UIU-USA National President's Address

UIU-USA National President's Address

Fellow Umuoji Citizens:

On behalf of Umuoji Improvement Union, U.S.A, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the National Executive Committee, Branch Executive and the entire members of this organization for your staunch support, dedication and willingness to go the extra mile in building a solid foundation for our organization. Your intellectual and financial contribution has set the stage for implementation of projects and actualization of dreams.

July 4th and 5th, 2008 mark yet another golden opportunity for all Umuojians to come together to share the memories of the good old days while working together to make Umuoji a better place for us all. The 2008 UIU-USA National Convention, as previously announced by the able publicity secretary, will be hosted by the Atlanta Branch. The National Executive Committee is working very closely with Atlanta branch to ensure a peaceful, loving, and productive deliberation and fun packed gala-nite. The Atlanta Branch Chairman, Chief Chuma Okeke-Ekpe and his team have promised Umuojians a treat of a life time.

The goal of the 2008 Convention is to promote peace and unity among our people and to raise funds for implementation of Umuoji Boys High School Project. The task ahead of us is not an easy one. However, your willingness to participate and desire to make a difference remains a motivating factor in minds of many. In the near future, we shall call on all Umuojians in Diaspora and beyond for intellectual and financial support for the School project. Your generous donations will touch the lives of many children in Umuoji.

A unique and important component of this convention is the addition of children’s activity as a means of relationship building among our youth. All Umuojians are strongly advised to attend the convention as this will be a melting pot for all issues affecting our people – ranging from constitutional issues to simple matters affecting the smooth running of our association.

H.R.H Igwe Dr. Cyril Enweze, Ebube Igwulube Okodu, will be a special guest to this convention. His blessings will go a long way in promoting the peace and unification agenda which this administration takes to heart. At the 2007 National Convention, Igwe informed us that his first OFALA festival will be held in December 2008 as approved and scheduled by UIU Central Executive Committee, Umuoji. The festival has been tentatively scheduled for December 28th and 29th 2008 or 29th and 30th2008. All sons and daughters of Umuoji, families and friends are invited to this historic and culturally rich festival. Detailed information will be released by the publicity secretary in due course.


On March 31, 2008 this administration will complete the first six months in office. Within this short period, a lot of work has been done and progress has been made in different areas.

1) Peace and Unification Agenda has seen quite a bit of progress, climaxed by the addition of Umuojians in the Tri-State (NY/NJ/Connecticut) and Kansas City branches to UIU-USA. We understand there are other gaps to bridge and will continue to knock on doors until the day we all sing with one voice. Special thanks go to H.R.H. Igwe Dr. Cyril Enweze, Ebube Igwulube Okodu, for initiating and sponsoring the peace mission to Umuojians in the NY/NJ area. Worthy of mention is the special delegation comprising Late Dr. Michael Sunny Agina, Chief Godwin Oguchi, Chief Chuma Okeke-Ekpe and Dr. Fidelis Onyimba whose effort resulted in the successful integration. Thanks to all Umuojians in the New York – New Jersey areas for a very warm reception accorded the delegates.

2) Excellent accounting practice and procedure, evidenced by publications and statements of accounts from the finance department attest to the heightened attention to credibility and accountability. This administration maintains an open book policy and has positioned itself for future financial success.

3) The organization has seen significant improvement in the areas of communication and positive publicity with the provision of UIU-USA group e-mails and blog-site. The leadership realizes the power of effective communication. We have therefore embraced a result oriented vertical and horizontal approach to communication, minimizing to the extent possible, negativity and derogatory attacks that tear us apart.

4) Umuoji Boys High School Project remains a major high light of this administration. After thorough evaluation of the deplorable condition of the school, the national executive committee, at the teleconference held on March 9, 2008 approved the sum of $6000.00 for the first phase of this project. This will cover installation of front and back gates and erection of supporting wall and fence covering 25 partitions out of 325 partitions needed to cover the entire fence. This is a major land mark in the history of UIU-USA. Extensive feasibility study was done and quotations received from contractors. Viable financing and fund raising strategies are being explored to ensure the sustainability of this huge endeavor. Ground breaking construction work has been officially slated for commencement on or before April 5, 2008. Special thanks to the four man committee comprising Late Dr. Michael Sunny Agina, Engr. Cletus Okonkwo, Mr. Peter Azogini and Mr. Pius Okaneme. The committee worked tirelessly to provide a written recommendation which was ratified by the national executive committee.

