By Emma Njoku
Former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, ex-beauty queen and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and business mogul, Dr. Muhammed Bashir Lamido are among the eminent Nigerians expected to grace the 16th Mbaise USA Convention scheduled between July 9 and 13.
Other dignitaries from Nigeria expected as special guests at the cultural showpiece, which will be held in the Union Depot in St. Paul, Minnesota, include Mr. Frank Nnaji, Amb. Innocent Iwejuo, Chief Uche Nwosu, Dr. Frank Ihekwoaba, Sir Stanley Amuchie, Chief Success Akagburuonye, Princewill Udohiri, the Mbaise Catholic Bishop, Rt. Rev. Simeon Okezuo and his Anglican counterpart, Rt. Rev. Chamberlain Ogunedo.
Chairman, National Convention Planning Committee, Paul Onuoha, said the five-day event with the theme: “The quest for impactful and sustainable development,” would feature the rich Mbaise cultural displays, fundraising for development, parliamentary session, Ichi-Oji (kola nut festival), and Ada-na-Opara Mbaise USA (the most handsome and most beautiful Mbaise son and daughter in USA) pageant, among others.
Explaining further on the activities for the event, Onuoha said on Thursday, July 10, there would be a special workshop on “AI Technology, Investment and Immigration,” at 10am. This will be followed by the “Global Leadership Summit on Peace, Progress and the Future of Mbaise.”
He also said the Board of Delegates Parliamentary Session would be held on Friday, July 11, followed by a cultural pageant of the most handsome and most beautiful son and daughter (Ada-na-Opara Mbaise) in the USA. The highpoint of the day’s programmes will be a welcome party that will also feature special cultural entertainment.
He added that activities on Saturday, July 12, would start with a town hall meeting on development and Igu Oji (kolanut ) competition. There shall also be children’s tour and funfair, youth extravaganza and women-in-colours photo panorama with participants from 24 affiliate chapters. The high point of the day will be a gala-nite and fundraising for development.
The Mbaise USA 16th Annual Convention Minnesota 2025 will be chaired by Dr. Emma Njoku.