Community & deliberation
- Annual reports
- Financial policy, report, and budget
- State of the Community Address
OLICON Annual National Convention
Past EventRestoring Unity. Redefining Purpose. Embracing All.
The Annual National Convention brings together Liberian communities, leadership, delegates, invited guests, and supporters from across Nigeria for fellowship, deliberation, culture, and celebration.
- Event
- 9th Annual National Convention
- Milestone
- 10th Anniversary Celebration
- Dates
- 23–25 July 2026
- Location
- Abuja, Nigeria
Event information
The 2026 Annual National Convention at a glance
Documented details from the OLICON Convention Program Souvenir — presented for archival clarity and future edition updates.
9th Annual National Convention
Past Event- Event
- 9th Annual National Convention
- Milestone
- 10th Anniversary Celebration
- Dates
- 23–25 July 2026
- Location
- Abuja, Nigeria
- Venue
- Green Minds Hotels, Ekukinam Street, Utako, Abuja
- Theme
- “Restoring Unity, Redefining Purpose and Embracing All”
- Status
- Past Event
2026 Convention Theme
Restoring Unity. Redefining Purpose. Embracing All.
The National President describes the theme as a call that leaves everyone part of OLICON’s bigger picture — with none left behind. Leadership messages connect the theme to inclusion, renewed purpose, collective responsibility, and building a stronger community.
Theme as documented: “Restoring Unity, Redefining Purpose and Embracing All”
“Our diversity is our strength, but our unity is our power.”
“Unity is not merely an ideal — it is our chosen way forward.”
Why it matters
A national gathering that renews fellowship and direction
The Annual National Convention brings Liberian communities together to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, discuss community matters, celebrate achievement, preserve heritage, and look toward the future.
Bring Liberians together across Nigeria
Strengthen fellowship and shared purpose
Exchange ideas and discuss community matters
Celebrate service and achievement
Preserve culture and heritage
Build bridges, collaborate, and look ahead
A national gathering
Communities meeting as one
The 2026 welcome materials recognize the convention as a gathering that includes state chairpersons, regional coordinators, National Executive members, Board of Trustees members, patrons, delegates, friends of Liberia, and supporters.
- State chairpersons
- Regional coordinators
- National executive members
- Board of Trustees members
- Patrons
- Delegates
- Friends of Liberia
- Supporters
Attendance figures are not published in the source materials and are not estimated here.
The 2026 convention journey
Three days of gathering, learning, and celebration
A three-day program — Arrival Day through Day Two — as documented in the 2026 convention schedule.
- 1
Thursday, 23 July
Arrival Day
- Registration and accreditation of delegates
- Hotel/room allocation
- Arrival dinner
- 2
Friday, 24 July
Day One
- Opening of the convention, Liberian National Anthem, and invocation
- Welcome remarks
- Digital Literacy session
- Children Quizzing
- Educative Talk
- Annual National Convention minutes and reports
- Gender/Social Welfare report
- Financial policy, report, and budget
- Talent Show
- President’s State of the Community Address
- Music, dance, and drama
- 3
Saturday, 25 July
Day Two
- Liberian music and arrival of participants and invited guests
- Liberia and Nigeria national anthems and invocation
- Welcome address
- Cultural performances
- County exhibitions
- Goodwill messages
- OLICON National Awards
- Convention cake cutting and fundraising
- Spoken word
- Keynote address
- Free-style performance
- Vote of thanks and benediction
Program experience
What filled the convention days
Rather than a raw timetable dump, here is the 2026 program organized by experience — using only activities documented in the souvenir.
Learning
- Digital Literacy
- Educative Talk
- Children Quizzing
Culture
- Liberian music
- Cultural performances
- County exhibitions
- Music, dance, and drama
- Spoken word
Recognition
- OLICON National Awards
- Life Time Achievers Award
Celebration
- Talent Show
- Convention cake cutting
- Free-style performance
Dialogue & vision
- Keynote address
- Goodwill messages
- Community discussions
Learning at the convention
More than celebration — a place to learn
Day One of the 2026 program included Digital Literacy (presented by Funmi Alabi), Children Quizzing, and an Educative Talk — creating space for knowledge sharing and children’s participation within the national gathering.
Day One learning
Digital Literacy
Presented by Funmi Alabi on Day One
Day One learning
Children Quizzing
Young participants in knowledge sharing
Day One learning
Educative Talk
Learning within the national gathering
Children & county exhibitions
Young people as participants
Day Two featured County Exhibitions — Liberian children representing their counties. The National President also described children giving a brief historical perspective from home. These moments show young people participating in heritage, learning, and cultural continuity — not remaining spectators.
