We have a new president!

At the 2025 General Assembly, the re-election of the board was on the agenda.
Dipl.-Ing. Uwe Kraus, who had been president since 2009, did not run for re-election and retired into “HIFA retirement”.

The members present unanimously elected Dipl.-Ing. Festus Imarhiagbe as the new president. We are very grateful that Festus accepted the election. After the election, Uwe symbolically handed over the “baton” to his successor – an ornately decorated walking stick that should not only symbolically help him in his upcoming steps. In Nigeria, this stick is also a sign of authority.

The first “official act” of Festus was to thank the outgoing president and his wife Herta on behalf of the board. As a token of appreciation, he presented them with a gift basket and flowers from the board members.

“These are big shoes to fill. I hope to be a worthy successor.”

Moved, Festus accepted the walking stick and thanked everyone for the trust placed in him. He asked for support in his new tasks, as he feels the great responsibility.

Festus said:

“The people in Nigeria who know Uwe were always amazed: ‘Uwe can do everything.’ And Uwe always answered: ‘Many things – with God’s help.’
Dear Uwe, you have fulfilled this voluntary service with love, humility, diligence, and respect for people. I am grateful to God to have met you. You are a Superman – not a superhuman, but really a very special person.
HIFA will miss you, just as I miss you. We all shall miss you.
Stay healthy and enjoy your retirement.
Congratulations and thanks for a job well done!”