Fellow Umuojians:
Happy New Year to you and your families! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I am particularly happy to learn that members who travelled home for the holidays are back to their respective homes in USA safe and sound. To God be the Glory.
December 2008 witnessed yet another historic and extraordinary exhibition of traditional fan fare at the Palace of HRH Dr. C. N. Enweze, Igwe of Umuoji, Ebube Igwulube Okodu, Ochilozua. The Igwe’s first Ofala festival was celebrated on the 28th and 29th of December as scheduled. The festival was graced by who-is-who in Nigeria and dignitaries from different parts of the world. UIU-USA attended the festival as planned and was accorded a red carpet reception. The planning was flawless, the ambience was spectacular and the guests were amazing. The audience was dazzled with a variety of deeply moving, royal traditional music and dances. Of course, there was more than enough to eat and drink. The best part however was the fact that the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Peace, love, joy and happiness seemed to have permeated the heart and soul of all present, creating an enviable harmony among all. Security was tight and by God’s Grace, there was no incident reported in the entire town throughout this period. Hearty congratulations to HRH Dr C.N. Enweze and the Ofala planning committee on an astonishing performance.
As scheduled, UIU-USA members who made it home, met with Igwe, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Umuoji (CSSU), Mrs. Nezieanya, and the Board of Directors of the Parent Teachers Association, at Igwe’s Palace on December 26, 2008. Deliberations bordered mainly on prospects, progress and funding of our project at CSSU. The general consensus among members was that all Umuojians in Diaspora will make a Standrad (across the board) contribution of an amount yet to be determined, towards this school development project. The School Principal re-iterated the leverage we may get from the government in support of the significant, good faith effort we have made so far. Needless to say that we were well entertained during a working lunch break. HRH Dr C. N. Enweze strongly encouraged us all to visit the project site as a group immediately after the meeting at his Palace.
What came next was the biggest surprise of the year. Visiting the project site at CSSU, we all arrived in a convoy, except Igwe who stayed back for other meetings. On arrival, we were pleasantly greeted by a waiting crowd, consisting of students, Teachers, Parent Teachers Association members, and Umuojians from different villages. Little did we know that a formal and elaborate reception was planned in appreciation for the contributions of UIU-USA towards the renovation, reconstruction and re-accreditation of the school. The Principal, in her address, expressed deep appreciation for our selfless contributions and made a passionate plea for continued support. She promised to do her very best to bring the school to the highest standard. The students entertained us with a welcome song, music and dances. Many thanks to Mrs. Nezieanya, PTA Chairman, PTA Board members, Teachers, students of CSSU and Umuoji in general.
To crown it all, on December 30, 2008, HRH hosted an exclusive welcome party for couples from USA and other parts of the Western world. The party was well attended and once again, those in attendance were treated to a lavish entertainment. The party ended in the early hours of the morning with a breakfast session.
My dear people of Umuoji, on behalf of UIU-USA, I would like, at this point, to express my profound gratitude to the national executive committee for their support, selfless sacrifice, and tremendous effort made towards the implementation, execution and accomplishment of key objectives of this association, since this administration came to office. Bringing about a positive change in the face of crippling challenges is not an easy task. Thanks to the talented and dependable members of this committee whose patriotism and burning desire to move Umuoji forward, laid foundation for Umuoji Community Secondary School project. To the good people of Umuoji in the United States of America, I say thank you for your overwhelming financial and moral support.
The year 2008 witnessed a number of significant events in the history of UIU-USA:
1) Successful fund raiser, wake keeping and funeral arrangement for a fallen Hero – Founding President
2) Contract award and completion of Community Secondary School Project; Phase-1. (Strategic Fencing of part of school compound and installation of Front and Back gates at a total cost of $6, 000.00)
3) Re-instatement of Accreditation for Umuoji Community Secondary School (SS1-SS3)
4) Successful, glamorous and heartwarming 2008 Atlanta convention
5) Contract award and completion of Umuoji Community Secondary School project; Phase-11. (Roofing of the first compartment of the Hostel Block using long span Aluminum sheet, at a total cost of $6,000.00).