5) Increased enrollment and renewed interest in the affairs of Umuoji Improvement Union have been seen. Rejuvenated and revitalized spirit of brotherhood among registered members and non-registered members alike speak to the resurgence of patriotism.

6) Insurance program for UIU-USA members is in its final stages. Though the insurance program remains optional, all members are strongly advised to take advantage of the program in the interest of our loved ones and our noble organization. There is an urgent need to embrace this program so we can free ourselves of the burden created by inevitable loss of a member. This can be a positive turn of events following the loss of our founding President.

Reflecting on progress made the out pouring of spirit of oneness shown by Umuojians far and near, over the death of Dr. Michael Sunny Agina stands out in our minds. The National Executive Committee and the Houston branch worked very hard to accord him funeral rites befitting of a fallen Hero. For that and many other reasons, I say thank you all for job well done.

7) The Tax exempt status of the organization is approaching final stages and pretty soon donors will be able to deduct donations from the IRS. Thanks to Mr. Frank Oligbo and Chief Chuma Okeke-Ekpe for their effort in this regard.

As the year progresses, the union will continue to focus on all cardinal objectives with emphasis on implementation of projects that impact daily life of Umuojians at home and abroad. The areas of interest include Education and Health programs. New committees will be formed to look into these programs to determine special needs and make recommendations to the national executive committee for further action.

In addition to Education and Health committees, the organization intends to create a Website committee to explore the development of a state of the art, full fledge, website. We are well endowed with human resources with respect to computer network systems and we will utilize all available information to get this program up and running in record time. Another committee of interest is Fund Raising Committee. This committee will be charged with the responsibility of developing, strategizing and master minding fund raising campaigns for our organization.

My beloved people of Umuoji, this administration has made a leap of faith. The relentless effort of the national executive committee, even in the face of adversity, has yielded unprecedented results. Though the task ahead of us is enormous, the tenacity shown by our officers and the genuine desire to surmount all obstacles on the way are good enough reasons to give them all the support needed to get the job done.

Restoration of unity, peace, love, dignity and trust to our organization remains top priority. I am therefore calling on all Umuojians in the Americas to rise above any differences, and come together as a people of one origin, common heritage and common goal. “United we Stand, divided we fall”

Long Live UIU-USA!!! Long Live UIU General!!!

May God Bless Us All.

