The Conference of Non-Governmental Organization (CONGO) has Celebrated its 15th Years Anniversary,Annual General Meeting/Award ceremony and induction of new board members.
The annual event which attracted private and public partners , stakeholders and members of the body also featured the official induction of Board of Trustees and Advisory Board Members in Benin City.
Performing the oath taking ceremony, the Chief Judge of Edo State , Daniel Iyobosa Okungbuwa represented by Deputy Chief registrar, Edo State High Court, Barr Ihesnsekhien S.charged the inductees to uphold the rules of the association at all times.
Welcoming participants at the Opening ceremony of the two days event, President of CONGO, Dr. Bartholomew Okoudo expressed appreciation to members, stakeholders and government agencies that had contributed immensely to the 15 years growth of the body.over the years.
He said that despite challenges, his leadership has been able to sustain the mandate of CONGO without compromising or grandstanding with the government.
Dr. Okoudo stressed on the need for CSOs to continue on the struggle to sustain the developmental goals of the United Nation.
He however appreciated members of the association for their sacrifices in the struggle for a fair and just society and urges them to sustain the spirit.
Delivering a lecture on the theme:” Enhancing Civil Society Organization and Governmental Collaboration, Dr. Jude Obasanmi emphasized on the need to make impact and be relevant. CSOs should develop the habit of collaborating with government agencies and private institutions .
He said, CSOs should be able to outline with one or two out of the 17 developmental goals and make impacts in the state.
“CSOs are the drivers of any society through intellectual engagement and co-creation of policies , for this , CSOs must be ready to learn at all times to enable them advance the sustainable developmental goals “.
He however stressed that the era of grandstanding with government has gone, as it becomes imperative for all CSOs to learn how to engage in constructive criticism on the activities of government.
The ceremony had in attendance the Commissioner Of Police, Monday Agbonika, Commissioner humanitarian and poverty alleviation, Lady Grace Osakwe delivered their goodwill messages with emphasis on constructive criticism.
Board of Trustees
1. Dr Jude Obasanmi
2. Alhaji Nosakhare Igbinidu-
3. Prof Eddy Erhagbe
4. Very Fr Fidelis O. Arhedo
5. Hon Destiny Enabulele
6. Abiola Daisy Igaga
7. Comrade Innocent Ajayi
8. Rt Hon Harrison Izekor-
9. Ann Ojugo
10. Comrade Dr Bartholomew Okoudo
Advisory Board
1. Amb Patricia Otaigbe-
2. Comrade Deborah Erhahon Igudia
3. Dr Paul Oyarenua-
4. Apostle Dr Kehinde Osifo
5. Comrade Jeffery Emuakpor
6. Haija Aperua Aminat Yusuf
7. Louisa Eikhomu- Agbonkhese
High point of the event was presentation of Awards and induction of board members.