History and Objectives
On January 28th, 2007 in Chicago, Illinois, a group of individuals from Esanland in the Edo State of Nigeria met to deliberate on issues concerning Esan people. To this end, the Esan World Congress Inc. (Formally Esan National Congress, USA/Canada Inc) was formally created with the following objectives declared:
- To unify every Esan indigenes in North America, Edo State, and the rest of the world.
- To promote, protect and advance Esan culture and civilization through self help projects and government projects.
- To facilitate progress and development of Esan land.
- To promote and cultivate civic responsibility among Esan indigenes.
- To promote harmony and peaceful co-existence with other ethnic groups in Edo State, Nigeria and all over the world.
- To set target goals and objectives, develop the goals and implement them as quickly as expeditiously as possible.
- To utilize all avenues and opportunities not in contravention with laws to foster the goals and objectives outlined herein.
- To organize a focus group that would continue to help implement defined goals and objectives in Esan land.
- Build liaison with other Esan indigenes across the world.
- Strive to maintain close relationships, support one another, sustain and promote Esan culture and historical values as well as our language, and rich heritage.
At the Chicago meeting, the membership to the Congress was declared open to all organizations that represent the Esan people in the United States of America and Canada. All individuals who were interested in joining Congress were welcomed to join a local organization within their regional district in order to participate in the programs of the Congress.
All organizations seeking membership to the Congress will need to complete the application process, which includes the submission of application form and supporting documents to the Secretariat. The form for this process can be obtained from the Secretariat.
As the Congress moves forward in pursuit of her mission and objectives, only individuals who are certified members of the organization will be sought to serve in various roles within the Congress. The roles that will require such services include but are not limited to the
- EWC Executives,
- Council of Presidents,
- Board of Trustees
- Constitution Review Committee, and
- Convention Committee among others.
Selection to these committees can be achieved through elections and or appointments.
At the Chicago meeting, the Congress appointed the "Caretaker Committee" led by Mr. Victor Eboh who served as the Interim Chairman to act as caretaker committee of the Congress. A "Board of Trustees" was also appointed in an advisory capacity to the Caretaker Committee. The Presidents of the various organizations that were represented at the meetings constituted the "Council of Presidents" for the Congress.
A team was constituted to draft a working Constitution for the Congress. The Constitution was ratified and officially adopted in Dallas, Texas in January of 2008 by the members of the Congress. This Constitution provides the framework for the administration of the mission and objectives of the Congress.
First Annual Convention
Esan World Congress first annual convention of the Congress was awarded to United Esan Organization of Chicago, Illinois and was held on the first weekend of July of 2008 in Chicago, IL under the leadership of the President of the Congress, Mr. Paul Ijiewere who was elected to take the leadership of the Congress in January of 2008 in Dallas, TX.
The EWC Annual Convention will be hosted on a rotational basis by the members of the Congress during the Memorial Day weekend in the month of May of every year. Different members of the Congress will be given the opportunity to present a bid proposal for the intent to host the Convention of the Congress. The award of the rights to host the Convention shall be by the CPC, Executives, companioned with the Leadership Team, followed by the approval of the General Assembly.
The election of officers to Executive positions will be held every two years during the Annual Convention. All individuals interested in serving in Executive positions shall be required to participate in the electoral process announced a few months before the elections. Successful candidates will be sworn-in at the Convention. The next scheduled elections will be held during the 2011 Convention.
Second Annual Convention - Atlanta, Georgia
The hosting of the second EWC Annual Convention of the Congress was awarded to the Esan Progressive Association of Atlanta and was held during the Memorial Day weekend in the month of May in Atlanta, while Mr. Kess Agbi served as the Convention Chairperson.
Third Annual Convention - Dallas, Texas
The hosting of the third EWC Annual Convention of the Congress was awarded to Esan Progressive Association Dallas, TX (DFW) and was held during the Memorial Day weekend in the month of May in Dallas, while Mr. Steve Oziegbe Joseph served as the Convention Chairperson.
Fourth Annual Convention - Houston, Texas
The hosting of the fourth EWC Annual Convention of the Congress was awarded to United Esan Organization, Houston, TX and will be held during the Memorial Day weekend in the month of May 2011 in Houston, Texas. Elections are scheduled to be held in Houston, TX where a new president and executive team will be voted into office to manage the affairs of the Congress for the next two years. Dr. Henry Ohen will serve as the Convention Chairperson.
Fifth Annual Convention - Northern California
The hosting of the Fifth EWC Annual Convention of the Congress was awarded to Esan Association of Northern California and was held during the Memorial Day weekend in the month of May in San Francisco, while Mr. Sonny Eboigbe served as the Convention Chairperson.
Sixth Annual Convention - Indianapolis Indiana
The hosting of the Sixth EWC Annual Convention of the Congress was awarded to Esan Association of Indiana Inc, Indianapolis Indiana, and was held on first weekend of July in Indianapolis, while Dr. Idahosa served as the Convention Chairperson.