6) Successful and historic Peace and Unification mission to Atlanta
7) Full participation in First Ofala festival of HRH Dr C. N. Enweze, Igwe of Umuoji.
None of these would have been possible without your generosity and love for our homeland, Umuoji. With your continued support, this administration will accomplish a whole lot more. The school project remains top priority. Alternative fund raising methods are been sought to augment funds raised at National conventions. Deliberations at different levels of this organization have gravitated towards a standard contribution by all Umuojians in the United States. The national executive committee will deliberate further on this issue and communicate final decisions accordingly. Umuoji is for all of us. A shared responsibility will lessen the burden on each individual and make the job a little less tasking and more fulfilling. Lending a helping hand to less privileged children at home by improving infrastructure, staffing and sanitary conditions will change many lives. I am convinced we will get the job done regardless of the challenges we face. To those who may have any doubt in their minds I say, “Yes we can”.
Registration fees and annual dues are important sources of revenue for this organization. Umuojians who have not registered are advised to do so. All members are encouraged to update their account with the financial department as soon as possible. Donors are also reminded to redeem their pledges. All hands must be on deck to make significant impact on our community, our children and grand children.
We do hope that the era of finger pointing and nonchalance is over. Umuojians are called upon to get involved as part of the movement that will bring about a new way of thinking among our people. Let us all be a part of the solution to problems encountered on the path to the Promised Land rather than a cog on the wheel of progress. For those who have chosen to watch from the periphery all these years, I encourage you to break the ice and step to the center of action. You may be pleasantly surprised by your own findings and better understanding of the true position of our beloved association. The 2009 UIU-USA National Convention offers anther opportunity for all Umuojians, adults and Children alike, to come together. Not only is it a forum for socialization and bonding, it is more importantly, a platform for collective fine tuning of the course of our organization. This will be a pivotal step in the establishment of new programs and enhancement of current programs that serve as a support system not only for people at home, but also for ourselves here in the United States. Please mark your calendar and start early to make travel plans. If we can all chip in our one cent towards this up coming Convention, we can rest assured that this will be the greatest and most rewarding in the history of UIU-USA.
In the discharge of our duties, we realize that no human being is infallible. We have made a good faith effort; however, the administration is aware of some unnecessary and unwanted communication issues or breach that members were saddled with late last year. Any member who has any issues or concerns should bring that to the attention of the National Executive Committee. Adequate measures have been put in place to prevent recurrence of similar incidence. Moving forward, members are advised to desist from sending out any malicious, vindictive or slanderous e-mail on UIU-USA group e-mail. Anyone who goes contrary to this is in violation of Article IV: Section III: Item 3 of our constitution and may be expelled, suspended and/or fined as determined by the National Executive Committee.
Once again, I most humbly call on all Umuojians to rise above any barriers and come together for the sake of peace and posterity. Together we can move mountains. As always, we are open to new ideas and suggestions that will enhance our progress. You may feel free to communicate to us via
UIU-USA@yahoogroups.com,
UIU-USA-NEC@yahoogroups.com or privately to any member of the National Executive Committee. I can also be reached at
Fonyimba@aol.com or
Ifeanyony@yahoo.com and by phone at 443-878-4671.
As a friendly reminder, the 2009 National convention has been scheduled for July 4th weekend at the Sheraton Washington North, 4095 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland. (301-937-4422). Details will follow shortly.
Goals for 2009:
1) Increased enrollment
2) Finalize tax exempt status
3) Insurance program kick-off
4) School Project advancement
5) Children Program – women activity
6) Constitution Review
7) 2009 National Convention
8) Town meeting/teleconference
Oji Kwenu! Oji Kwenu!! Oji Kwezuonu!!!
May God bless you all. Happy New year!!!
Fidelis Onyimba, Pharm. D
National President, UIU-USA
From Left to right: Dr & Mrs Chris Nkemeh(Fabro), Dr Adaze Muoghalu
From Left to Right: Dr's Nkemeh, Chuma Mbonu, Onyimba
A cross section of UIU-USA members at the event
Dr & Mrs Nkemeh dancing to the famos Akwunechienyi music
Mrs Uju Okoye and kids were also there
The Akwunechienyi group accompanying members of UIU-USA to
