Representing Esan people in Diaspora, the Esan World Congress (EWC) successfully inaugurated its first Leadership Summit on Saturday, April 13th, 2024. Led by Dr. Eromosele Idahosa, the National President, and Dr. Osezua Ehiyamen, the National Secretary-General, the summit themed “Get it Right” aimed to equip leaders with essential skills ahead of Edo State’s forthcoming governorship elections slated for September 21st, 2024.
Established in October 2007, EWC serves as a unifying force for all Esan associations in North America, committed to uniting the community, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering developmental initiatives in Esanland. With a vision to unite Esan people and enthusiasts in the USA and Canada, EWC strives to uphold esteemed cultural values and spearhead developmental projects.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Eromosele Idahosa underscored the paramount importance of selecting the right leadership for Edo State’s advancement. He announced plans for future editions of the summit and the upcoming EWC National Convention scheduled for July 26-28th, 2024, in Houston, Texas, emphasizing the significance of the presented papers and the anticipated publication of summit proceedings.
Distinguished personalities delivered insightful presentations on critical topics. Prof. Matthew Aziegbemhinn Izibili delved into “Balancing Loyalty With Ethical Leadership,” dissecting the essence of ethical leadership and its intersection with loyalty. Emphasizing integrity, fairness, and accountability as cornerstones, Prof. Izibili stressed the imperative for leaders to navigate loyalty while upholding ethical standards.
Matthew Ibadin from the SECURITY RESOURCE & RISK MANAGEMENT ACADEMY explored “Dealing With Conflict: Best Practices,” highlighting conflict management’s pivotal role in achieving favorable outcomes. Offering strategies for resolution, Mr. Ibadin emphasized open communication, active listening, and consensus-building to mitigate organizational conflicts.
Dr. Celey Okogun’s presentation on “Can Communication Make the Difference in Leaders?” underscored communication’s indispensable role in effective leadership. Examining various leadership styles and their communication dynamics, Dr. Okogun advocated for transparent communication to foster trust and engagement within teams.
The summit championed open communication, trust-building, and effective conflict resolution as pillars of successful leadership. By emphasizing active listening, consensus-seeking, and collaboration, the summit aimed to empower Esan leaders to address challenges adeptly.
In conclusion, the maiden Leadership Summit of the Esan World Congress (EWC) marked a significant stride in nurturing effective leadership within Esan communities in the USA and Canada. By equipping leaders with vital skills and fostering a culture of transparent communication, the summit aimed to enable Esan leaders to make meaningful contributions to Esanland’s development.