Fidelis Onyimba, Pharm. D
National President, UIU-USA

A call to action - Dr Chuma Mbonu

Umuoji an embodiment of Greatness—A call to action

Fellow Umuojians,

It is that time of year once again. Some of our brothers and sisters have made great effort, strived, and sacrificed both time and money to ensure that our fatherland is not forgotten. The ultimate objective of this effort is partly to make certain that the social obligations which are expected of us, especially those of us in industrialized societies are not neglected. I will be highly disappointed, if it is not uppermost in the mind of any adult Umuojian to help his or her family, including extended relatives. We must think of ourselves as people who have been blessed with enormous opportunities some of which are truly golden. Think of your quality of life, in comparison to that of your relatives in Nigeria and judge for yourself. Fellow Umuojians, we are not in a position in which we have nothing to work with, we surely have the opportunities, capacities, talents, direction, mission, and some even have the calling. It is very unusual and borders on ingratitude that some of the Umuojians in the USA have never participated in any forum geared towards the social, educational, or economic development of Umuoji. Many of us still have families that wallow in abject poverty back home and are cognizance of the fact that the children of Umuoji for the most part do not have the required necessities for learning in our schools. We must extricate ourselves from thinking that our little contribution will make no difference. It does not matter how well we are doing, how rich or poor we think we are, or above all how small our contribution might be. It is most important that we make that contribution either in cash or in kind. We must therefore start by identifying with our brothers and sisters, facing the problems of our people, and having unconditional love for our fatherland. We might have our differences of opinion, differences of character, and differences of perception, but the fact remains that the cost of marginalization transcends all of the above differences. Why then would a rational individual not see it as a top priority to associate and identify with his heritage. This is somewhat a call to action for all Umuojians in the diaspora to rally together for the development of Umuoji. Many have lived in the USA for decades, but it does not really matter how long, but how well. The common denominator here is that we all have the same background, still have relatives in Umuoji, and a good number will ultimately wish to be buried in Umuoji when they finally leave this world. Our ability to have a common vision therefore is a given, but we must accentuate that with action, for as a Japanese saying goes, “Vision without action is a daydream, and action without vision is a nightmare”. It is time for action, and all obstacles must be pushed to the wayside. Distractions and obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goals. We must however be careful to build our vision out of our heritage and history. We must all understand the future consequences of decisions we make today because legacies live forever. Our ups and downs must be viewed as positive outcomes in the light of the bigger picture which is our much desired positive impact on our people. Some of us over the years have come to believe that unity cannot be achieved among Umuojians in the USA. It is my prayer that positive action will change their minds and that the “Thomases” do not interrupt the on-going movement towards a positive change in Umuoji. Suffice to say that when it comes to getting things done, we need fewer architects and more brick layers. You can fall in line and be one of our bricklayers. The Atlanta convention is the beginning of greater things to come. We are in the process of re-constructing the dilapidated structures in Umuoji Boys High School, and work has already started with walling and securing the entire compound with a gate. It is important that we think of the gross disservice that will have been meted out to the young boys of Umuoji if we let the only boys high school in the town slide down to abyss. We should all come together and tackle this daunting but surmountable problem. As we enjoy our lives and live the American dream, we must realize as Oprah Winfrey correctly said that “…if you are thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough”. Your presence in Atlanta will obviously be the start of your participation. Your monetary contribution which will not be made public, except when requested will go a long way to ameliorate the problems of our premier boys high school. Be assured that no amount is too small. I have personally come to realize that there are three categories of people, those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who ask what happened. Umuojians historically are not known to fall in the last two categories. Let us continue the legacy of our fathers who fought to establish two secondary schools, pipe-borne water and other resounding successes that set Umuoji apart from the pack in the 60’s and 70’s. Umuojians on the ground in Atlanta are working extremely hard to realize our dream of a memorable convention. We are very proud of the outstanding and transparent leadership of our own indomitable Chief Chuma Okeke-Ekpe (Nnaebue). Our convention activities in the great city of Atlanta are generally planned to offer the much desired relaxation, interaction, and all the goodies of Atlanta the “Black Mecca”. Fellow Umuojians, book your flights, reserve your accommodations, and transcend all procrastinations as we prepare to make our parents and the entire Umuoji proud in Atlanta, Georgia. God bless you all, and see you on July 4th and 5th 2008.

Chuma Mbonu, Ph.D.

General Secretary, UIU-USA

UIU-USA NATIONAL CONVENTION - ATLANTA - JULY 5th, 2008

Oji Kwenu ! Oji Kwenu!! Oji Kwezuenu!!!

ATLANTA GEORGIA JULY 5th 2008 !!!!

As a follow up to our initial announcement, UIU-USA is delighted to extended formal invitation to all Umuojians, friends and well wisher to the 7th UIU-USA annual national convention slated for July 5, 2008 at Atlanta, Georgia. The National Executive Committee and the Atlanta Branch are highly motivated and are working hard to ensure a very successful convention. This convention will mark a major turning point in the history of our organization. We are therefore calling on all Umuojians to make every effort to be present at this very important convention. Issues affecting Umuojians of all ages will be discussed and far reaching decisions will be made.
The fund raising and gala night celebration begins at 8pm prompt at:

ADAMSVILLE RECREATION CENTER
3201 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Atlanta, GA 30339 (404)505-3181.

