In 1999, under the leadership of President Lucky Imasuen, the members of the UNIC club made a conscious decision to reach out to our community in Edo state. This decision was a clear departure from the club’s vision of looking after each other’s welfare. It was a patriotic art and selfless service to benefit others who may be less fortunate in our community.

For starters, the club set up an implementation committee headed by Mr. Andrew Okungbowa to do a needs assessment and their report initiated the Project 2000.Through the concerted efforts of all members of the club, saddled with the responsibility to harness some of the resources in the Canadian community, a member Mr. Emmanuel Aigbedion connected the club to Mrs. Ngozi Ugor who led us to the Peel region who at the time were changing from manual hospital beds to electronic beds. We were able to collect over one hundred and forty hospital beds and sanitized rubberized mattresses, Intravenous stands, urinals, bedside table and kidney dishes. Others included, Sphygmomanometers, Thermometers, dressing forceps, bed covers etc., etc.

The club had a grand launching, supported by people from all works of life. Funds realized were used to transport the four forty foot containers to Nigeria care of the Edo State Government. Following the successful launching and transportation of the donation, the club represented by Elder Franklin Omoruna and Mr. Johnbull Osayande embarked on a project to Edo State Nigeria. Project executed included the total renovation and replacement of medical materials at the Children’s hospital located at the Specialist Hospital in Benin City. Left over materials not used at the hospital was distributed to other hospitals in the three senatorial districts in Edo State.
In 2002 at the Edo National Association convention held in Chicago, IL USA, the UNIC club received recognition from the Edo State Governor for the unprecedented humanitarian program aimed at helping the government for the betterment of the less fortunate people of Edo State, Nigeria.

In 2003, the club embarked on project 2000 phase II implemented by then President Franklin Omoruna who represented the club to establish a full water system including sinking a an industrial borehole and renovationand extension of the water system at the Children’s Hospital.

In 2007, the club again launched project 2000 phase III under the presidency of Elder David Imalele. The club collected eye care diagnostic equipment with the help of Franklin Omoruna and Dr. Victor Obasuyi. These equipment included, IOL lensometer, Slit lamp, Hand held Opthalmoscope, Examination chair, Phoroptor, and Tanometer were donated to Ovia North East local government of Edo State for use in the proposed local government eye care clinic. Ladies and gentle, It is indeed note worthy that many members were resolute throughout the life span and phases of Project 2000 that the bug of mediocrity was not allowed to becloud the sense of dedication and good judgment. It is highly motivating and in tandem with the true age- old spirit of to give is better than receiving.
Unic Club members stood up against complacency and raised the banner of hard work and setting high but attainable standards. All UNIC Club members volunteered their time rather than waste energy squabbling over trivial issues of which government agent is responsible for delivering the care of the common man in their communities. Despite some challenges, we have changed the narrative from a complacent club to global leaders in implementing essential program worthy of collaboration and partnership.
The President and members of UNIC Club sincerely thank all our donors who have participated in implementing the different phases of project 2000 aimed at providing the much desired development of our Edo State.

Contributed by Elder Franklin Omoruna
Past president 2002-2006
UNIC Club of Canada