To whom much is given, much is expected, so goes the old African saying. A critical look at the objectives of the Kwara State Association of Nigeria North America (KSANG) National, an umbrella association for the native Kwaran origin living in the United States of America will cause someone of a noble concern to ponder within himself if the old saying is worthy.

After attending the 10Th anniversary of the oldest chapter in the union in DC, one of our members who graced the occasion as a special guest of honor at the milestone celebration came home with awe and uttermost inspiration that quickly resulted in a mission to galvanize and find a way to bring together a group of well accomplished native Kwarans of good repute domicile in the Seattle area of Washington State.

The DC anniversary was a memorable event that was purposefully graced by a mix of public forums on issues that affect Kwarans in diaspora and the underprivileged common persons in our native Kwara It was a fundraiser event for the school of the handicap in Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara State of Nigeria.

The principal founder of the school Dr. Adepoju all the way from Nigeria was there, former governor of Kwara state, C.O Adebayo was in attendance, His Royal Highness, Elesie of Esie, Oba Y.A Babalola Egunjobi ll was there, Professor Ibrahim Gambari of the United nation was the Key note speaker, he spoke on the eminent and immeasurable altruistic values in giving back to one’s community and mother land. Other prominent indigenous business men and women from Kwara and U.S were in attendance as well. Several thousand of dollars was raised while the merriment of the gala night was filled with some cultural music of the fuji maestro, Alade-owo Ishola.

This 2004 Thanksgiving weekend event lingered on in the mind of Mr. Jude Rotimi, who started making phone calls to fellow friends in Seattle while on his way back to the Dulles Airport. The call that quickly resulted in the formation of a new regional chapter in Seattle metropolitan area of Washington State.

An email quickly followed upon arrival in Seattle with an invitation to convene and share a cup of Nunu and Fura- a popular yogurt beverage enjoyed by people of Kwara on a sunny day. That clarion meeting was held on December 20, 2003 at Mr.& Mrs. Rotimi’s residence for a couple of hours and without objection all the six families that were in attendance were in accord! With help from the national president of the umbrella body Mr. Mudashiru Yayah of DC chapter, national PRO, Mr Taiwo Salawu of Houston chapter and their counterpart, Mr. Samuel Fadipe, the Financial Secretary, Seattle chapter was formed and incorporated with Washington State Secretary of State as a non-profit organization within 5 months and since then the achievement of this young chapter has been remarkable.

On May 1st, 2004, (a week before Mothers Day celebration) , our By-laws was ratified and with passion, members were elected to positions amicably. All the positions were filled unanimously and unopposed. Mr. Jude Rotimi and Mr. Biodun Aina were president and vice respectively, while Mr. Abdul Abebefe was also elected to continue doing his scribe position as Secretary, a duty he had volunteered for and performed passionately during the formation phases. Mrs. Naomi Aina humbly took over the Assistant Secretary position, while Mr. Dapo Amosun became the Publicity Secretary due to his wide social and business influence in the Seattle area, a position which he rightfully used to helping us in fundraising efforts. Mrs. Grace Bamidele was dedicated with Treasury. Mr. Jimoh Adesoye a Certified Public Accountant assumed the position of Internal Auditor, his wife Mrs. Sherifat Adesoye was saddled with the Social Secretaryship position. Mrs. Rosemary Abebefe and Mrs. Bola Amosun infused the knowledge of event planning into the mix, while Mrs. Josephine Rotimi was elected as Financial Secretary. Mr. Daniel Bamidele was our Chief facilitator. Shortly after induction to the family of National body on May 30, 2004, other families in the region joined the founding members in moving the regional association forward.