While peace and unification of all Umuojians in USA is a major focus of the 2008 convention, the Atlanta convention will enable our organization raise money to continue our work towards the reinstatement of lost accreditation for Umuoji Boys Senior Secondary School (SS1-SS3). There is a saying that “where there is peace, there is progress.” In the spirit of brotherhood, we shall rise above any differences, learn to forgive one another and above all, be our brothers keeper. The national executive are working on inviting the Igwe of Umuoji to the Atlanta Convention. Most of us that attended the Houston convention will attest to the role His Highness played in the historic Houston convention. . You will not like to miss out on this opportunity to partner with the Igwe of Umuoji on ways to develop our beloved town - Umuoji.Atlanta 2008 offers great opportunity for progress in all ramifications. Umuojians, in large numbers, have demonstrated willingness and preparedness to move Umuoji forward. Together we can make a difference. Our fathers recognized the strength of numbers, when they say, "Igwe bu ike". Umuoji historically recognized this, no wonder we are called "Igwulube Okodu". Fellow Umuojians, this is the time to stand up and be counted as partners in the development of Umuoji. Your intellectual, moral and financial support will go a long way in making this dream a reality.Please plan and make reservation for accommodation and flight as the summer period is very busy in Atlanta.For reservation, call:

Atlanta Hawthorne Suites
1500 Parkwood CircleAtlanta,
GA 30339
PH: (770) 952-9595

Ask for UIU-USA 2008 Convention.

Rates are: $89.00 per night (plus full breakfast) for one bedroom suite.
$129.00 per night (plus full breakfast) for two bedroom suite.Contacts


Dr Chuma Okeke Ekpe
Atlanta Branch Chairman
(706)-327-2999

Chief Sam Muolokwu
Atlanta Branch Publicity Sec.
(615)-403-1636

Dr Fidelis Onyimba
National President
(443)-878-4671

Dr Chuma Mbonu
National President National Secretary
(440)-403-1636


Osita Okoye
National Publicity Secretary
(281)-236-0502

A Great Umuojian - Dr Michael Sunny Agina (Agbalanze)

Dr. Agina’s role with Umuoji Improvement Union, USA

Dr. Michael Agina who held from Umuoji in Idemili Local Government area of Anambra State became the founding president of UIU Houston and the first president of UIU USA (All Umuojians across the United States of America) All these positions he held for two consecutive terms each. A member of peace mission set up by the Igwe of Umuoji (HRH Igwe Enweze) to look into and address the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut issues. Chairman of building committee of Umuoji boys’ secondary school project.


Comment: Dr Michael Sunny Agina was a legendary statesman within our Umuoji Community..
His death has left a big void in our heart, soul and spirit that time may not be able to mend nor fill.........
Chief Godwin Oguchi(Ichie Ezedinobi) - Chairman, UIU Houston.

.....A gentleman, a brother and a friend to all, Dr Michael Sunny Agina lived a fulfilling life accentuated with class and style. As founding President of UIU-USA, he set the stage for the success of our organization. He served our organization in other capacities including chairmanship of Houston branch, historic peace and unification delegate to New York/New Jersey/Connecticut, and most recently, Umuoji Boys High School project implementation committee, to mention but a few. Though our hearts are heavy laden, we can find consolation by faith in the Almighty God, the Prince of Peace. ........Dr Fidelis Onyimba(President UIU-USA)



Dr. Agina’s role with Idemili Community Union, Houston, Texas, USA

Dr. Michael has served as a two term president of the 19 Unions that make Idemili Local Government area and one of the largest organizations in the Houston area, the Idemili Community Union. He also served in the capacity of the patron of the same organization and humbly (Currently) the vice president, the position he was serving until his death.
He served in various committees which includes; Chairman of Youth committee, Chairman of Educational Committee, Chairman of 2005 & 2007 end of year event committee, Chairman of communication technology that oversees idemili internet project.


Comment: Agbalanze, as he was fondly called, is one icon that will be very hard to replace. He will be missed by all Idemilians, not just for what he did for this great union, but also for who he was; humble, caring, smiling and always ready to help – Great loss!. We pray for his peaceful eternal rest – Goodbye Nwanne ozu...........
Chief Sylvester Arubaleze- President, Idemili Community Union, Houston, Texas, USA


Dr. Agina’s role with Texas Southern University(TSU)

Dr. Agina was a faculty in the Department of Engineering & Technology at Texas Southern University. I happen to be the Chair of this department. Hence, he did work closely and directly with me. Out of a faculty of 12, coming from different parts of the world, Dr. Agina clearly stood out to be most highly respected mainly because of his sound teaching and research capabilities; and his ability to counsel younger professors on effective teaching methods. Until his passing, he was the Chair of the department accreditation committee. It was his unique effort that had largely contributed to the continued accreditation of the electronics engineering technology program at TSU. He had been instrumental in establishing a relationship between TSU and NASA. Until his death, he has been actively working on NASA Safety and Mission Assurance program jointly with the multinational engineering firm of SAIC Corporation. Prior to then, he has represented TSU on different NASA-related projects, and he has distinguished himself as a brilliant scientist and an erudite engineering scholar. His Ph.D dissertation was focused on the application of some electronics principle to solving the transportation problems of urban Nigeria.

