The Board of Trustees Women's Health and Action Research Centre. Dr. Abel Guobadia, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, and Professor Friday Okonofua, the Executive Director of the Women's Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC), on behalf of the Board, Associates and Staff of the Centre, express their most profound appreciation and gratitude to Nigerians, corporate organizations and individuals, who attended the commissioning of its new ultra-modern Research Centre, and who contributed generously to the launching of WHARC's Endowment Fund on May 22, 2008. We were particularly honored and appreciative of the esteemed presence of His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, who was very ably and elegantly represented by the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Saudatu Usman Bungudu. We are also grateful to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Prof Oserheimen Osunbor who attended the event with his entire cabinet, and to the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who phoned all the way from Singapore on that day to commiserate with us on the memorable occasion. Our unquantifiable and eternal appreciation also goes to His Royal Majesty, Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin for the royal support and memorable gifts he showered on members of WHARC and its international visitors during the period. This was beyond our widest dreams, which testified eloquently to the immense adoration and love with which our Royal Father is held not only in Edo State but throughout the world. Oba to Kpere!, Ese! We are grateful to His Excellency, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Ambassador of Romania to Edo and Delta States for his support, and to Barrister Jude Nosagie, Proprietor of the Precious Palm Royal hotel, who chaired the ceremony. We are grateful to the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Dega for their kindness and support during the period. We are also eternally grateful to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor EAC Nwanze, Provost, Deans, Directors, members of Senate, senior Professors, staff and students of the University, and Chief Medical Director and staff of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for their overwhelming support throughout the ceremony. We thank the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Prof Bisi Balogun for his presence, and the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof Femi Balogun, who was represented by his Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof I C Eromosele. We also thank the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof A G Onokerhorhaye, and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Gregory Akenzua for their support during the period. We thank the representatives of the international donor Community and NGOs in Nigeria who graced the occasion, including Dr Adhiambo Odaga and Dr Babatunde Ahonsi of the Ford Foundation, Dr Kole Shettimma of the Macarthur Foundation, Dr Mairo Mandara of the Packard Foundation, Dr Diafuka Sailangita of Ventures Strategies for Health and Development (VSHD), and Mr. Mike Egboh of Pathfinder International. WHARC's mentor and founder, Dr Natalia Kanem traveled all the way from the United States along with her mother and entire family and a retinue of friends and associates (including Professor Leslie Davidson from Columbia University, USA and Professor N Barnes from the Harvard University Medical School, Boston, USA). We thank them all. We are grateful to all those who donated to WHARC's Endowment Fund during the period. For the records, these include the following:Omo N'Oba N'Ndo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, Oba of Benin, Hajia Saudatu Usman Bungudu, Prof Julius