By, Dcn. Comr. L. I. Isiraojie,
FOR: NEC, (EDA)
EWU, EDO STATE
Saturday 18th July, 2026
In a momentous ceremony that signals a transformative era for the Eilu community, in Esan Central LGA of Edo State, the Ewu Development Association (National) officially inaugurated the Ewu Central Security Network, the 2026 Annual Festival Sub-Committees, and the Expanded NEC Exco. The well-attended event drew community leaders, security personnel, and sons and daughters of Ewu from across the nation.
*PRESIDENT’S VISION FOR A NEW DAWN*
In his welcome address, *the President of Ewu Development Association (National), Pst. E.E. Iriogbe* , declared that the ceremony represented “a new dawn for the Eilu community” in terms of developmental activities. He emphasized the association’s readiness to collaborate with all security architectures to achieve this vision.
The President expressed profound gratitude to the security officers who graced the occasion, acknowledging their presence as a testament to their commitment to community safety. *He appealed to the newly inaugurated committees to put appropriate mechanisms in place to secure the entire* Ewu community and to successfully host the upcoming annual festival program scheduled for December 2026.
*Notable NEC Expansion*
In a significant development, the President announced the inclusion of *Dcn. Alex Irabor from Uzogholo* into the EDA NEC, representing the good people of Uzogholo Community. This inclusion brings Uzogholo into the fold, as all other communities were previously represented in NEC. *Dcn. Alex Irabor was officially inaugurated into NEC by Mr. President.*
*EWU CENTRAL SECURITY NETWORK: A COMMUNITY -DRIVEN INITIATIVE*
The highlight of the ceremony was the official inauguration of the Ewu Central Security Network, *a community-based security architecture designed to enhance safety across all quarters of Ewu.*
*Leadership and Membership Structure*
✓ Engr. Fidelis Edokpa – Chairman
✓ Comr. Isikhemen (aka Easy Motor) – Vice Chairman
✓ Mr. Augustine Oboh EDA (National) Rep-
Member
✓ Mr. Akhia Pius, Ewu Progress Foundation Rep-Member
✓ Mr. Friday Ofino EDA Ekpoma Chapter Rep-Member
✓Mr. Isesele John Udo, Ewu Youth Development Rep-
Member
✓ Mr. Sannu Ehimen, Chairman, EDA, Eguare Development Association-
Member
✓ Alexander Ikheloa President, Eko Alende Youth Association- Member
✓Elder Solomon Isesele<, Chairman, Uzogholo Development Association- Member
✓Mr. Tijani Imoisili President, Eguare Youth Development Association-
Member
✓ Mr. Elvis Odigie President, Ehanlen Youth Development Association- Member
✓ Chief Michael Inegbe President, Ihenwen Progressive Union- Member
✓ Barr. Esekhaigbe Ehikhametalor President, Ihenwen Youth Development Association- Member ✓ Mr. Villmore Okonoboh, President, Ukhiodo Development Association-
Member
✓ Mr. Raphael Eromonsele, Representing Idunwele Community- Member
✓ Engr. Lawson Aigbokhaibholo, Diaspora rep- Member
✓ Prince Tijani Ojeifo – Secretary
*EWU 2026 ANNUAL FESTIVAL SUB-COMMITTEES*
In preparation for the much-anticipated December 2026 Annual Festival, the following sub-committees were inaugurated:
*A. Festival Central Organizing Committee*
·✓Chairman: Pst. E.E. Iriogbe
✓ All NEC members; All Chairmen/Presidents and Secretaries of all Ewu Groups and Associations- Members
·✓Dr. Batholome Okogbousu- Secretary
*B. Publicity and Publication Sub-Committee*
✓ Dcn. Comr. L.I. Isiraojie- Chairman
✓Barr. Ehizojie Iyemoan, Mr. Daniel Jatto, Barr. Mrs. Isikhuemen, Mr. Saintmoses Eromosele- Members
✓ Barr. Anthony Ojeifo, Diaspora rep- member
✓Prince Tijani Ojeifo- Secretary
*C. Mobilisation & Welfare Sub-Committee*
