- Former National Egba Progressive Association Chairman, Architect Fela Yemitan, says the annual picnic strengthens family unity and community ties among Egba indigenous in the diaspora.
- Yemitan commends members of the Eko Club for supporting the event, describing their presence as a symbol of friendship and collaboration within the Nigerian community.
- He urges parents to encourage children and grandchildren to participate in community activities and preserve the values of neighbourhood, culture and unity.
The Egba Progressive Association (EPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, family values and community development through its 2026 Family and Friends Summer Picnic, bringing together members, children and friends in Houston, Texas.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the annual gathering, held on Saturday, July 11, at George Bush Park, Pavilion 3, attracted Egba indigenes, their families and members of the Eko Club, who joined the celebration in a show of friendship and solidarity.
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Speaking in an interview with Eko Hot Blog Publisher, Otunba TJ Abass, the former President of the Egba Progressive Association and current Chairman of the National Egba Progressive Association, Architect Fela Yemitan, described the event as more than just a social outing.
According to him, the picnic serves as an opportunity for families to come together, celebrate one another and strengthen the bonds that hold the Egba community together, even while living outside Nigeria.
“It is always a great moment like this that makes us gather as families and rejoice,” Yemitan said.
He explained that the association remains committed to creating platforms where members can interact beyond meetings and formal engagements while building lasting relationships among families.
Yemitan also expressed appreciation to members of the Eko Club, who attended the event and supported the association’s efforts.
“We are lucky and honoured with the presence of Eko Club members who joined us at the picnic, and we truly appreciate the gesture,” he said.
“They have always been kind and warm.”
He noted that such partnerships among Nigerian cultural organisations abroad help strengthen relationships, preserve shared values and encourage collaboration for the benefit of their communities.
Beyond the fun and recreation, Yemitan stressed the importance of involving younger generations in community activities.
He said parents and elders have a responsibility to encourage their children and grandchildren to participate actively in cultural and community organisations so they can appreciate their heritage and contribute meaningfully in the future.
“Let us continue to organise these kinds of activities so we can uplift ourselves and enrich our communities in different ways,” he said.
“We need to encourage the youth, our children and grandchildren, to be part of our communities.”
Yemitan added that Nigerians living abroad should never lose sight of the values that define their communities back home.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong sense of neighbourhood, unity and mutual support, saying these principles have always been part of Nigerian culture and should be passed on to future generations.
The 2026 EPA Family and Friends Summer Picnic featured outdoor games, recreational activities, food, music and networking among families, providing an atmosphere where adults and children alike interacted freely while celebrating their shared Egba heritage.
The event reflected the association’s continued efforts to preserve culture, strengthen family ties and promote community engagement among Nigerians in the diaspora.
