Benin History & Research Centre in Diaspora

Nekpen Obasogie received 6 awards and certificates in the month of August 2024 in Canada and Nigeria, as she hosts the annual Edo Language Day Worldwide event on August 10th & 13th, 2024. 

Community mobilizer, Nekpen Obasogie was offered the position of Health & Wellness Coordinator at  OISE Graduate Students' Association,  University of Toronto.  The appointment is a part of her commitment to give back to the school that has supported the development of Edo Language Day program in Toronto since it inception.   

Nekpen Obasogie 50th Birthday party in Toronto on August 9th & 10th, 2024 was culturally oriented with exclusive guests from the United States, cultural attire and performances. Stay tuned for the full coverage.

The 2024 Edo Language Day Worldwide program was successfully celebrated on August 10th and 13th, 2024. The event was hosted simultaneously in six locations worldwide, including Toronto, Auchi, Ososo, Okpella, and Ekpoma. In Toronto, the event was hosted at the University of Toronto in Partnership with OISE/University of Toronto. Some prominent Edo citizens in the United States such as Pa Eghianruwa Ọmọruyi, Lady Aghabiomon Ogbeiwi, Dr. Harris Enabulele, Dr. Alphonsus Obayuwana, Mr. Aghahowa Tunde Obazee, Prince Ephraim Odiakaosa Nwabuokei, Osadebamwen Oviasogie, Mrs. Adesuwa Joyce Osunde, Dr. Itohan Idumwonyi, Mrs. Rita Oviasogie, and others came to Toronto to grace the event on August 10th at the University of Toronto. Two Canadian politicians were in attendance. The First Black Female Member of Parliament in Canada,  Hon. Jean Augustine was honored with the Edo Cultural Award for her contribution to the development of Canada. Canadian Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), David Smit

Congratulatory letter from Councillor Nick Mantas ahead of the Edo Language Day Worldwide, August 10th, 2024 at OISE/University of Toronto! Everyone is invited to this historic preservation of Edo Indigenous language worldwide! Posted by Nekpen Obasogie, Global Coordinator, Edo Language Day Worldwide

The Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow and Minister (MPP) David Smith sent us letters of greetings ahead of the 2024 Edo Language Day Worldwide celebration! The event is scheduled to take place at OISE Auditorium/ University of Toronto in downtown Toronto  on August 10th, 2024 at 1:00 PM- 6:00 PM. Everyone is invited to experience the splendor of Edo cultural heritage!

Two days (July 19th & 20th, 2024) Art Exhibition in Etobicoke Civic Centre (Toronto). We display some of the most prominent Benin bronzes, portray of the artifacts that were looted by British troops from the palace of Benin in 1897 during British punitive expedition in Benin. All the bronze artifacts were made in Benin City, from the original bronze casters! The bronzes include the famous Idia Mask (the dark and gold colours), the portray of the Oba of Benin, the Queen Mother, Emotan and others.