NAIG: You are fearless, Eburajolo tells predecessor as he takes over

The newly sworn-in President of National Association of Itsekiri Graduates, NAIG, Comrade Ben Eyitemi Eburajolo, has described his predecessor, Comr. Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, “as a fearless and dogged fighter, who has set the pace”, for his leadership to build on, “by transiting from one administration to the other without rancour and division.”

Our Senior Correspondent reports that Comrade Eburajolo, who heads the new NAIG 10-man executive, made the declaration in Warri, Saturday July 18, during the inauguration of a new leadership for the Itsekiri graduates’ body.

While assuring that his leadership would focus on rebranding NAIG, reconcile all aggrieved members, their founding fathers, members of the association’s BOT as well as Patrons, Eburajolo, appealed to all members of NAIG, to always attend meetings as part of ways to move the association forward.

Eburajolo, a one-time Scribe of the association, appealed for support from elected and political office holders as well as community leaders and other representatives, in order to take NAIG to enviable heights.

Comrade Ben Eburajolo, unveiling the new NAIG insignia at the event

He frowned at those who get jobs through NAIG without showing any form of support to the association, vowing that henceforth commitment would be extracted from such persons.

In his address, the immediate past two-time President of NAIG, Comrade Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, explained: “The last two years has been both interesting and adventurous, especially taking into account that I had initially served a first term of two years. In the last two years, NAIG has grown from an Association without a clear cut identity to an Association with one. We have grown from the Whims and Caprices of any political/community leader to an Association that is defined by the ideals of its founding fathers. In the last two years, we showed the Itsekiri Nation that we will rather stay united, than allow external forces dictate how we run the association. We have chosen our collective interest above personal interest, we have put ‘all’ above ‘self’. We have proven to all and sundry that ‘we can govern ourselves by ourselves for ourselves’. This didn’t go unnoticed by opinion leaders in Iwere Land as it earned us the “Most Outstanding” Organization award from Warri Voice in December 2018.

“This also recently earned us a ‘letter of commendation’ from Hon. Daniel Oritsegbubemi Reyenieju. We know we can do better and will always strive to do better.

“Despite huge challenges over the last two years, we were able to achieve quite a lot in terms of human capacity building and job placement.

“Achievements:                                                                          

1.    Engagement of NAIG members for the EGTL Turn-Around Maintenance

2.    Engagement of NAIG members by CNL MI Department on permanent contract.

3.    Engagement of NAIG members by Delta State Government in teaching positions.

4.    Recall of 42 Itsekiri Graduates by the Delta State Civil Service Commission in December 2019.

5.    Engagement of NAIG Members by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

6.    Engagement of NAIG members by Con-Oil, NGC, etc.

7.    Engagement of NAIG members by Nigeria Maritime University Okerenghigho.

8.    Engagement of NAIG members by DETSMA.

9.    Enrolment of indigent Itsekiri Students for SSCE and NECO exams.

10.  Help in raising fund to save Pa. Peter Fregene (Ex-Super Eagles Goal Keeper) whose autobiography in which a chapter is dedicated to NAIG will soon be out.

11.  Organize a protest in conjunction with INYC to stop relocation of NGC Headquarters from Warri.

12.  Organize and co-funded the protest at WRPC gate for the NNPC recruitment and conversion of casual workers.

13.  Supported the Ugborodo protest against CNL at Ode-Ugborodo and later fund a solidarity protest at CNL gate in Warri.

14.  Petitioned the House of Representatives on the removal of the Madangho Divisional Police Station from Warri Area Command to Burutu Area Command.

15.  Petitioned the President and Commander-in-Chief, Senate President, House of Representatives, GMD NNPC, Federal Character Commission etc. on the exclusion of Itsekiri Graduates on the NNPC recruitment. Engagement has commenced in this regard.

16.  Continuous advocacy for the Koko Polytechnic Bill and commencement/completion of the Koko-Ogheye Road, Omadino-Escravos Road etc.

17.  Award of Excellence as Most Outstanding Organization in Warri Kingdom by Warri Voice.

“These achievements would not have been possible, without the support of my Executive Council, some of our leaders in Iwere, Patrons, former Presidents and committed members.”

While congratulating members of the new NAIG executive, Comrade Edema, admonished them to consolidate on the, “successes and succeed where we didn’t accomplish set goals.”

He added: “I wish to let this ‘august gathering’ know that barely 48 hours ago, we lost a rare gem, a just man, lover of truth, Historian, Writer, Publisher, our Patron, Father, Academia, Mentor, Clergy, Elders Statesman, Teacher, Adviser and a great Patriot of the Itsekiri Nation (probably the last of its kind)- PA. Jackson Ireyefoju. He was calm but fearless, gentle, but brave, aged, but very strong.

“Pa. Jackson Ireyefoju stood not just by NAIG, but especially by me as we struggle for the betterment of the Itsekiri Nation. He was ready to follow NAIG anywhere we needed him. He spent his lifetime advocating for the betterment of the Itsekiri Nation. He gifted me several books, which will remain in my library forever. If not for death, Pa. Jackson Ireyefoju, would have been here with us today (I know he is here with us in spirit). His memories will forever remain in our hearts.”

While inaugurating the new NAIG Officials, Executive Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Community Development, Hon. Andrew Omagbemi Igban, charged them to be up and doing at all times as well as put the interest of the association first in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Hon. Igban urged them to be faithful and loyal to constituted authority in Warri Kingdom, just as he called for support from all and sundry to enable the new NAIG leadership succeed.

Fresh Angle International can report that others who spoke during the inauguration are; Dr. Jeff Wilkie, Chairman Benin River Pressure Group, Raymond Aderejor and David Ekwejunor

Other members of the 10-member executive are: Comrade Thomas Ekpoto; Vice Chairman, Comrade Esiategiwa Mino; Secretary General, Comrade Omadoye Tuoyo; Assistant Secretary, Comrade Bibi Elis; Financial Secretary, Comrade Neyin Tetsoma; P.R.O 1, Comrade Okotie Monday; P.R.O 2, Comrade Akperi Itse; Treasurer, Comrade Omuruwa Anthony; Project Director and Comrade Oritseneye Frederick; Welfare.

A Cross Section of the new NAIG executive

A Cross Section of newly sworn in NAIG exco, in-company of Dr. Jeffery Wilkie (4th left) Comrade Ben Eburajolo (6th Left) Hon. Andrew Igban (middle) Comrade Oritsetimeyin Edema (6th right) Comrade Raymond Aderejor & others 

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