ENAW Gets New Executive Led By Charles Iguobadia Who Promises Stronger Organization, Transparency, Accountability, Fairness

by EMMAN OKUNS

A new executive of the Edo National Association Worldwide (ENAW) was constituted on Sunday September 6, 2026, at the 33^rd annual convention of the premier Edo organization in the Diaspora which took place in Dallas Texas, the United States of America.

Among those sworn into the various offices, in a ceremony that was performed by the immediate past Chairman of ENAW Council of Presidents (CoP), Engr. Charles Oviawe, were the National President, Engr. Charles Iguobadia; Vice President, Dr. Scotty Izevbigie; Council of President (CoP) Chairman, Mr. Osaguona Ogbebor and Women Affairs Coordinator, Mrs. Frances Abiemwense Igiebor-Osagiede

Others sworn in, included the Secretary, Dr. Rosemary Obanor; Cultural Director, Mrs. Linda Osayamwen; Assistant Secretary, Mr. Isaac Obasuyi; Treasurer, Mr. Basuyi Aliu and Financial Secretary, Mr. Frank Olomu.

The swearing-in marked the beginning of a new era in the history of ENAW, after the old executive, led by Engr. Bose Ogeifun-Oviasu completed their terms in office.

In the current executive are some former executive members who ran for different offices, along with new candidates who were all returned unopposed, except the office of the Women Affairs Coordinator that was keenly contested and won by Mrs. Frances Abiemwense Igiebor-Osagiede in April 2026.

In his inaugural speech, the National President, Engr. Charles Iguobadia thanked members of the organization for the confidence they had in him and members of the new administration, assuring that they would not let them down.

He promised transparency, accountability, fairness, respect for ENAW Constitution and established processes, as well as stronger communication, greater support for “our local clubs and meaningful engagement of our women, youth and young adults.”

Iguobadia who also promised to build on the gains of his predecessor, said he would run an administration of innovation with the desire to take ENAW to a greater height, harping on stronger fundraising and partnerships, improved organizational systems, and a greater focus on measurable results.

“You should also expect us to listen, accept constructive criticism, acknowledge when something needs to be corrected, and hold ourselves to the same standard we ask of others. This will not be an administration of factions, personalities, or old grievances,” he assured.

Engr. Iguobadia listed a ten-point-priority agenda as the engine that would drive the organization, including:

1. Strengthen Transparency and Accountability

Establish clear financial reporting, documented decision making, measurable performance, and greater visibility into how ENAW funds, programs, and commitments are managed.

2. Strengthen Local Clubs

Make ENAW more responsive to its member clubs through practical support, stronger communication, sponsorship tools, shared resources, and year round engagement that creates visible value for membership.

3. Modernize Governance and the Constitution

Clarify responsibilities, strengthen institutional processes, reduce avoidable ambiguity, improve leadership transitions, and ensure that ENAW operates consistently within its Constitution and approved governance structure.

4. Revitalize the ENAW Convention

Build a stronger cultural, professional, family, youth, networking, and fundraising experience that gives members greater value and makes the convention a signature expression of ENAW excellence.

5. Expand Youth and Young Adult Engagement

Create meaningful pathways for young people to participate, develop leadership skills, receive mentorship, build professional networks, and prepare to become the next generation of ENAW leaders.

6. Strengthen Women and Family Empowerment Programs

Support sustainable initiatives in leadership development, economic empowerment, skills acquisition, mentorship, and family and community advancement while expanding opportunities for women to lead and contribute.

7. Expand Health and Humanitarian Impact

Build on ENAW health initiatives, including the Dialysis and Diagnostic Center, medical missions, sickle cell awareness and support, preventive health programs, and other efforts that create measurable impact in Edo State and the diaspora.

8. Advance Workforce and Economic Empowerment

Develop the Workforce Hub and Skill Acquisition initiatives to create practical training, apprenticeship, employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable income pathways, especially for youth and women.

9. Build a Serious Fundraising and Partnership Operation

Reduce dependence on repeated member levies by pursuing grants, corporate sponsors, foundations, government opportunities, donors, and strategic partners in the United States, Nigeria, and internationally.

10. Modernize ENAW and Build a Culture of Results

Improve ENAW digital systems, membership processes, communications, records management, project tracking, reporting, and execution discipline so activity is not mistaken for accomplishment and every major commitment has ownership, accountability, and measurable results.

The Standard that connects all ten priorities

Explaining the standard that connects all ten priorities, he had this to say:

“We want to move ENAW from an organization of great potential to an organization of visible excellence.

“We will measure ourselves not by how busy we appear, but by the trust we earn, the value we create, the people we serve, the clubs we strengthen, and the results we can demonstrate,” he said.

Following the inauguration, members went into celebratory mood, cherishing their cultural identity/heritage and collective achievements as a people.

The 33rd annual ENAW Convention which was held at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport Dallas Texas, USA between September 3 and 7, 2026 was hosted by the Edo Association of Dallas, led by Dr. Edwin Aghedo, as President.