Okojie, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof EAC Nwanze, VC, UNIBEN, The Ford Foundation, Mr. Chris Dega, Barr. Jude Nosagie, Dr. Natalia Kanem, Prof AG Onokerhoraye, Prof. L. I. Ojogwu, Mr. Emmanuel Anyalior, Dr. N. P. Okolie, Prof. Efosa Oviasu, Prof. S. E. N. Okoh, Prof. O. Oviawe, Prof. S. O. Ogunniyi, Owan Women Empowerment Project (OWEP), Dr. C. A. Anyaeji, Mrs. M. A. Ogbe, Chief F. Ochonogor, Dr. (Mrs.) O. A. Audu, LAPO International, Prof. J. A. Aghenta, Pharm (Mrs.) R. A. Aghenta, Mrs. F. O. Guobadia, Prof. E. U. Emovon, Alive Project, Diamond Bank Plc, Sapele Road, Benin City, Mr. Adekunle Olalekan, Prof. F. E. Ogbimi, Prof. Charles O. Osula, Mr. Inedegbor, Dr. (Mrs.) B. N. Iloba, Engr. & Dr. (Mrs.) O. E. Alutu, Prof. C. Mokwenye, Mr. B. E. Osifo, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogonor, Dr. Chidi Nwafor, Prof. I. Evbuomwan, The Nigerian Observer Newspaper, Bank PHB Benin City, Intercontinental Bank Benin City, Elukhide Cultural Organization, Mrs. J. Esere, Fonwip President, Alhaji Ahmed Raji, Mr. Oluwole Osaze Uzzi, Prince Deji Soyebi, UBA Bank Plc UBTH Branch, Dr. Sonny E. Okojie, Rev. S. Udi, Providence Security, Mr. & Mrs. I. O. Guobadia, Dr (Mrs.) I. F. Omorodion, Prof. B. Fasubaa, Dr. & Dr.(Mrs.) Isi Ikhuoria, Mr. Ndubuisi Nwosu, Mr. Victor Olagbende, Barr. Abubakar Esq, Prof. E. K. Omogbai, Mrs. M Omogbai, Prof. & Dr.(Mrs.) Ofoegbu, Dr. (Mrs.) S. Chiemeke, Dr. G. O. Anoliefo, Prof. F. C. Okafor, Mrs. E. E. Egbagbe, Bedding Holdings Limited, Dr. L. Omo-Aghoja, Dr.(Mrs.) Ifeoma Nwoye, Mr. and Dr (Mrs.) R. Aviomoh, Dr. & Mrs. Akhoria, Prof. S. I. Ahonkhai, Prof. A. O. Aisien, Mr. A. Ogunrombi, Dr. & Mrs. K. A. Onyia, Dr. (Mrs.) Z. A. M. Nworgu, Dr. O. D. Nworgu, Prof. & Mrs. F. O. Edeko, Dr. Joseph Onakewhor, Mr. Pedro Amiefo, Emzor Chemist Ltd., Dr. W. A. I. Iguodala, Mr. S. O. Obeki, Mrs. R. Egbore, Prof. & Prof. (Mrs.) Imogie, Dr. H. I. J. Amadasun, HOD & Staff of Public Health Nursing UBTH, Prof. A. B. Ebeigbe, Emeritus Prof. JO Ayanru, Ms Leticia Thomas, Dr. Sylvester Ojobo, Dr. Moses Momoh, Mr. Y. Afonja, Prof. E. O. Oyelade, Prof. E. Oshio, Chief Onokpase, Dr. & Mrs. Okonofua, Prof. F. Ogisi, Prof. K. Echenim, Mr. O. V. Olagbende, Prof. I. C. Eromosele, Mr. Mike Egboh, Mr. J. H. Ihongbe, Prof. Bisi Balogun, Mrs. Iweka, Mr. Friday Akuetie, Rev. M. E. Adagbonyin, Chief B. Ogunloye, Mr. S. U. Itua, Akin Carpets, Hon. P. Adawue, Mr. Akporee Idenedo, Prof Henrietta. Barnes, Prof. L. O. Davidson, His Royal Highness, the Onogie of Ewu, Prof. & Dr. (Mrs.) U. J. Ikhatua, Prof. & Dr. (Mrs.) Eregie, Dr P. A. Umebese, Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Ogunleye, Dr. A. Guobadia, Dr. &, Dr. (Mrs.) Waziri Erameh, Hon. Friday Itulah, and Dr (Mrs.) Ogbe. We thank you for your donations, which we assure you will be used judiciously for promoting better health for Nigerian women. Donors to WHARC's Endowment Fund are welcome to write a cheque in the name of the Centre and forward to WHARC's Endowmentnt Officer, Km 11, Lagos Benin Express way, Igue-Iheya, Edo State or to lodge the funds in WHARC's Endowment Account No 1082010000732 at Diamond Bank, Sapele Road Branch, Benin City, Edo State Nigeria. All will be gratefully acknowledged in the forthcoming WHARC's Roll of Honor. WHARC ....... A non-profit, non-governmental organization promoting the health and social well being of women. TRUSTEES: Dr. Abel Guobadia (Chairman), Prof. Friday Okonofua, Chief (Mrs.) Christiana Fawole, Mrs. Marcelina Aisuebeogun, Lady Winifred Onyeonwu (FNLA, JP), Mrs. Amina Sambo, Prof. Obioma G. Nnaemeka