- Heritage
- Youth participation
- Learning
- County identity
- Cultural continuity
- Intergenerational connection
Culture & heritage
Culture as celebration and connection
The 2026 program featured Liberian music, cultural performances, county exhibitions, music, dance, and drama. Goodwill messages also describe music, dance, food, language, storytelling, fashion, and cuisine as expressions of Liberian heritage.
- Music
- Dance
- Drama
- County exhibitions
- Storytelling
- Fashion
- Food
Awards & recognition
Honouring service and achievement
The National President announced that ten men and women would receive the prestigious OLICON Highest Award and Life Time Achievers Award, with three awards given posthumously. Day Two included the Presentation of OLICON National Awards.
OLICON Highest Award
Recognizing distinguished service and contribution to Liberian community life in Nigeria.
Life Time Achievers Award
Honoring enduring dedication — including awards given posthumously, as announced by the National President.
Day Two of the program included the Presentation of OLICON National Awards. Selected honoree profiles from the souvenir appear below.
Honoree stories
Those recognized at the 2026 convention
Concise profiles from the National Award section of the souvenir. Regional labels follow the document’s own organization where provided.
Eastern Region
Mother Danlette Bedell Okafor
Recognized for decades of humanitarian commitment, supporting Liberian refugees in Enugu, and helping establish the first organized Liberian community there in the early 1990s.
Read Their Story
Recognized for decades of humanitarian commitment, supporting Liberian refugees in Enugu, and helping establish the first organized Liberian community there in the early 1990s. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
Northern Region
Pa. Mohammed Kengo
Described as the first leader of the Liberian community in his area — a role he continued for many years until that community became part of OLICON, and beyond.
Read Their Story
Described as the first leader of the Liberian community in his area — a role he continued for many years until that community became part of OLICON, and beyond. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
South-South Region
Mother Martha Ophelia Momoh
Honored as a community matriarch with a long history of Liberian association leadership and care for children and community life.
Read Their Story
Honored as a community matriarch with a long history of Liberian association leadership and care for children and community life. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
Western Region
Pa. Victor Gikpamu Ijeh Weah
Recognized as a founding member of OLICON and Senior Advisor of the Lagos State Chapter, with a legacy of community leadership and service.
Read Their Story
Recognized as a founding member of OLICON and Senior Advisor of the Lagos State Chapter, with a legacy of community leadership and service. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
Western Region
Apostle Jackson B. C. Tugbeh
Honored for decades of missionary and refugee support work in Nigeria, including founding Liberian Refugees Gospel Invasion in 1990.
Read Their Story
Honored for decades of missionary and refugee support work in Nigeria, including founding Liberian Refugees Gospel Invasion in 1990. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
Other
Mother Beatrice N. Sherman
Recognized for service as Counselor/Consul with the Liberian Mission in Abuja and coordination with Liberian communities in Nigeria.
Read Their Story
Recognized for service as Counselor/Consul with the Liberian Mission in Abuja and coordination with Liberian communities in Nigeria. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
Other
Deacon Stephen Y.T. Ampey
Patron Emeritus; recognized for business leadership, philanthropy, and platforms that expand access for others across business, sport, and faith.
Read Their Story
Patron Emeritus; recognized for business leadership, philanthropy, and platforms that expand access for others across business, sport, and faith. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
Other
High Chief Mrs. Tina Waripamoere Keme
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; former Chairwoman of Rivers State who describes a life of community service, hospitality, and conflict resolution.
Read Their Story
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; former Chairwoman of Rivers State who describes a life of community service, hospitality, and conflict resolution. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
Other
PosthumousDr. Omar Abdallah Dukuly
Remembered as an educator and community mentor in Nigeria whose academic service and leadership left a lasting legacy.
Read Their Story
Remembered as an educator and community mentor in Nigeria whose academic service and leadership left a lasting legacy. Recognized posthumously among the Life Time Achievers Award recipients announced for the 2026 convention.
Other
PosthumousMr. Prince N. Davis
Former National Religious Officer
Remembered for dedicated service to OLICON and Liberian welfare — described as always first to respond when people were in need.
Read Their Story
Remembered for dedicated service to OLICON and Liberian welfare — described as always first to respond when people were in need. Recognized posthumously among the Life Time Achievers Award recipients announced for the 2026 convention.
Other
Lawrence Sundayboy Chea
Former Acting President, OLICON
Former Acting President of OLICON; recognized in the souvenir for service and continued commitment to the community.
Read Their Story
Former Acting President of OLICON; recognized in the souvenir for service and continued commitment to the community. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
Other
Mr. Paye Kaye Pouh
Lifetime Achievement Award · Chairman, Ogun Chapter
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; Chairman of the Ogun Chapter who expresses gratitude for recognition and commitment to continue serving alongside OLICON leadership.