Comment: TSU will miss Dr. Agina. My department will miss him. To me, this is simply a great loss and we awe all pray for his blissful rest. –Dr. D. Olowokere (Chairman, Department of Engineering & Technology –TSU)

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Dr. Michael Agina (Chief Agbalanze) was loved by fellow Umuojians and by those who knew him well. As the Founding National President of UIU, USA, he was a great asset to our organization, and all of us old-timers will miss his company and steadfastness. His pleasant vitality was a continuous inspiration.......
Dr. Francis Onukwuli(Atlanta Georgia)

TRANSITION OF A GREAT UMUOJIAN - DR (CHIEF)MICHAEL SUNNY AGINA(AGBALANZE)

A fallen Hero
.....A gentleman, a brother and a friend to all, Dr Michael Sunny Agina lived a fulfilling life accentuated with class and style. As founding President of UIU-USA, he set the stage for the success of our organization. He served our organization in other capacities including chairmanship of Houston branch, historic peace and unification delegate to New York/New Jersey/Connecticut, and most recently, Umuoji Boys High School project implementation committee, to mention but a few. Though our hearts are heavy laden, we can find consolation by faith in the Almighty God, the Prince of Peace. .............Fidelis Onyimba

..........No words can capture the personality of this great man, we can only hope that the fame of Ichie Agbalanze will do justice to his exemplary life. In UIU Houston Agablanze was a staunch and devoted member. Always staunchly true to his belief that “anyi ncha bu umunne”. After every discussion, he was the first to embrace everyone in the meeting. His contributions to the success of out convention spoke volumes about the strength of his character. Chief Agbalaze was also the founding president of UIU-National a successful effort to bring all Umuojians in the USA together. Recently he was also among a delegation that visited the New York/New jersey branch of UIU. Chief Agbanaze is also a strong factor in the social/cultural equation of Houston. He was the Vice President of Idemili association. A devoted member of his church, and barely missed Igbo activities in Houston and environ........... Okey Okonkwo(Diji)

......On behalf of the entire Wash-Baltimore branch of UIU, I wish to extend our profound and deep sense of loss for the death of a great son of Umuoji. Sunny Agina personifies the true meaning of the word gentleman. He was peaceful, gentle and very kind to all. He was instrumental to the formation of Umuoji Improvement Union USA and became its founding President. His immense contributions cannot be over emphasized.............. Okey Ilochonwu (Ezeugonna)


.........Dr. Agina always the voice of reason, peace and justice will often call on all to remember that we are all brothers. In his words "nwanne ozu na awo ozu aru" ........ Obi Enweze

.......Agbalanze was a thunderbolt in the hearts of many. A great man of honor, no one, not a single one of us saw it coming, extrapolating the Greatness of the Almighty and the naivety of we humans. We would have fought like wounded lions to save this icon whom we loved so much and who loved us with a passion. He considered all of us Nwanne Ozu (absolute brotherhood and love even for the dead). He has certainly joined the ranks of great men who left indelible footprints in the sands of time. He has indeed left a permanent mark in the minds of many Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora...... Chuma Mbonu

......Say it not in Umuoji
Say it not in UIU USA
A calamity befalls the land
A peace-loving man
Mike-Sunny-Agina is gone!!

