Distinguished guests, Ndieze, chiefs, Lolos, ladies and gentlemen, May I use this golden opportunity to welcome all our invitees for the NDUUSA convention 2012 taking place here in New York. All protocols observed. Let us use this opportunity to pay a special respect to our member[s] who passed away since the last convention. Late Mr. Okoroafor Kalu Okoroafor, (November 6 2011) from Massachusetts branch. We equally remember the passing away of our member’s parent namely .Late Celina Iwola Ilum { Out Iwola Ilum’s mother ]. Since then inceptions of this Union, we have been facing many challenges, but remained determined to work towards the spirit of unity and love for one another which keep us together. We are a non-profit charitable organization and some of
our objectives include:
• To Promote unity, harmony, and social well-being of our members
• To preserve and protect the cultural heritage, history and traditions of Nkporo people.
• To cultivate the culture of Nkporo among our children in the United States of America
• To participate in the socio-economic activities of our community and America in
general. The Union has achieved a lot, but to mention a few:
• It carried out three consecutive years of health fair programs titled “Hope Alive” for
Nkporo people and her neighboring villages
• With the union’s idea, advice, and involvement the entire Nkporo community are
now enjoying electricity like others communities.
• Through the unity, understanding, and collective campaign on Visa Lottery Program the number of Nkporo indigenes in America has increased tremendously. As sons and daughters of Nkporo, we shall stay strong for our communities because they need us for survival. A lot of problems facing the community need us in all ramifications to help in solving them. Therefore, we encourage those who have not registered with the association to do so. The purpose of our convention this year is to raise funds to carry, out the projects of reconstruction and renovation of Nkporo Comprehensive Secondary School Hall, to enable students to take their exams within the premises. The school was well known in the late 70’s
and attracted many students from Abiriba, Ohafia, Igbere,Item, Bende, Afikpo, Edda, and Umuahia, just to mention a few. The school had produced professionals in many fields of life such as Civil Servants, lawyers, medical doctors, pharmacists, academicians, engineers, and professionals in the entertainment industry. Presently, most of the infrastructures such as classroom blocks, the principal office, examination hall, library, and laboratory block are in dire need of immediate rehabilitation. I hear by appeal to everyone present to donate generously to the fund, please do not be left behind, but be part of this honorable course use and any amount donated should be properly documented, and accounted for.
My thanks goes to all Nkporo people who have contributed in one way or the other to make this convention a memorable event. Yahweh will continue to bless you. To my cabinet, the executives, board of trustees, convention committees both national and local branch members, you worked relentlessly to put this program together, and to see for its success. Thank you all , you are the backbone of this great Union. To our Nkporo elders, we remain loyal and grateful for your regular fatherly advice without murmuring, just keep it going. To all NDUUSA members that came from different states and those from Nigeria in particular you have shown and demonstrated an agape love for your community. Thanks, and keep it up. To the hosting state, New York New York, the empire state, we thank you for your sacrifices, teamwork, and understanding for making this 2012 convention a historical event.
I will not fail to express my gratitude to my beloved wife, Chief Mrs. Iroka Ilum Ifegwu (Owuruoha) and my loving children for their involvement, support, inspiration, and encouragement in serving my community in all situations, and at all time. More grease to your elbows. The chairman, members of the high table, ladies and gentlemen, my Nkporo fellow people, I thank you immensely for coming. Please relax and enjoy yourselves tonight, because it is our night.