Former Senior Program Officer, Ford Foundation West Africa Office. The reception was held at the Women's Health and Action Research Center Benin City on October 11, 2008. The Women's Health and Action Research Center (WHARC) Benin City organised a grand reception in honour of Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi, a former Senior Program Officer, Ford Foundation, West Africa Office. The event took place on October 11 2008, at the premises of the new WHARC Ultra Modern Office Complex, Lagos /Benin Expressway Igue-Iheya Benin City. WHARC took the lead to organise this event to formally bid farewell to this great patriot as he recently retired from Ford Foundation. Dr. Ahonsi's period as Programme Officer witnessed some of the most phenomenal developments in grant making and Philanthropy in Nigeria, hence WHARC, deemed it appropriate to honour such a great Nigerian Dignitaries and Guest in attendance included Dr Abel Goubadia, (former INEC Chairman and Chairman Board of Trustees WHARC), Prof A.G. Onorkerhoraye (Former Vice Chancellor University of Benin) who was the Chairman of the event, Prof. F.E. Okonofua The Executive Director of WHARC, Executive Directors of Notable Non Governmental Organizations in Benin city, The University community, Government Officials, the Organised Private Sector, Corporate Organizations, Ahonsi's Community people, WHARC Board of trustees, Associates and Staff, the political class and well wishers. The high points of the event were tributes and speeches made by The Chairman of the event, invited Non Governmental Agencies, and The Executive Director of WHARC Prof. F.E Okonofua. There was a lot of wining and dining coupled with music and jokes supplied by an in house D.J, Benin Cultural Troupe, and a Comedian, Dr Laugh. Dr. Babatunde Ahonsi capped the programme with a thought provoking, response centred on development for the less privileged. The party came to its final end at about 4.00pm with guests singing for the special guest.

Editorial Professor F. E. Okonofua - Editor-in-chief Rita O. Ogogo (Mrs.) - Managing Editor BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Abel I Guobadia - Chairman Prof. F.E Okonoufa - Member Chief (Mrs.) Christian A. fawole - Member Mrs. Marcelina I Aisuebeogun - Member Lady Winifred Onyeonwu - Member Mrs. Amina Sambo - Member Dr. Obioma G. Nnaemeka - Member WHARC ASSOCIATES Prof. Cyril Mokwenye - Chairman Prof. S.M Ogbonmwan - Member Dr. (Mrs.) A.N.G. Alutu - Member Prof. (Mrs.) A. Imogie - Member Mrs. Josephine Ofeimun - Member Hon. Friday O. Itulah - Member Dr. Lawrence Omo-Aghoja - Member Dr. M.N. Okobia - Member Dr. Charles Imarengiaye - Member Dr. Osaretin Uzzi - Member Barr. (Mrs.) N. Aniekwu - Member Dr. P.E. Iribhogbe - Member Dr. Patrick O. Erah - Member Dr. Valentine Otoide - Member Dr. S. O. Shittu - Member Dr. S. J. Etuk - Member Mr. Charles Omoniade - Member Dr. (Mrs.) Vivian O. Omuemu - Member Dr. Casimir Omuemu - Member Mr. Nwosu Ndubuisi - Member Mrs. Victoria N. Mokwenye - Member WHARC STAFF Professor F. E Okonofua - Executive Director Professor Cyril Mokwenye - Deputy Executive Director Afolabi Hammed - Programme Officer Daramola Olukunle - Programme Officer Rita O. Ogogo - Personal Assistant to Executive Director Onwuka Rabi - Accountant Ohien Wariosa - Programme Officer James Bose - Marketing Officer Johnson Folake - Communication/Programme Officer Christiana Ukpong - Secretary to Executive Director Uwaifo Tracy - Assistant Editor, AJRH Enaike Esther - Assistant Editor, AJRH Anyaeji Antonia - System Engineer Orhue Eseosa - Programme Officer Agwu Mercy - Librarian Ekure Tracy - Account Officer Arasomwan Uyi - Personal Assistant Idonnugbe Priscilla - Support Staff Mcoliver Iyabo - Data Analyst Ogunmola O. Olajumoke - Receptionist Roseline Ajie - Caterer Rabiatu Garuba - Caterer Obi Helen - Volunteer WHARC CLINIC Professor F.E. Okonofua - Chief Medical Director Osakwe Joy - Secretary Omordia Vivian - Manton Guobadia Bose - Nurse Idiogbe Angela - Nurse Ugiabge Irene - Nurse Aghimien Julie - Nurse Olajumoke Osaro Idada - Laboratory Officer Ekwo Chioma - Laboratory Officer