The constant drum beat, persistent and indefatigable efforts of the Baltimore-Washington Branch and NEC to make the upcoming convention extraordinary, cannot go unnoticed. Since the last time the branch hosted a convention, it became a flash point, the ground zero or point of reference for the splintering, contention and some disaffection among certain members and groups. Time they say heals all wounds.
The present slate of National Officers and leadership at Baltimore-Washington Branch deserve immense commendation, and NEC should be returned for another term to consolidate the gains made thus far, but more importantly, there are invariably difficult challenges on the horizon which include inter alia:
1) Restoration of faith and confidence on the integrity and agenda of a unified association and its officers by all members and groups regardless of their nomenclature or inclinations. We need to have a financially >clean’ convention ie transparent accountability and assurance that all proceeds except cost reimbursement to the Host Branch and National and minimal overhead must go for designated projects at home, with appropriate financial and administrative controls and oversight.
2) The recent geopolitical schism (so called mgbago- mgbada controversy or dichotomy) which appears to be devolving into a constitutional crisis. We not only need to support the Igwe but more importantly impress on those leaders, we can influence at home that, he is not only the right man for the job at this time, but there is an opportunity to elevate the town=s Kingship at State and Federal levels. For the records, back in the early days of British colonial rule in Nigeria, the colonial rulers summoned a meeting of all major Northern and Southern traditional rulers from the entire Protectorate of Nigeria. Four chiefs come from the then Eastern protectorate of Nigeria, among them was Obi Okosi I of Onitsha, his entourage to the meeting held in Lagos included our Igwe Okafor Ugwumba. Not since the Kingship of Ugwumba has the town had a ruler with such external reach and rounded qualities as the current Igwe. On his part the Igwe needs to be more pragmatic and flexible and needs to be seen as caring as much for all and not some sections of the town as is being alleged. We would like to use opportunity of the convention to caucus with him.
3) Development projects in the town. The focus of this year=s convention I understand is the continued rehabilitation and improvement of the Community Secondary School, which appears to be in a state of disrepair and barely functional structurally and academically. Isn=t it ironic that over 100 years, since the pioneer class of 1905, which some of our fathers and grandfathers were members, the town is still talking about one indigenous secondary school. As Patrick Achebe noted in an earlier brilliant and provocative write up, the town produced many early educators and academics many of whom selflessly gave back to the community. We should be talking about expanding the community secondary school to a more accessible location and adding technical and vocational skill training in such trade areas as, refrigeration, masonry, carpentry, computer, welding, auto and equipment mechanics, electric repairs and so on, to the school curriculum. In this way young men and women of the town and surrounding areas can have i mmediate employable skills upon graduation, and not automatically go into business after their primary or secondary school education. There are several NGOs in the United States that run or assist those type of programs either with USAID funds or with in country government funds.
4) Healthcare is critically important to the survival and prosperity of a community and its people. I was shocked when I visited home in 2006 to see a dilapidated A HEALTH POST@ in an annex to Abidi Village Hall. The Post which seems to be the only one in the town had a nurse attendant, little or no medical supplies, unsanitary conditions, unplastered floors and walls, and so on. Upon my return to the States, I decided to do something about it and got in touch with some groups I know that does medical missions to Sub Saharan Africa with the help of some pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers. The plan was to have a mission at the four major quarters of our town in two days. Because their itinerary is scheduled years in advance they could not go immediately but provided some drugs. With funds raised at a New York fund raising event and personal contribution, medical equipments such as diabetes kits, blood pressure monitoring kits and medications, maximum strength, ibuprofen, and so on were procured. The Health Post was renovated and equipped new medical and office furniture and equipment. Three great Umuoji doctors with a team of local nurses volunteered and the rest of the Community Health Day Event was a great success, (see two hour video/DVD) documentary to be available at the Convention. (Event pictures are attached to this email).
The point here is that it would not take a lot from us here in the U.S. to impact greatly and improve the lives and welfare of poor ordinary folks at home and at the same time help build a healthy and prosperous generation after us.
The upcoming Convention offers an opportunity to coalesce ideas and prioritize projects and begin implementation on a timely fashion, so as to obviate the need for some groups or individuals to go it alone. We all want the best for the town.
Eugene Ogbogu Agbimson
Abidi
Presentation of Kola nut by the School and PTA
Blessing of the Kola nut
