BCF -

Distinguished Members of the Benin Consultative Forum, Esteemed Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is with immense joy and profound gratitude that I welcome you all to this special gathering, hosted in my home, to celebrate not just the achievements of two illustrious sons of Benin but also the formal unveiling of the Benin Consultative Forum (BCF) —a platform envisioned to unite, inspire, and empower the Benin people.

Today, we stand on the threshold of history, celebrating the achievements of Hon. Samson Osagie, PhD, our Deputy President, recently appointed as the Honourable Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Edo State, and Professor Edoba Omoregie, our Secretary, who has been appointed as the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. These two outstanding individuals have exemplified excellence, dedication, and service—qualities that embody the very essence of the Benin spirit.

Hon. Samson Osagie’s appointment is a glimmer of hope for justice and fairness in Edo State. He brings with him a legacy of integrity and dedication, proving true the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” His stewardship will no doubt uphold the principles of justice, ensuring that the law serves as an instrument of equity and progress.

Similarly, the elevation of Professor Edoba Omoregie, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin is a testimony to his steadfast commitment to academia and the transformative power of education. Nelson Mandela aptly captured this when he said, “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.” Professor Omoregie’s leadership heralds an opportunity of intellectual growth and innovation for our people. Being an alumnus of the University of Benin, the new Vice Chancellor is keenly aware that his role is to bolster the ranking of the institution as a citadel of teaching, learning, and research. In this regard, we are confident that Prof. Omoregie will summon his skills and talent to rally stakeholders towards the sustenance of an enviable institution.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the unveiling of the “Benin Consultative Forum” today is a defining moment for the Benin people. The BCF is more than an organisation; it is a movement—a rallying cry for unity, empowerment, and collective progress. Our mission is simple but profound: to provide a platform for the expression of our shared identity, to empower the Benin people, and to promote our social, political, economic, and cultural causes. Our membership includes Benins at home and abroad, and for whom integrity, excellence, amity, and justice are irreducible values.

The Benin Consultative Forum is non-partisan. We are conscious, however, that there are a number of other associations whose objectives are either wholly or partly in sync with the goals and aspirations of BCF. We shall, therefore, reach out to our brothers and sisters across multiple platforms in order to synergize and actualize the greater Benin interest.

Our vision is to see a united Benin people, thriving in every sphere of life and contributing meaningfully to society. As the African proverb says, “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” Together, we are stronger, and together, we will build a future worthy of our ancestors' legacy.

The BCF is anchored on four core objectives:

• To celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Benin people.
• To inspire and groom future leaders who will champion our cause.
• To foster unity among Benins at home and abroad.
• To advance the social, economic, and educational interests of our people.

As we are gathered here today to champion the cause of Benin people, let us also remember the Benin proverb: “When the music changes, so does the dance.”Today, the music has indeed changed, and it is time for us to adapt our steps to the rhythm of progress and transformation.

The BCF’s action plan is clear and actionable. We will engage in initiatives to address disunity, promote the Benin story, and empower our people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive. Together, we will cultivate a new generation of leaders, rooted in our values and equipped to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Hon. Samson Osagie and Professor Edoba Omoregie, let us draw inspiration from their journeys. They remind us that greatness is within reach when we work hard, stay united, and remain committed to the common good.

Finally, I urge all of us to embrace the BCF as our collective home—a space where ideas are nurtured, bonds are strengthened, and our dreams for the Benin people are brought to life. Together, let us make the Benin Consultative Forum a force for unity, progress, and excellence.

Thank you for being part of this historic event. May the Benin people rise to greatness, now and always!
Dr. Solomon E. Arase, CFR, NPM, fdc, FCIArB
Inspector-General of Police (Rtd)