By Doris Obinna
The 9th Annual Convention of the Esan World Congress (EWC) USA/Canada is set to take place from July 11 to 13, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey, USA. With themed, “Made for This: Enhancing Healthcare in Esanland,” the event aims to reshape the healthcare landscape of Esanland in Edo State, Nigeria, by uniting Esan professionals and allies from across the globe.
In a joint statement, EWC President Dr. Eromonsele Idahosa and Secretary General Prof. Ehiyamen Osezua described the gathering as a rallying call for collective action at a defining moment for the Esan people. “Our history is filled with examples of Esan people rising to meet challenges with unity, courage, and resolve. Now is the time to channel our global strength, expertise, and resources to revolutionize healthcare access and outcomes for our people.”
Prof. Osezua, a professor of Public Administration at the University of Texas, Austin, emphasized the broader impact of the event. “This gathering represents more than a reunion. It’s a rallying point for advancing the progress, unity, and global visibility of Esan people. We will engage critical conversations on development, cultural preservation, and healthcare enhancement in Esanland. Together, we will reaffirm our shared purpose and chart pathways for sustainable impact.”
The convention will feature global plenary sessions led by healthcare and development experts, solution-focused workshops, strategic medical outreach initiatives, interactive forums engaging Esan voices across generations, cultural celebrations of Esan heritage, and a fundraising campaign for healthcare development in Esanland.
A significant highlight will be the unveiling of the second edition of the EWC Journal of Organizational Leadership, a key publication spotlighting research and frameworks aimed at advancing healthcare leadership and systems transformation in Esanland.
The Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the strengthening partnership between the Edo State Government and the global Esan diaspora.
Delivering the keynote address will be Prof. Edwin Eseigbe, an internationally recognized public health expert and professor of Paediatrics at Benue State University, Makurdi. He also serves as a Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at Benue State University Teaching Hospital and a visiting professor at Bingham University.
With a distinguished career that includes leadership roles in national and continental health organizations, Prof. Eseigbe is expected to provide critical insights into building resilient, equitable, and community-centered healthcare systems for Esanland.
Prof. Eseigbe holds multiple degrees, including an MBBS from the University of Benin, an MSc in Public Health, and an MD from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. He is a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians, the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh), and the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine.
Chairman, Publicity Committee, Pastor Simon Ogbeide and host and president of Esan Sons and Daughters in Diaspora Inc., New York, Ms. Mary Inegbenehi, urged all Esan sons and daughters, professionals, policymakers, and friends of Esanland to join in the transformative event.
“This is more than a convention, it’s a historic turning point. Healthcare is not a privilege, it is a right. We are Esan. We are made for this, and together, we will change the healthcare narrative for our people,” said Ogbeide.
While Inegbenehi affirmed that the 2025 Esan World Congress Convention would mark a convergence of influence, innovation, and dedication, serving as a catalyst for sustainable healthcare systems and a legacy of progress for future generations.