A Life cut short
In the prime of life
I stare speechless
As I try to weep
But the heart’s too heavy........ Okey Mbonu

.........Dr. Agina left us with a remarkable leadership style that was bounded by calmness and tolerance; even under immerse pressures, difficult decisions, and intolerable circumstances. Dr. Agina supported Umuoji affairs until his death; a gesture of true patriot that remains unchallenged to this day. Being a great public servant, he gave his wit and might to Umuoji and its people to enable them emerge with pride and integrity; something that makes Dr. Agina a remarkable leader...........Anthony Nnaife Enweze

.......Dr. Agina's death no doubt sent a shock wave across Umuoji community, especially to those of us who met him recently. His passing reminds us that death is inevitable, and that death does not operate on a time frame. Death puts an end to all human activity as we know it. However, good legacy lives on years after one departs this earth life. Dr. Agina in life symbolizes love, friendship, peace, and selfless sacrifice. All who have worked with him will attest to his commitment and hardwork to whatever task he is called upon to undertake.........Austin I. Obiaku _

Happy Holidays fellow Umuojians

UMUOJI BOYS HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT

Fellow Umuojians,

On behalf of Umuoji Improvement Union – USA let me thank you all for all your assistance and support in the outgoing year. With your support we were able to pull through a very successful convention in Houston, Texas. We also witnessed lots of peace and reconciliation within our organization, the climax of which was the admission of our brothers and sisters from New York/New Jersey/Connecticut Chapter into UIU-USA.

As we cerebrate Christmas, let us stop for a moment to reflect on the suffering of our brothers, cousins and Nephews in Umuoji Boys High School, who will be graduating from their Junior Secondary School Class next fall. Upon graduation, these boys will have no place in Umuoji to further their education to the Senior Secondary School level – a result of the withdrawn accreditation of SS1-SS3. They will have to choose between daily commuting to Ogidi Boys High School or dropping out of school. Shall we wait until we loose accreditation of the Junior Hugh School also before we realize the need and urgency to run to their rescue?

As concerned Umuoji citizens in UIU-USA, we have identified the need to assist these kids, as a matter of priority, by working to restore the accreditation of the Senior Secondary School. We sent a fact finding mission to Umuoji Boys to determine the details of what we need to do to salvage the situation.

The report we got was very alarming to say but the least. Please take some time to reflect on the pictures below that shows the current situation of Umuoji Boys. These pictures speak a million words but one thing is clear, IT IS DEPLORABLE and disheartening. If we agree with the saying that “children are our future” how can the “good” people of Umuoji watch the pride and future of this town crumble? There is no better time to act than now.

The National executive committee of UIU has carefully looked into this and identified the following projects as critical to getting back the accreditation:

1. Fencing the Compound of the school so that the teaching, library and laboratory

equipments can be safe guarded.

2. Renovating the Laboratory and Class room Blocks

3. Renovating the Principal and Staff quarter


In view of the fore-going, a committee of very distinguished Umuojians made of Dr Sunny Agina, Engr. Cletus Okonkwo, Mr. Pius Okaneme and Mr. Peter Azogini has been setup by the National Executive committee to study these projects and come up with recommendations.

We realize this is a very monumental project to undertake. It will take the effort of all Umuojians to achieve the goal of bringing back Umuoji Boys to it’s “glory days”. In the coming year, we will be calling on Umuojians in USA to support this project. As always we are confident that you will answer this call.

Thanks and Happy holidays to all.

Fidelis Onyimba

National President UIU-USA

Osita Okoye
National Publicity Secretary UIU-USA

UMUOJI BOYS PROJECT - INTERVIEW WITH PRINCIPAL, STAFF & PTA

SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW WITH PRINCIPAL & STAFF

1. Principal - Mr Nwafor J.K (803-090-0751)

2. Vice principal admin - Mr Ezendiokwelu H. O

3. Bursar - Mr Ikeabunze Godwin

4. The PTA Chairman - Chief Mekaowuru

5. Vice principal academics

The main problem identified includes dwindling attendance that have led to very few students in the senior secondary(SS1-SS3) school and subsequent withdrawal of accreditation for SS1-SS3.

The reason for the poor attendance is decay infrastructure and low teacher/student ratio.

Umuoji boys is now UMUOJI COMMUNITY HIGH but no girl has taken any offer of admission in the school due to poor security.

The recommendations include:

1. To repair the teachers/principal accommodation. This will help the school ask for NYSC teachers (projected 15) to help address teacher/student ratio and confidence. If the principal and NYSC teachers are living in the compound, it will bring a sense of security to the school.

