The wheels that keep the Edo Community turning in diaspora are numerous. People who spend their time and resources organising events to unite the Edo Community and promote the great Benin culture often go unnoticed and unrewarded.
At the 2025 Igue Festival UK, The Odionwere Council of The United Kingdom & Ireland led by Pa Eng. Bernard Woghiren introduced the Community Champion Awards as a way of encouraging and appreciating those Edos who have greatly contributed to the Benin Community in the UK Diaspora.
The first 10 recipients of the Community Champion Awards from The Odionwere Council of the United Kingdom & Ireland are below:
Dr Charles Omorodion: President of Edo National UK, ex-president of Benin Union UK & current secretary of The Odionwere Council of The United Kingdom and Ireland from 2013-date. He is someone with a broad knowledge of how things are done culturally and contemporarily
Edwin Igue: Horniman museum convener of 66 Benin artefact return, Secretary of Odionwere council of United Kingdom & Ireland (2008-2012). Edwin is culturally sound, helps to perform the Igue festival and a Benin language elegant hosting champion.
Henry Aimiuhu: Current President of Benin Union UK. Past Secretary of Benin Union UK. Henry is known to use his money and resources to support Benin people and Benin events in the UK. He attends as well. Under his presidency of Benin Union UK, lifetime members of Benin Union UK have been recognised and Benin Union UK support for Edo unions in the UK have also increased.
Madam Asuen Obiaru: Helpful in the Odionwere Council formation and has stayed close ever since. She is the mother of the Benin community and a cultural force to be reckoned with. Very helpful.
Pastor Elder Monday Ibude: current president of Benin Voice UK, Chairman of the Igue festival UK planning committee. The concept of an Odionwere in the UK was birthed in his house. A cultural force in the Benin Community in the UK.
Lucky Ikhuero: Treasurer of the Odionwere Council. Lucky checks on the elders in our community and helps plan any meetings needed including organising the Igue festival UK every year.
Perpetua Emovon Idahor: A lifelong member of Benin Union, A strong reverend in the church and an even stronger promoter of Benin Culture.
Izevbokun Eniyoze: A Benin cultural ambassador who instigates a lot of Benin songs in the diaspora. A financial supporter to the core.
Harrison Aibangbee: Founder, Edo Development Aid UK Charity. Supports Edo physically challenged persons in Edo State, Support for Ora Community rebuilding fund Benin city, Provided Covid 19 support for the elderly in the UK and EDA Community Lottery in the United Kingdom.
Lace Iyobosa Iyamu: Founder, Edo Connect UK, provides media services for the Edo community in the UK diaspora. Anything you are looking for in the Edo Community, just call this man.
The 2025 Edo Community Champion Awards from The Odionwere Council of The United Kingdom & Ireland was presented by Mr Godfrey Osakhue.
Kind Regards
The Editor