Hon. Clement Inegbe- Chairman
All Youth Presidents across Eilu Quarters (Eguare, Ehanlen, Eko, Ihenwen, Idunwele, Uzogholo, Ukhiodo); Barr. Mrs. Isikhuemen; Dcn. Alex Irabor- Members
✓ Mr. George Aikharialia- Secretary
*D. Cultural Sub-Committee*
Dr. Bartholome Okougbosun- Chairman
·✓Engr. Fidelix Edokpa; All Chairmen of Development Associations across Eilu Quarters- Members
✓Mr. Raphael Eromosele, EPF President- Secretary
*E. Logistics/Security Sub-Committee*
✓ Pastor Austine Oboh- Chairman
✓Comr. Isikhemen (aka Easy Motors); All Youth Presidents across Eilu Quarters; Hon. Shedu Enakimion- Members
✓ Mr Eivis Odijie, President, Ehanlen Youth Development Association – Secretary
*F. Fund Raising Sub-Committee*
✓ Pst. Iriogbe, Ehimare Emmanuel- Chairman
✓Engr. Stephen Idiata, Prof. Mrs. Eunice Omonzejie, Pst. Henry Aimenkhena, Engr. Adams Okoene (BOT Chairman), Dr. T.A.E. Ikhuoriah, Barr. Amionowane Benedict, Diaspora rep- Members
✓Dr. Bartholomew Okougbosun- Secretary
*EXPANDED NEC EXCO*
The Expanded NEC Exco now encompasses:
✓ Pst. E.E. Iriogbe,- Chairman
✓All NEC members; All Chairmen/Presidents of all Ewu Groups and Associations- Members
✓ Dr. Batholome Okogbousu- Secretary
This expansion ensures broader representation and inclusive governance, bringing together NEC members, Chairmen/Presidents of all Ewu groups, and associations both home and in the diaspora.
*SECURITY PERSONNEL OFFER CRITICAL GUIDANCE*
The ceremony was graced by a distinguished array of security personnel who offered invaluable advice to the community:
✓ ASP Benjamin Benefa, Area Commander controlling Irrua, Igueben, and Ewu
✓ Mr. E.O. Osita, Director, DSS Esan Central
✓ CSP Akanbi Olubumi, DPO, Ewu Division
✓ Mr. Okonofua Akhere Samuel, Edo State Security Corps, Ewu
✓ Mr. Peter Aiche, Hunters Association Ewu
✓ Mr. Godwin Uwadiale, CSO, Prime Feed and Flour Mill, Ewu
*Key Security Advisory*
In their various addresses, the security personnel emphasized:
1.. *Community Collaboration* : The importance of partnership and synergy between community members and security agencies were stressed.
2.. *Neighborhood Vigilance* : Community members were encouraged to be observant of the means of livelihood of their neighbors and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies
3.. *Right Step Forward:* The security officials reiterated that the newly formed Security Community was the right step in the right direction
4.. *Child Safety:* Parents were advised to always monitor their children as they go to school and ensure they return safely
*PRESIDENT’S CALL TO ACTION*
The President delivered the terms of reference to all committees and commissioned them to commence work immediately. *He made a passionate appeal to sons and daughters of Ewu, both at home and in the diaspora, to begin planning what they will invest into the security purse to enhance operations and ensure the safety of the community.*
*WELL-ATTENDED CEREMONY*
The event witnessed the presence of:
✓EDA NEC members
✓Ukedions from all various quarters
✓Sons and daughters of Ewu
✓Community leaders, Corporate bodies and stakeholders
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph to commemorate the historic occasion.
*LOOKING AHEAD*
With the inauguration of these critical committees and the expansion of the NEC, the Ewu community has taken bold steps toward enhanced security, cultural preservation, and community development. The December 2026 Annual Festival promises to be a landmark event that will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Ewu people while fostering unity and progress.
Isiraojie is the Public Relation Officer (PRO), Ewu Development Officer (EDA)National.