Our Collective Responsibility,” Dr. Aluele-Amao called attention to the healthcare crises confronting communities across Esanland.

Using the heartbreaking story of a young child who died due to lack of oxygen access in a local clinic, she challenged the diaspora community to move from concern to action.

Dr. Aluele-Amao, a doctor of Nursing Practice and Epic-certified Clinical Applications Specialist based in the United States, also advocated for diaspora-supported solar power infrastructure for Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, emphasizing the urgent need for stable electricity to support surgeries, emergency care, and patient safety.

She also called on participants to support a proposed $50,000 healthcare initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare access and saving lives across Esanland.

Another significant presentation at the three day event held from May 22nd-24th, 2026, was delivered by Ms. Caroline Omoifo Ilogienboh, a Nigerian-born author and retired probation officer, on the topic “Fruitfulness.”

Her presentation explored the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of community well-being while addressing the damaging effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Female Genital Pressing (FGP), practices still affecting some communities in Esanland.

Ms. Ilogienboh described both the womb and the heart as life-giving centers essential to the health of families and communities. She highlighted the lifelong trauma, reproductive complications, emotional pain, and family instability caused by harmful traditional practices and called for collective action to end all forms of genital abuse.

Her paper emphasized that healthy families are foundational to healthy communities, urging participants to promote environments where love protects rather than harms.

In his address, President of the Esan World Congress USA/Canada, Dr. Eromosele Idahosa, stressed the importance of unity, visionary leadership, and shared responsibility in resolving the developmental challenges facing Esanland.

Idahosa, chief medical director, Diamond Medical Services LLC, USA urged Esan people globally to remain committed to preserving their rich cultural heritage while contributing meaningfully to the social, economic, and political advancement of Esan communities both at home and abroad.

Also delivering his address, Prof. Ehiyamen M. Osezua, secretary general of the Esan World Congress USA/Canada, highlighted several institutional milestones achieved since assuming office in October 2023.

According to him, the organization has undergone significant administrative reforms, strengthened leadership structures, expanded global engagement initiatives, and improved operational coordination aimed at repositioning the Congress as a leading diaspora institution.

Osezua, a renowned scholar, leadership strategist, author, and international development advocate and public policy expert noted that the secretariat successfully established official communication frameworks, enhanced internal coordination systems, expanded affiliate participation, and introduced professional administrative procedures that have improved accountability and organizational efficiency.

He further noted the successful organization of the 2024 and 2025 EWC Leadership Summits, which convened respected scholars, professionals, and thought leaders to discuss issues relating to Esan heritage, governance, leadership, and legacy preservation.

Among other major accomplishments, the secretary general informed participants about the successful publication of two editions of the EWC Journal of Organizational Leadership, describing the journal as a growing intellectual platform dedicated to governance discourse, leadership studies, and developmental advocacy concerning Esanland and the African diaspora.

Speaking on governance reforms, Prof. Osezua, resident researcher at the University of Texas at Austin and member, Austin Christian University Advisory Council,USA, also listed the successful ratification of a new EWC Constitution in September 2025, alongside the documentation and coordination of numerous executive, general, and committee meetings aimed at strengthening institutional stability, transparency, and continuity.

Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen, an APC stalwart who represented Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, conveyed the Governor’s call for unity among Esans in the diaspora and congratulated them for organizing a successful convention and sustaining the spirit of Esan unity and development abroad.

A major highlight of the convention was the comprehensive review of the Congress Constitution by the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Engr. Sunny Udabor, who presented key amendments and recommendations aimed at strengthening the operational framework, governance structure, and future sustainability of the Esan World Congress USA/Canada.

The event brought together distinguished Esan sons and daughters, traditional stakeholders, professionals, scholars, community leaders, youth representatives, and diaspora affiliates from across North America and beyond.

Hosted by the Esan Progressive Association (EPA) Dallas under the leadership of Mr. Daniel Arhewoh, with Mr. James Ogbagha serving as chairman, Convention Planning Committee, the convention marked a decade of sustained commitment to unity, cultural preservation, leadership advancement, and developmental progress for Esan people worldwide.

The three-day convention featured keynote lectures, leadership engagements, cultural exhibitions, strategic policy discussions, youth empowerment conversations, and networking sessions centered on the theme of renewing Esanland through collective responsibility and diaspora collaboration.

Delegates commended the leadership of the Congress for promoting unity, professionalism, intellectual engagement, and strategic advocacy while strengthening collaboration among Esan associations across North America.

The convention concluded with renewed calls for peace, unity, cultural preservation, youth investment, educational advancement, and increased diaspora participation in developmental initiatives across Esanland.

Special recognition was given to the Esan Progressive Association (EPA) Dallas for its outstanding hospitality, organizational excellence, and successful coordination of the historic event.

The Congress also expressed appreciation to delegates, elders, affiliate organizations, sponsors, volunteers, and members whose contributions ensured the success of the convention.

The Esan World Congress USA/Canada reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting the welfare, unity, cultural identity, and developmental aspirations of Esan people globally.

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