Earl Osaro Onaiwu’s Zeal to Unite His Kinsmen: A Historic Benin Unity Summit in Benin City By Al Humphrey Onyanabo
In an era where political and social divides often hinder collective progress, one man’s determination to foster unity among his people is taking center stage. Earl Osaro Onaiwu, fondly called “the King of Networking” in Nigeria, and the founding Director-General of the PDP Governors’ Forum, is once again deploying his vast influence and organizational skills. But this time, it is neither for politics nor for social acclaim—it is for the love of his roots.
For the first time in over sixty years, the Bini people are set to converge under one banner of unity, progress, and shared prosperity. Osaro Onaiwu is convening the Benin Unity Summit 2025, a historic gathering designed to bring together sons and daughters of the ancient Bini Kingdom from all walks of life, regardless of political leanings or personal affiliations. The summit will take place in Benin City on Friday, September 26, 2025.
A Dream Long in the Making
Osaro Onaiwu’s desire to unify the Bini people is not new. In 1998, ( as a storyteller I was present) he organized a landmark Bini Summit at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, where the revered Ishekure of Benin Kingdom, Chief Nosa Ishekure, delivered the keynote address. Two great Bini sons, Comrade Orobosa Omo Ojo a media guru and Prince Eghatise Eradiawa were also instrumental to putting the Lagos Summit together.
That initiative set the tone for his lifelong mission: to use his wide network and influence to uplift, empower, and spotlight Bini heritage and talent.
Over the years, Onaiwu has consistently deployed his connections across political, business, and cultural circles to support fellow Bini sons and daughters. He has hosted and promoted prominent figures from the kingdom, opening doors and creating platforms for their advancement.
The 2025 Benin Unity Summit
The forthcoming gathering, organized under the aegis of the Benin Summit Group, is already generating excitement across Nigeria and the diaspora. Reports indicate that Bini sons and daughters from Europe, America, and other parts of Africa have started arriving in Benin City in anticipation of the event.
The summit will not only celebrate the cultural heritage of the Bini Kingdom but will also chart a roadmap for its future—discussing opportunities for development, youth empowerment, economic expansion, and the strengthening of cultural institutions. Importantly, it will emphasize unity and progress “without rancor or bitterness,” in Onaiwu’s words.
A Legacy of Unity and Progress
Speaking ahead of the summit, Osaro Onaiwu expressed his deep passion for the cause:
> “It has always been my dream for the Bini people to stand strong and united. Our heritage is rich, our potential is boundless, and together we can build a stronger and more prosperous kingdom.”
As the date draws near, expectations are high that the Benin Summit 2025 will mark a turning point in the modern history of the kingdom. Much more than a conference, it is a call to unity, an invitation to heal divisions, and a rallying cry for a brighter, collective future.
