Benin History & Research Centre in Diaspora

The Benin Kingdom is embarking on a journey of experience and revitalization. We invite you to participate in this immersive experience that highlights one of the world's most remarkable historical achievements: the innovative creation of one of the largest man-made earthworks in history, the Benin Moats, also known as "Iya" in the Edo language. Join us at the Benin Summit Group event to revive, reconnect, and collaborate with a community dedicated to sustainability and progress. Come discover the avenues through which you can contribute to lifelong sustainability and development. Become a part of “Revitalizing the Ancient Synergy of the Benin Kingdom.”   Zoom Link  Time: May 2, 2026  at 6:00 PM Nigerian time      https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84773601077?pwd=gZF2T6CNrNILZqaePz78Y0JODbpx7V.1  Meeting ID: 847 7360 1077    Passcode: 422664 

The Benin Summit Group in the Diaspora is excited to announce its inaugural global event, taking place via Zoom. We cordially invite everyone to join us for an engaging and insightful discussion centered around the rich history of the Benin Moats. This event will delve into the remarkable achievements of our ancestors and explore how they established a legacy of greatness that continues to influence us today. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate our heritage together!   Zoom Link  Time: May 2, 2026  at 6:00 PM Nigerian time      https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84773601077?pwd=gZF2T6CNrNILZqaePz78Y0JODbpx7V.1  Meeting ID: 847 7360 1077    Passcode: 422664 

On April 13, 2026, following the federal by-elections, the Liberal Party of Canada, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, secured a majority government with 174 seats. This significant achievement came after their success in three federal by-elections, as reported by CBC News and Global News. This marks a historic transition from a minority to a majority government during their term, influenced by a series of floor crossings by opposition members. The three new Members of Parliament (MPs) who won the by-elections and helped the Liberal Party achieve a majority are Tatiana Auguste, Danielle Martin, and Doly Begum. They joined the Liberal team in the House of Commons, contributing to the largest women's caucus in history.

It has come to our attention that individuals who are not of Benin heritage are currently laying claims on the Queen Idia Mask, also known as the Festac Mask in Nigeria, along with other significant cultural materials from our heritage. There are various types of Benin cultural objects circulating on the internet today. We strongly urge those without direct ancestral ties to the Benin Kingdom to refrain from making claims to our historical and cultural artifacts. It is an affront to our culture and our ancestors for outsiders to distort the rich history of our artifacts that embody the spirituality of the Benin people and their ancestors. 

  It has come to our attention that individuals who are not of Benin heritage are currently laying claims on the Queen Idia Mask, also known as the Festac Mask in Nigeria, along with other significant cultural materials from our heritage. There are various types of Benin cultural objects circulating on the internet today. We strongly urge those without direct ancestral ties to the Benin Kingdom to refrain from making claims to our historical and cultural artifacts. It is an affront to our culture and our ancestors for outsiders to distort the rich history of our artifacts that embody the spirituality of the Benin people and their ancestors. 

We are thrilled to announce our forthcoming 3-day Art Exhibition in Toronto, scheduled for April 9-11 at the Keele Community Hub. We are particularly excited to welcome one of our distinguished guests, Iryn Omorogiuwa, the Permanent Secretary of Edo State Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, who has traveled from Nigeria to join us for this event. Stay tuned for further updates! ~~~Nekpen Obasogie

Today, April 5th, 2026, I attended the Easter parade in downtown Toronto alongside Mayor Olivia Chow. I was accompanied by Iryn Omorogiuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy. It was an excellent day spent with the Mayor's team at the parade!

We had the privilege of meeting the Member of Provincial Parliament, Mohamed Firin, in York South-Weston, Toronto. This visit stemmed from our commitment to supporting vulnerable community members across the City of Toronto, particularly in addressing the challenges related to access to affordable housing. Advocating for these community members at the governmental level is important, especially through the lens of female leadership. Although there have been significant strides in the representation of women in politics over the past few decades, they continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles globally. In celebration of this year's International Women's Day, we encourage more women to participate in politics and civic engagement across Canada, urging their active involvement at all levels of government. - By Nekpen Obasogie

  On February 4th, 2026, I had the privilege of joining Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with notable political leaders and members of the Black community in Ottawa, to celebrate Black History Month. This year's theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations - From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries." It focuses on recognizing the contributions, leadership, and resilience of Black Canadians, while reflecting upon their past, present, and future. Among the esteemed guests were Hon. Jean Augustine, the first Black female Member of Parliament in Canada and a pivotal figure in establishing Black History Month in the country; Hon. Ahmed Hussen; Hon. Shafqat Ali; Hon. Marjorie Michel, Member of Parliament and Minister of Health of Canada; Greg Fergus, the first Black Speaker of the House of Commons; and many others. Click on the link below to watch the Prime Minister's speech on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch...

We have finalized the logo of the Edo Cultural Heritage Commission in North America. The launch is set for August 14, 2026, at Toronto City Hall. This is a tentative schedule; the date is subject to change.  The Heritage Commission aims to facilitate a range of programs and collaborative partnerships within the dynamic art sectors of Canada, the United States, and Nigeria. These efforts will promote cross-cultural exchange and enhance the cultural heritage of the Edo people worldwide. To support this initiative, please contact us: Website: edoheritagecommission.org  -  Email: edolanguageworldwide2023@gmail.com Stay tuned for our next program! ~ By Nekpen Obasogie

Our passion for Benin/Edo culture and art inspired us to establish the Edo Cultural Heritage Commission in North America. This significant initiative will facilitate a range of programs and collaborative partnerships within the dynamic art sectors of Canada, the United States, and Nigeria. These efforts will promote cross-cultural exchange and enhance the cultural heritage of Edo people worldwide. To support this initiative, please contact us: Website: edoheritagecommission.org  Email: edolanguageworldwide2023@gmail.com Stay tuned for our next program! ~ By Nekpen Obasogie

The Benin Summit Group (BSG), Committee for Diaspora Activities!  The Benin Summit Group Committee for Diaspora Activities is committed to uniting the descendants of Benin in the diaspora. Some of our key objectives include: 1. Represent the Benin Summit in international diaspora communities. 2. Establish and nurture relationships with diaspora groups, organizations, and individuals. 3. Promote the objectives and activities of the Benin Summit on a global scale. 4. Identify and mobilize various resources (financial, human, or technical) from diaspora communities. 5. Provide policy recommendations and insights from a diaspora perspective. 6. Act as a bridge between the Benin Summit and the diaspora communities, facilitating constructive dialogue and collaboration. 7. Engage actively with diaspora organizations and individuals. 8. Advocate for the interests of the Benin Summit and its stakeholders. 9.  Organize training sessions, workshops, or webinars to enhance diaspora engage...

I had the pleasure of attending the Christmas parade alongside the Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, and I met with Deputy Mayor Amber Morley on Saturday, December 6th, 2025. On Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, we participated in a community grant event in Etobicoke with the Mayor as well.