Watching Prince Ekpen Erediauwa go around the Edo diaspora Community in the UK showing Edo people love, support and appreciation is now becoming a new tradition loved by many. But for myself, Lace Iyamu of Edo connect, this is the heartwarming welcome development that has made the difference in the Edo Community in 2024. There is a feel-good factor in the Edo Community UK, in 2024. that was never there before because of Prince Ekpen Erediauwa’s involvement.
When Prince Ekpen Erediauwa sent for me in mid-2024, he said he wanted to offer encouragement and assistance for what Edo connect is doing for the Edo Community in the UK. He asked me what I wanted? I explained to the Prince that the Edo Community is lacking in encouragement and appreciation and hence morale is low. Edo community leaders who look after the community in diaspora that sends money home and do so many good things have been consistently overlooked by authorities at home and this has resulted in a shortage of people who want to help in the community. The Edo State Government at home is not interested and letters written to the BTC secretary are largely unanswered, acknowledged or responded to. We do not know what to do anymore. This is the biggest challenge we are having in the Edo diaspora Community and because of this support for community activities have become very thin.
Prince Ekpen Erediauwa promised to help with this problem and as of today, He has recognised Rev Friday Igbineweka of CACGM, THE Truth Centre Stratford for bringing Edo State families in the UK together every Sunday, thanked the Enobore of Useh, Chief Osaretin Ajayi- who organised an igbo pastor to give N1m donation to Edo disabled persons in Edo State to help in the cost of living crisis. Prince Ekpen helped with the launch of Chief Steve Dunstone’s book “ The one with the Key” because Steve Dunstone and Mark Walker were the first to Benin artefacts to Oba Erediauwa in 2014 which opened the gates for other institutions to follow. Prince Ekpen Erediauwa attended the end of year party of Edo Elite Associations in London to encourage them. Prince Ekpen Erediauwa has gone to visit and thank Edo Development Aid UK, for the Edo Lottery in the UK and the help EDA president Mr Harrison Aibangbee for his continuous support for the Edo Diaspora Community and Edos at home. EDA provided financial support for Edo disabled persons in Edo State during the Covid 19 period. EDA donated money to fix Ora Community in Edo State after severe flooding which destroyed their houses and farms. EDA supported Edo Connect to take support to the Edo Elderly in the UK during Covid and christmas and constantly contributes to Edo activities in the UK diasopora including IGUE Festival in the UK. Prince Ekpen Erediauwa has travelled to Walsall to thank Mr Taiye Garrick- A UK Carehome owner/Role model who employs Edo people, He has attended Lionsky Entertainment premiere of a Benin movie in London and personally thanked Edo Conect’s proof reader Mr Colin Harrison for his contributions to the Edo Community in the UK. He openly cherishes Mr Edwin Igue and Mr Pius Osemwingie for their efforts in getting 72 Benin artefacts out of the Horniman Museum London back to Nigeria to Oba Place Benin. Honestly, I may have missed some out but that’s how much Prince Ekpen Erediauwa has lived up to his word after our meeting.
So while I recount these good deeds, I will also state that Edos in diaspora have called me to express their appreciation for what Prince Ekpen Erediauwa is doing. Finances to run and support the Edo Community in Diaspora continues to be a problem that neither myself nor Prince Ekpen Erediauwa can solve, but I must thank Prince Ekpen Erediauwa because at least in 2024, I can genuinely tell you Edos in the UK diaspora are happy because of Prince Ekpen’s community involvement and for this we want to say “Thank you” to Prince Ekpen Erediauwa.
Princess Theresa Erediauwa “Uvbinokhua” has also been there for the Edo Community in diaspora in 2024. May God continue to bless our Royal Household forever.
Obaghatokpere. Ise
The Editor