The Association of Esan Professionals, on Sunday, restated its commitment to accelerate development efforts in Esanland.
Also, the association has stepped up plans to organise a groundbreaking fundraising initiative aimed at providing community projects and mobilising more support for educational and social interventions in Esanland (Edo Central) in July.
Speaking on the initiative, Chairman of the AEP Fundraising Committee, Emmanuel Ogbebor, said the planned fundraising event is not only a call to service but also a collective responsibility for all Esan professionals all over the world.
Ogbebor said AEP has consistently contributed to the development of the communities in Esan land, particularly in the education sector, adding that greater collaboration and stronger financial support were needed to expand its impact in the land.
He said, “The Association of Esan Professionals is committed to expediting action on the development of Esanland.
This is another opportunity for Esan professionals worldwide to put themselves forward to be counted.
”We thank members of the association for the job done so far over the years, and we are also using this opportunity to invite more people to join the group.”
Many Esan sons and daughters, he noted, may not be aware of the activities and achievements of AEP, adding that despite that, the body was committed to creating meaningful opportunities for growth and development across the region.
He added, “Esanland is great, and we also have great and wonderful people as Esan sons and daughters.
“As much as we believe they have been contributing their quota to the development of the communities one way or the other, I personally believe coming together will strengthen us more and boost the resources for continuous development.”
He called on professionals of Esan extraction, both at home and in the diaspora, not only to identify with the association but to also to contribute to projects that would positively impact younger generations and underserved communities in Esanland.
President of AEP, Dr Henry Egbiki, explained that the educational grant was part of the group’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at supporting indigent students and encouraging academic excellence among Esan youths.
Egbiki said that the beneficiaries of the programme received a grant worth N150,000 each, as no fewer than 50 students selected from the five Esan local government areas benefited.
The beneficiaries, he reiterated, were drawn from Esan Central, Esan South-East, Esan North-East, Esan West and Igueben Local Government Areas of Edo State, with 10 students selected from each council area.
Egbiki further explained that the grant was designed not only to ease the financial burden on students and their families but also to inspire young people in Esan land to pursue education and leadership opportunities.
In his words, “The association organised the programme to give back to Esanland, and the scholarship grant will be a yearly affair.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the Scholarship Screening Committee, Mr Judge Okoyo, commended the association for its consistency in community development and urged other socio-cultural and professional groups to emulate AEP’s example by investing in education and youth empowerment.
The committee chairman informed that this year, the association is targeting a total of 100 students of Esan extraction in universities across Nigeria.
According to him, each of the students is expected to receive N150,000 as a grant from the AEP.
In December 2025, AEP honoured the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo and 14 distinguished sons and daughters of the land who made outstanding contributions and sacrifices towards the growth and development of Esanland and its people.
The AEP boss had further explained that the move to reward the 15 men and women of Esanland was in keeping with AEP’s tradition of honouring excellence.
“We have chosen to recognise 15 outstanding sons and daughters of Esanland who have distinguished themselves through service, leadership, and commitment to our homeland. They are worthy sons, daughters, ambassadors and role models for present and future generations,” Egbiki said.
Recall that in 2025, AEP introduced an educational grant programme for Esan students in tertiary institutions across the country.
On security, the AEP said that it was committed to ensuring security in Esanland, as it purchased two new Bajaj motorcycles for the Esan Youth Awareness worldwide, a security outfit, at an event in Uromi, Edo State.
