by crossriverwatch admin
The 5th Convention of Yakurr nation for sons and daughters of the largest indigenous community in Africa living in North America begins from July 11-13, 2014 in Lanham, Maryland, USA.
In a statement from the Convention Secretariat, made available to CrossRiverWatch, the event themed: “Engaging the Diaspora in Yakurr Development”, will seek to advance collaboration, effectiveness, and innovation in the effort of Yakurr sons and daughters in Diaspora to address their common challenges and move Yakurr nation towards a more progressive future.
“The Yakurr community in North America has made enormous contributions to economic development in Nigeria through remittances. World Bank studies have shown that effective coordination of Diaspora communities can play a large role in capacity development by facilitating opportunities for job creation and income generation. Equally important is that Diaspora communities contribute the fundamental knowledge base for critical interventions in health and education, all of which contribute in transforming the pace of social and economic progress.
“The fifth Convention of Yakurr in Diaspora North America seeks to advance collaboration, effectiveness, and innovation in our effort to address our common challenges and move us toward a more progressive future. This year’s convention promises to be our most ambitious and exciting program ever that will provide an unprecedented opportunity to raise the image and potential of our people but ultimately challenge us to engage with creativity in the complex task of creating a progressive and prosperous organization. We are united by the spirit of oneness, the courage to speak and act against underdevelopment, in constructive ways, and to contribute in raising the development profile of Yakurr nation.
“Thus, this year’s convention will be dedicated to the creation and support of programs that address underdevelopment, including but not limited to, health, education and peace. At the heart of this convention is the willingness to turn challenges into opportunity and ideas into action. We seek to repudiate internalized hatred, and hope to support efforts to curtail conflict that divide our community, while also promoting prospects for cooperation among all persons indigenous to Yakurr nation and resident at home and in the Diaspora.
“Mindful of our demographic advantage, enriched by our diversity of experience and social capital, we commit ourselves to a progressive agenda for Yakurr development. Thus this year’s convention provides an opportunity to turn our dream into actions that would raise the profile of Yakurr in Diaspora North America.” The statement said.
The statement said further that at the end of the gathering, the Convention will articulate a Statement of Action that affirms the collective voices and commitment of Yakurr sons and daughters in North America to the implementation of the most important agreements and proposals emerging from the convention, in a collaborative manner.
“The conference also intends to advocate vigorously for actions that move our community toward a united, peaceful and healthy society while also raising the image of Yakurr in Diaspora North America.” The state concluded.
Topics and Speakers at the event include:
• Obin women and development: Lessons for Yakurr in Diaspora – Mrs. Beatrice Eko
• How do we preserve our cultural identity? – Mr. Godfrey Ofem
• Onun Eteng’s leadership example: Lessons for Yakurr in Diaspora – Prof. Godwin Ifere
• How do we promote peace and unity in the diaspora? – Charles Okoi
• Advice for dental health – Dr. Melissa Ewa, MD.
• Presentation of financial statement – Mr. Festus Ettah
• What is Development? Setting the agenda for collective progress – Obasesam Okoi
• Why should we intervene in Yakurr development? – Prof. Okoi Eduson
• What is our main development priority in Yakurr – And why? – Peter Ubi
• Where do we raise funds to implement our development proposal(s)? – Prof. Francis Eko
• Who will volunteer in implementing our development proposal? – Festus Ettah
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