On June 23rd 2007, the alumni of University of Benin resident in North America held a reunion at Hilton Hotel, University Place, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. The event which also marked the inauguration of Uniben Alumni Association North America (UBAANA) attracted alumni from all over United States, United Kingdom, Nigeria and Japan. In a reflection of pride and commitment, many alumni arrived in Charlotte days before the event to lend their support to the reunion planning committee and ensure a top notch celebration. Special guests included the Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin, Prof. E.A.C Nwanze and his wife, Barrister Victoria Nwanze. According to some alumni, the presence of the Vice-Chancellor brought back memories of their Uniben days and reinforced the desire to participate in uplifting the standards of their alma mater. The reunion planning committee comprising of mainly North Carolina based alumni incorporated formal sessions and recreational activities into the reunion which combined in an exceptional form and function and made the event a truly unique experience for all who attended. Pre-reunion activities started on Thursday, June 22nd with a visit to the University of North Carolina, Charlotte Campus. The visiting University of Benin Vice-Chancellor and some alumni met with the administrators of University of North Carolina, Charlotte campus (UNCC) on special invitation from UNCC. Topmost on the agenda was how to develop a working and mutually beneficial relationship between the two universities. On Friday, June 22, 2007, with the arrival of more alumni into Charlotte, Dr. and Mrs. Fidelis Edosonwan hosted alums to a lavish welcome party in. Courtesy invitation was extended to Nigerians living in the Charlotte area. Joy and laughter filled the air as old friends reunited under a relaxing atmosphere. 9:00 AM on Saturday, June 23rd, participants gathered for an alumni forum which saw the election of the Executive Members of Uniben Alumni Association North America (UBAANA). Participants later moved over to Reedy Creek Park, Charlotte for an alumni family picnic which was entertaining to say the least. The novelty soccer match between the male and female alumni took an unprecedented turn as the women kept scoring goals despite the efforts of the men’s goal keeper to keep things under control. Naturally, the defeated male side made excuses for their loss as the women celebrated their victory. The reunion banquet which was planned as the main event for the weekend started at 6: 00 PM with pre-dinner drinks and a slide show of pictures from Uniben days. The Vice-Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. E.A.C Nwanze delivered a special address to an attentive crowd and highlighted the challenges facing higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. The highlight of the evening was the inauguration of Uniben Alumni Association North America, swearing-in of the association’s newly elected Executive Council by the President of the Worldwide Uniben Alumni Association, Chief Richard Ahonaruogho. The declaration of June 23rd as Uniben Alumni Day by the county of Mecklenburg, North Carolina were moments that put the reunion experience beyond that of a social gathering of old friends. Mecklenburg County Commissioner, Hon. Norman Mitchell was on hand to present the Association the official declaration document. Chief James Ibori, ex-governor of Delta State was the Special Guest Speaker at the occasion. The rest of the evening was filled with good music, fine cuisine, rib-cracking jokes from Jude Onapkoma, a Uniben alumnus and professional stand-up comedian. Uniben reunion 2007 may have lasted one weekend but has paved the way to greater heights for the University of Benin and its alumni, as stories of the event will continue to inspire Uniben alumni all over the world.

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