Over 5,000 members of Egba National Association (ENA) USA/Canada have arrived Abeokuta, their homestead for the 10th Biennial Convention, aimed to connect people and protect their heritage
The Chairman of the association, Arch Olufela Yemitan disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference held at Alake Palace in Abeokuta to kick start the one-week programme of activities
Yemitan accompanied by other executives stated the activities include land project tour visit to Osile Palace, visit to Olubara Palace, visit to Olowu Palace and Diaspora Night at Owu Palace at 4pm scheduled for Thursday: September 3rd, 2026,
The others are visit to Agura Palace, visit to Alake Palace, Jumat Service at Kobiti Central Mosque, Adire Night/Award Night to hold on Friday: September 4th, 2026
The ceremony will continue on Saturday September 5th, 2026 with business forum and picnic at Abeokuta Sport Club, Egba National Association (ENA) Night at Abeokuta Sports Club, and on Sunday: September 6th, 2026, there will be Church Service at St. Peter Ake and Gala Night Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Event Center
The chairman added that on Monday September 7th, 2026 there will be city tour and visit to Olumo Rock, Ijemo Rock, Adire Market at Itoku, to serve as closing of the ceremony
He explained that the convention is the maiden edition to take place in Abeokuta, adding that the convention tagged, ‘The Homecoming-Connecting the People, Protecting Our Heritage’ is packaged to be the best in the history of convention in the ancient town
‘’On behalf of the National Executive Council of the Egba National Association USA and Canada (ENA-USA/Canada, I am pleased to announce, our very first convention outside of USA/Canada. Our 10th Biennial Convention, tagged, ‘The Homecoming-Connecting the People: Protecting Our Heritage’, Yemitan stated
The chairman stated that the association comprise of twenty chapters across United States of America and Canada, adding that it strives to unite Egba sons and daughters all over the globe in support of one another and to rebuild and protect the heritage of hometown
He emphasized that the goal has always been to make Egbaland a better place through scholarships to students and community development, stressing that the landmark 10th anniversary convention marks decades of unity, service and cultural preservation in the diaspora
‘The homecoming is more than a, it is a call to reconnect with our roots strengthen the bonds that unite Egba sons and daughters across North America, and recommit ourselves to protecting and promoting our rich heritage for future generations’, he said
Yemitan stated that the convention will bring together Egba indigenes, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and friends of Egbaland from across United States of America, Canada and Nigeria for a weekend of cultural celebration, strategic dialogue on community development, youth empowerment and the sustainable progress of Egbaland
The association expressed appreciation to Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbdebo, and other royal fathers including Olu of Itori, Oba Fatai Akamo and Olu of Orile Imo, Oba Olwambe Sogaolu who were in attendance at the press conference
The body equally appreciated Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, as well as the key partners which include Wema Bank among others for their generous sponsorship
The Alake in his royal message commended the efforts of Egba National Association (ENA) in bringing the convention to the homestead, pointing that the decision has reduced the burden of their kinsmen travelling abroad to be part of the ceremony
The first-class traditional ruler expressed optimism towards the success of the convention with assurance that he would be physically present at the ceremony.