Read Their Story
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; Chairman of the Ogun Chapter who expresses gratitude for recognition and commitment to continue serving alongside OLICON leadership. Profile summary drawn from the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir honoree section.
Keynote
Featured address
Keynote address
H. E. Amb. John Akel Ballout
Ambassador of Liberia to the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Scheduled for 3:00–3:30 PM on Saturday, 25 July 2026, as documented in the convention program.
The full keynote text is not reproduced on this page.
Goodwill messages
Voices of support
Selected short excerpts from official goodwill messages published in the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir.
Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa
Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy
“This event reminds us that culture is the strongest bridge between peoples… Diaspora communities work, build business, raise families, and contribute to Nigeria’s development while keeping Liberian heritage alive.”
Read Message
Full messages remain in the convention souvenir. This page shares only a brief excerpt for context and archival reference.
Emeka Cliff Nzeruem
Managing Director, Hotel Ibis Royale Lagos
“OLICON continues to play an important role in fostering unity, promoting fellowship, and preserving shared values — and the convention is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships and exchange ideas.”
Read Message
Full messages remain in the convention souvenir. This page shares only a brief excerpt for context and archival reference.
Presidential message
A decade marked — and a community looking forward
National President Rev. J. Francis Bonwein James welcomes the 10th Anniversary and 9th Annual Convention by recalling OLICON’s journey of fellowship, resilience, and service. He frames the theme as a call that includes everyone, celebrates Liberian heritage, and invites attendees to learn, build bridges, make new friends, collaborate, and enjoy the experience.
The National President welcomes OLICON’s tenth anniversary and ninth Annual Convention as a milestone of fellowship, resilience, and service. He frames the theme — Restoring Unity, Redefining Purpose and Embracing All — as a call that leaves no one behind, celebrates Liberian heritage, and invites attendees to learn, build bridges, make new friends, collaborate, and enjoy the experience.
This is an editorial summary only. The complete welcome message appears in the 2026 Convention Program Souvenir.
10th Anniversary
10
Years of community, service & fellowship
The 2026 convention marks a decade of OLICON as a national organization — a milestone of dedication, resilience, and shared growth celebrated in Abuja.
Convention & OLICON’s history
A recurring moment of reflection
The National President’s welcome recalls that approximately a decade earlier, three Liberian men worked to unite Liberian groups scattered around Nigeria — leading to what is now OLICON. The Annual Convention remains one of the moments where the organization reflects on that journey and looks ahead.
Unity & community
Restoring unity as our chosen way forward
Across presidential, trustee, and chapter messages, the 2026 convention returns to unity, inclusion, collective responsibility, and a community where members feel valued, seen, and included.
“Our diversity is our strength, but our unity is our power.”
Dr. Wede Wallace Edherue — Chairperson, Abuja Chapter · Board of Trustees
Convention photography
Moments from OLICON gatherings
Selected authentic OLICON imagery reflecting fellowship, leadership, culture, and community life. Captions remain general where specific convention photo metadata is not available.
Local Organizing Committee
Those who helped gather the convention
The 2026 materials identify Dr. (Mrs.) Wede Wallace Edherue as Chairlady of the Local Organizing Committee. Additional LOC members named in the souvenir include:
Dr. (Mrs.) Wede Wallace Edherue
Chairlady, Local Organizing Committee
Mr. Sylvester Kamara
Head of Logistics
Madam Jerrilyn Mulbah
Head of Catering
Abubakar S. Kanneh
Secretary
Evelyn Harding Afa
Event Coordinator
Dave Massaquoi
Financial Secretary
Precious Diamu Williams
Member
Daoda Kanneh
Member
Carolyn Nyono Blamo
Member
Morris Sasay
Hotel Reservation Coordinator
Support OLICON
Fundraising was part of the celebration
Day Two of the 2026 program included Cutting of Convention Cake / Fund Raising. Support for OLICON’s community work continues beyond the convention.
Future conventions
A gathering that continues
This page is structured to present the documented 2026 convention as a past edition — and to welcome future Annual National Conventions as they are announced, with program, speakers, venue, and highlights updated over time.
Past
Highlights & archive
9th Annual National Convention (23–25 July 2026) is presented on this page.
Current
Program & venue
No current convention is configured. Update the content model when the next gathering is underway.
Upcoming
Registration & details
Future Annual National Conventions will be announced here with dates, venue, and registration when available.
One gathering. One community. One shared future.
Explore the history, purpose, and community work that the Annual Convention brings together each year.