2. At least, a "dwarf" fence with gate at the entrance should be built to close the pathway that ran across the school while also addressing the security problem

3. Renovation of one unit of vandalized building for the SS1-SS3 (Lagos branch already completed renovation of one building).

PLEASE CLICK THE LINK ABOVE TO SEE THE DETAILS OF THE INTERVIEW UIU-USA CONDUCTED WITH THE PRINCIPAL, STAFF AND PTA CHAIRMAN.


This Interview was conducted by Osita Okoye - PRO UIU-USA on a fact finding mission to Umuoji Boys.

Principal's Office

Left: The Principal Mr J.K Nwafor and the PTA Chairman Chief Mekaowuru inside the Principal's office.

Right: The desk of the secretary to the Principal office.

This office has been broken into from the ceiling on several times.

Click of the video below for more details.

A Class room block that was once used by SSS class

Left : Front View of a Class room block. Right: The Inside of the class room.

This building that was once an elegant structure that produced lots of Umuoji sons is now abandoned and vandalized.

Entrance gate to Umuoji Boys High School

Left: Entrance gate to Umuoji Boys High School

Right: Umuoji Boys High School students outside their class room block - "crying for help"

Science Laboratory - Block A

Left: Outside view of One of the Science Laboratory, Right: Inside view

Science Laboratory Block B

Left: Side view of the Science Laboratory Block B.

Right: Inside the Science Lab

According to the principal, the science equipments have been moved to a location in Onitsha to safeguard them from robbers. How can these kids learn science if their Lab? is at Onitsha

The Principal's Residence

The Principal's Residence.

The Principal currently live near Awka and daily commute to Umuoji Boys. He is looking to relocate to Umuoji but there is no place in the school for him.

The abandoned school Dormitory. This use to be the place where our young brothers, cousins and nephews live within the school compound. This facilities built and supported by our fathers are no longer available to these kids. The "lucky ones" either commutes to or live in the facilities provided for by Ogidi - USA for Ogidi Boys High School.

The "not so lucky", DROP OUT OF SCHOOL after their Junior Secondary Class (JS3)

IMPROVING UMUOJI ONE COMMUNITY AT A TIME

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MAJOR NEW YORK FUND RAISING FOR PROPOSE ABIDI COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER


The proposed Abidi Community Health Center shall be a beneficiary of the upcoming
Fall 2007 Charity Event being held at the Huntington Hilton, Long Island New York
on Saturday November 17, 2007. See attached flyer. The Charity Event is being sponsored
by CKC Onitsha Alumni Association to help support Education and Basic Healthcare in Africa.

The Event also kicks off the year long School's 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.

One of the fundamental problems facing Africa is lack of basic healthcare. Experts have told us how a low cost basic healthcare facility can go a long way in improving the lives, health and wealth of rural and urban communities in Africa.

The proposed Health Center shall be located along the Nkpor-Umuoji Road, approximately 5 kilometers from Nkpor Junction. Ground breaking is expected by mid 2008. Anyone living within driveable distance is urged to attend. We have extended the Hotel discount rate for anyone intending to stay at the hotel. See flyer for additional information and contacts.

Okodu ekenem unu.
Eugene Agbimson

Death Announcement - Sir Walter Chukwura Mbonu

A Great Nigerian Passes On: Sir Walter Chukwura Mbonu, 1924-2007

Walter Chukwura Mbonu, a distinguished Nigerian, from Umuoji Anambra State, passed on in his sleep in the early hours of September 19, 2007.

Walter Mbonu, born in 1924 was a distinguished Scholar, Author, Historian, Government Administrator, and an Anglican Knight of St. Christopher. Walter Mbonu's life started humbly when he left home at about 12 years to live with an Uncle, Sam Agina, who was serving as a colonial police officer in a nearby city.

The young Walter displayed such an acute intellectual ability, that Sam Agina was compelled to commit some of his meager resources as a young police officer to train Walter through Primary School.

Walter Mbonu blazed through primary school and showed so much intellectual promise that the colonial administrators hired him immediately as a teacher after primary school. The colonial administration in continued appreciation of his brilliance, sent him to additional training and in a few years made him a Headmaster in his early 20's.

