By Ehichioya Ezomon
As part of the 2025 Easter Celebrations of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ this weekend, all roads lead to Idumabi Community in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo Central of Edo State, Nigeria, for the annual Easter Convention on the platform of Idumabi Development Association (IDA) Worldwide.
IDA is the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registered Trustee for the community.
With the expected attendance of Idumabi sons and daughters from within and outside Nigeria, the convention, which holds every Easter season, is a period for socialising and get-together, to take stock and discuss issues affecting the community.
Topmost on the agenda are the welfare of the people, and self-help and self-finance developments that have been the bedrock of the community; while also exploring avenues to attract government’s intervention for the provision of basic amenities.
The convention also offers an opportunity for the recognition of worthy sons and daughters, and outsiders, who have, over the years, contributed immensely to the development of the community.
This year’s convention on Sunday, April 20, 2025, is unique in the sense that the last one took place in 2021, with subsequent conventions shuttered due to the lingering economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic, and demise of several community people, thus necessitating postponement of the gatherings as a mark of last respects to the beloved departed.
The convention proper will be preceded by a grand reunion party on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Community Square, featuring a Live Band, and other side attractions, and a sumptuous entertainment of varying cuisines, the flagship being “pounded yam (iyan) and ohiele (ogbono)/ikpekpan (egusi)/edin (banga) soups,” for which Esan people of Esanland are famous and renowned globally. So, as they say in local parlance, “Rice and Stew Very Plenty (RSVP).”
Notably, this convention is powered by the Idumabi Development Forum (IDF), a miniature body within the larger association, formed to conceive fresh ideas, and add impetus and drive to whatever developmental plans are earmarked for implementation in the community.
The Forum, inaugurated on November 20, 2024, has members drawn from an array of diverse professions and backgrounds; and they are in charge of organising the convention, so as to attain a seamless and successful outing befitting, and adequately compensating for the few lost years.
Days to the convention, the organisers, who have been coordinating activities via weekly Zoom meetings with those on ground in the community, say they are ready and good to go, with the planning, protocol, logistics and catering departments working in tandem for a memorable and an unforgettable occasion.
For the safe arrival and departure of all attendees to the convention, a full-month Mass has been booked with the community-based Catholic Church, covering pre, during and post the convention periods.
To our sons and daughters, who are coming home for the first time, or after a long absence, and guests and well-wishers, who may not be aware, Idumabi Community is host to the first cutting-edge private institution of higher learning in Esan Central – the Mudiame University, Irrua (MUI).
Approved and established in 2021, the university is founded by Prof. Sunny Eromosele Eboh, the Managing Director of Mudiame International Limited, who is a strong pillar and an illustrious son of Idumabi Community. So, the university is a tourist destination of some sorts for the convention goers.
The National President of Idumabi Development Association Worldwide, who doubles as the chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Dr Godfrey I. Adudu, and the Committee Secretary and Vice Chairman of IDA, Lagos Branch, Mr Precious S.E. Idiake, welcome everyone to this year’s convention with open arms of joy, friendship and fellowship. Idumabi Oyee, Oyee! Esan Oyee, Oyee!! Bhabulu! Egbe fubhare!! God bless you all!!!
