Anioma Watch Association Inaugurates Executive Officers as BoT Chairman, Emeka Esogbue, Urges Them to Lead with Integrity and Remain Accessible

 Anioma Watch Association Inaugurates Executive Officers as BoT Chairman, Emeka Esogbue, Urges Them to Lead with Integrity and Remain Accessible

By Peter Oshagwu

Anioma Watch Association on Tuesday inaugurated its newly appointed executive officers, formally presenting them to members of the Anioma nation at a ceremony held on Ezenei Avenue, Asaba, Delta State.

The event, which was described as historic by some attendees, marked a significant milestone in the development of the association, which was founded in 2022.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Emeka Esogbue, said the association had grown from a modest beginning into a vibrant platform united by a shared aspiration for a more cohesive Anioma.

Esogbue, who described Anioma Watch Association as more than an organisation of words and aspirations, said the group was committed to action, service and the advancement of the Anioma people.

He charged the newly inaugurated officers to lead with integrity, humility, transparency and courage, while remaining accessible to members and promoting unity rather than division.

“To the newly inaugurated executives, I offer my warmest congratulations and, at the same time, a solemn charge: you have been entrusted with the responsibility of building upon the foundation already laid and of giving fresh impetus to the vision and mission of Anioma Watch Association.

“You are expected to lead with integrity, humility, transparency and courage; to remain accessible to members; to promote unity rather than division; and to ensure that the interests of Anioma people remain at the heart of your decisions and programmes,” the Nigerian historian said.

He further urged the new executives to strengthen the association’s engagement with Anioma communities at home and in the diaspora, promote the culture and heritage of the people, expand charitable and humanitarian interventions, and remain vigilant in monitoring and advocating for their social, economic and political interests.

“You must strengthen our engagement with Anioma communities at home and in the diaspora, promote our culture and heritage with pride, expand our charitable and humanitarian interventions, and remain vigilant in monitoring and advocating for the social, economic and political interests of our people. You can only achieve these if you give your time and personal moments,” he said.

Esogbue also reminded the officers that their new positions were a call to service rather than an avenue for personal recognition.

“I urge you to see this mandate not as an opportunity for personal recognition, but as a sacred trust bestowed upon you by the Association and by the people whose interests we have pledged to serve.

“The road ahead may present challenges, but with dedication, teamwork, consultation and an unwavering commitment to the common good, I am confident that you will take Anioma Watch Association to a new level of relevance, impact and influence.”

In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed President of the organisation, Engr. Abela Emuebie Ihienkaegho, expressed his readiness to serve and pledged to contribute to the advancement of the Anioma people.

Ihienkaegho, a Senior Software Engineer, said Anioma Watch Association must emerge as a credible, courageous and unifying voice for the Anioma people, championing their economic prosperity, sustainable development, social wellbeing, cultural preservation and political progress.

“We must preserve our history, culture and traditions, and ensure that our heritage is properly documented for future generations,” he said.

The newly appointed officers were sworn in by Rev. Felix Ifeanyi Nwabuokei, the General Secretary of the Board of Trustees.

Other officers unveiled at the ceremony include Engr. Onyeabo Nwawo, Vice President; Mr. Peter Oshagwu, General Secretary; Mr. Awele Oranye, Assistant General Secretary; and Mrs. Tessy Joseph.

Others are Miss Ifeyinwa Izegbu, Treasurer; Miss Joy Ozeh; Miss Eunice Emeyazia; Chief Dr. Macdonald Okonkwo, Ex-Officio; and Mr. Patrick Obi, Ex-Officio.

Anioma Watch Association was founded in 2022, while the newly inaugurated executive officers will serve a two-year tenure.