As a young teacher, Walter Mbonu was unsatisfied, knowing that his intellectual abilities had set him apart from his peers. However with no wealthy relatives to pay his tuition, Walter embarked on self-help. Without any formal Secondary Education, he started to study for higher education.

Walter Mbonu did not just study for the O-Level GCE as administered in those days by Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, rather he skipped the O-Level to study for the A-levels, which when successful, guarantees Direct Entry to a University of choice.

In the 1950's, there were only 2 Universities in all of West Africa, the Fourah Bay University in Sierra Leone, and the prestigious University of Ibadan, in Nigeria. No doubt the competition among West Africa's then approximately 70 million people, who were dispersed across 11 countries was fierce, but Walter Mbonu aimed high; he blazed through the A-Levels and was immediately admitted to the esteemed University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

At the University of Ibadan, the financial crunch set in, higher education was of course a luxury meant mostly for the children of the privileged. Although Walter Mbonu was on a partial academic scholarship, there was no money for anything else and he was in danger of leaving the University.

Then fate set in, when a British Professor at Ibadan decided that he would not let this bright mind waste. He provided funds for Walter Mbonu to stay on and complete his studies. He eventually graduated with honors, and was among the best in his graduating class.

After graduation he was offered several positions including an entry-level executive position at the then budding West African Examinations Council (WAEC), amid other fellowships at Ibadan. However Walter decided on a faculty position to groom the finest young minds in Eastern Nigeria's most elite college, the Government College Umuahia.

Shortly after, the Biafra/Nigerian war started. During the war, Walter Mbonu was selected as a representative of the World Council of Churches (WCC). He had the responsibility of distributing relief materials, including food and medicine to starving families in Biafra. No doubt his efforts, sacrifices, and magnanimity saved a lot of lives during the Biafra war.

As the war ended, the Nigerian government sought out her brilliant sons from the east to re-integrate into mainstream Nigerian administration. Walter Mbonu was hired as a top public servant (Divisional Education Officer-DEO). He worked tirelessly in many parts of Eastern Nigeria, helping to rehabilitate Eastern Nigeria's highly acclaimed, but war devastated educational sector.

In the early 1970's Nigeria was looking to broaden its foreign relations efforts and needed to retrain some of her intellectuals. In due time, the government tapped on Walter Mbonu among others, this time for graduate training on full scholarship at Ohio University Athens, Ohio, United States. He enrolled for advanced degrees in International Affairs and History.

At Ohio University Walter Mbonu excelled, graduating Suma Cum Laude at the top of his class. He was immediately offered a faculty position to teach International Affairs at Ohio University. Many of his associates in that university still recall his brilliance.

Walter Mbonu, being a man of dignity, turned down the faculty position at Ohio University United States, and returned to Nigeria. He continued with his educational career as an Educational Officer and Lecturer, and wrote the History handbook of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB). He retired in 1990 and spent his final years in Umuoji Anambra State.

Sir Walter Mbonu leaves behind, his wife of 50 years Mrs. Adeline Mbonu, Children, Grand Children, Siblings, Inlaws, Nieces, and Nephews.

Children:

Chinyelu Nwokolo, Ph.D.

Chuma Mbonu, Ph.D.

Okey Mbonu, J.D.

Nneka Okereke

Emeka Mbonu

Ijeoma Okeke

Chuka Mbonu

Siblings:

Sir Eugene Mbonu

Mrs. Ego Agbogu

Inlaws:

Sir Azuka Nwokolo

Izu Okereke, MD

Ajeh Mbonu, Pharm.D.

Juliet Mbonu, PMP.

Burial arrangements will be announced in due course

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THE 6TH NATIONAL CONVENTION OF THE UMUOJI PEOPLE

All Umuoji people in USA were gathered in Houston - September 1, 2007 for their 6th National Convention. This Convention was a Landmark in the history of Umuoji Improvement Union(UIU) - USA. The Igwe of Umuoji; HRH (Dr) Cyril Enweze - Ebube Igwulube Okodu - Ochilozua, was the guest of honor.

The Igwe played a major role in making this convention one of the best in the history of UIU-USA.

Address by the Igwe of Umuoji - HRH Dr Cyril Enweze - Ebube Igwulube Okodu - Ochilozua

President Address - UIU-USA National President - Chief(Engr)Okey Okonkwo