convention center

ABONNEMA FOUNDATION CENTER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 2015

The Abonnema Foundation Center envisions a vibrant community of hope. The center will provide an attractive community asset that will enhance the quality of life for inhabitants through access to world-class health, social, cultural, and recreational facilities. Facilities shall include Medical Clinic, Foundation Center Offices, Auditorium, Convention Hall, Conference Rooms, Restaurant, Kitchen, Offices For Rent, Computer Resource Center/Media Center, Library, Swimming Pool, and Tennis Courts

Convention Summary

Chairman’s Address

With sincere gratitude to the almighty God, I welcome you to the 11th Annual Convention. I am extremely proud to be part of an organization such as ours that is made up of so many creative, hard-working and dedicated members. The annual convention gives us the opportunity to connect with other members, start new friendships and renew old ones while we support a vital philanthropic endeavor.

“It is my hope that during your stay, you will take time out to enjoy the city of Columbus.”

Columbus, Ohio, home of the Buckeyes is also the state capital and the largest city in the state of Ohio. The city is a port of entry and a major commercial, distribution, and cultural center and also the seat of The Ohio State University (established in1870); OSU is one of the largest university campuses in North America. Columbus has enjoyed steady growth over the years due to its economic diversity.

The annual convention is one of the Foundations “Strategic Plan” to foster unity and collaboration amongst Abonnema sons and daughters in the Americas and beyond.

The annual convention in the United States is the only platform for an international gathering of our community to brainstorm, form alliances and raise funds necessary to support the development of our community. My gratitude to all who selflessly supported the Foundation in the planning of the 2014 convention; especially, the Abonnema Foundation convention planning committee for all of their hard work.

“In harmony with AF stated vision, this year’s convention theme is “Enhance Community Development and Welfare in Abonnema”.

Through the stewardship of our competent Board of Directors, AF has initiated and completed a number of projects in our community since its founding, amongst them; Abonnema General Hospital rehabilitation, the design and installation of a “Welcome to Abonnema” sign at the Abonnema waterfront which has provided a much needed face lift, educational programs to prevent HIV/ AIDS, ongoing health and welfare campaigns and cash donation to the Abonnema general development fund.

While we are proud of our contributions to the Abonnema community thus far, we are also painfully aware that much has to be done to improve the lives of our people and foster economic development. To this end, AF will continue to be a catalyst for positive change and pledges to make a difference with a list of projects the Foundation plans to undertake in the future. Priority amongst them is the design and construction of Abonnema Foundation Center, when completed this first of its kind project in our community, will serve as our secretariat and will house a clinic, library, computer resource center, conference rooms, and auditorium. Additional leased office spaces will provide income stream to support ongoing operations of the foundation.

The foundation will begin a building fund campaign effective today. This campaign will not disrupt ongoing projects.

Abonnema Foundation’s capacity to serve our community is directly tied to its ability to secure, preserve and enhance its financial position. To ensure the Foundation continues to deliver its strategic project plans, I encourage you to join hands in partnership and give generously to the Foundation. Membership is open to all sons, daughters, and well-wishers of Abonnema community and you can fulfill your philanthropic goals through Abonnema Foundation. My gratitude to our many sponsors, the AF Board of Directors, and all the operating committees; your dedication, commitment, and service to our community continue to strengthen our unwavering desire to do more.

I personally look forward to the year ahead, have a very productive convention.

Dein Boyle
Chairman, Abonnema Foundation Board of Directors

Corporate Sponsors

The Board of Directors, Abonnema Foundation expresses their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all our corporate sponsors and partners. Your continued support reflects your desire to look towards the future and improve our community and your contribution is instrumental in enabling us to fulfill the foundation’s mission.

Our Patrons & Patronesses

Keith Sanders, Senior Executive VP & Chief HRO, Huntington National Bank

Keith Sanders is Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Huntington National Bank. In 2014, Sanders was named to Savoy Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America. In 2012, Sanders was named HR Executive of the Year by Columbus CEO magazine. He also received a Columbus Catalyst Award from Uptown Professionals and was named to Uptown Professionals list of 100 Top Executives.

Hon. Ibiyemi Durosinmi-Etti, VP, Swift Petrochemicals, Inc.

A Vice President of Swift Petrochemicals, Inc. She has a Bachelors Degree in Economics and French, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from North Eastern University, Boston, MA, United States as well as a Graduate Diploma in Banking from the American Institute of Banking. Her experience spans over 25 years cognate experience in Customer Service, Project Management, Treasury Management, Marketing and Sales. Her work experience includes a Senior Executive role as an Assistant Vice President in one of the major banks in Nigeria, West Africa.

Hon. Tunji Durosinmi-Etti, FCA, CEO, Swift Oil Limited

A graduate of the University of Ibadan and The City University, London where he obtained a B.SC and an M.SC respectively He commenced his career at Coopers and Lybrand He moved to the Apex Bank and rose to the Position of Assistant Director, Foreign Operations. He resigned from the Banking Sector after 17 years of meritorious service in 2001. Mr. Durosinmi -Etti established Swift Oil Limited in 2002. The company commenced business as an oil marketing company, however, Swift Oil is now a major player in the upstream and downstream sector.

Convention Photos