THE OGBONA ELITES FORUM: ORIGIN, STRUCTURE, ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Introduction

The Ogbona Elites Forum (OEF) is a community-based organization established to bring together Ogbona indigenes at home and in the diaspora and to promote unity, welfare, education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and community development.

Founded in March 2016, the Forum evolved from an initial online initiative into an organized platform through which Ogbona people could communicate, exchange information, mobilize resources, discuss community issues, and support development projects.

From its early beginnings as social-media groups, OEF gradually developed into a recognized organization with formal structures, financial membership, executive officers, a Board of Trustees, and a growing network of members and supporters. The Forum’s activities have covered education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth development, cultural documentation, and community engagement.

The development of OEF represents an important chapter in the contemporary history of Ogbona. It demonstrates how digital communication, professional networks, community organization, and contributions from indigenes at home and abroad can be harnessed in support of community development.

1. ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION OF THE OGBONA ELITES FORUM

The origins of Ogbona Elites Forum can be traced to the growing desire among Ogbona indigenes to create new channels of communication and interaction, particularly through emerging social-media platforms.

In March 2016, Mr. Gilbert E. Odior created the Facebook group “I’M AN INDIGENE OF OGBONA.” The group was established to provide a platform where Ogbona descendants could interact, exchange information, discuss matters concerning the community, and promote cultural awareness.

The initiative gained considerable participation and demonstrated the potential of digital platforms to connect Ogbona people regardless of their geographical location.

In October 2016, Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai, inspired by the success of the Facebook initiative, established the Ogbona Elites Forum on WhatsApp. The WhatsApp platform provided a more immediate means of communication and discussion among members.

Other online groups subsequently emerged to address specific interests. These included the Ogbona Political Elites and Ogbona Christian Forum. The Christian Forum subsequently became associated with the broader Ogbona Christian Association.

The growth of these platforms contributed to a wider network of communication among Ogbona people and strengthened the foundation upon which OEF developed.

Today, OEF operates principally through digital communication while also holding physical meetings and collaborating with other Ogbona organizations on matters of community development.

The Forum is formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), giving it a recognized organizational framework.

2. GROWTH OF THE OEF DIGITAL COMMUNITY

The digital origins of the Ogbona Elites Forum (OEF) remain an important part of its identity. OEF operates primarily as an online platform, providing its members with an avenue to communicate, exchange information, discuss issues of common interest, and support initiatives relating to Ogbona.

OEF is a structured membership organization, and financial membership is a requirement for membership in the Forum. Through its online platform and community activities, OEF has provided a channel through which Ogbona indigenes at home and in the diaspora can remain connected and participate in matters concerning the community.

According to the Forum’s records, the OEF Facebook group has grown to more than 3,300 members, while its WhatsApp forum has more than 150 members.

Ogbona Community Worldwide

In 2024, OEF launched Ogbona Community Worldwide, a separate online platform designed to bring together all indigenes of Ogbona, irrespective of age, gender, social strata, or status.

Unlike OEF, Ogbona Community Worldwide is not a registered association and does not operate as a formal membership organization. Its primary purpose is the dissemination of information and the provision of a common digital meeting point where Ogbona indigenes can associate, interact, communicate, and fellowship.

The platform is deliberately broad and inclusive, providing a space where Ogbona people from different generations, backgrounds, locations, and social circumstances can connect with one another and remain informed about developments in their ancestral community.

At the time of documentation, Ogbona Community Worldwide had approximately 1,900 members and continued to grow.

Although OEF and Ogbona Community Worldwide serve different purposes and have different organizational statuses, both platforms contribute to strengthening communication and interaction among Ogbona people in Nigeria and across the diaspora.

Together, these digital platforms have expanded the ability of Ogbona indigenes to remain connected, share information, participate in community discussions, and stay informed about events and developments in Ogbona.

3. PLATFORMS AND COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

OEF has used several digital platforms to facilitate communication, information sharing, publicity, and community engagement.

These include:

1. Facebook:I’m an Indigene of Ogbona
2. Instagram:Ogbonaelitesforum
3. Website:Ogbonaelites.Org
4. GOOGLE – MY BUSINESS: Ogbona Elites Forum (HTTP://WWW.ogbonaelites.org/)
5. YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv5_8_01ZgUEQoTK-TfFLFw
6. EMAIL ADDRESS: Ogbonaelitesforum@gmail.com

These platforms have provided channels through which information about Ogbona, its people, activities, projects, events, and achievements can be disseminated.

The digital presence of OEF has also helped connect members of the community who live outside Ogbona and outside Nigeria.

4. OBJECTIVES AND MANDATE OF THE OGBONA ELITES FORUM

The Ogbona Elites Forum has several objectives that focus on promoting unity, development, and the welfare of its community. Here are the main objectives:

 

Unity and Welfare

• Foster love and brotherhood: Promote unity and goodwill among members.
• Member welfare: Cater for the welfare of members residing in Nigeria or in the diaspora.

 

Community Development

• Discuss community issues: Provide platforms for members to discuss their welfare, advancement, and social interactions.
• Support common cause: Defend the common interest and development of Ogbona community.
• Collaborate with other groups: Engage with religious, secular, and traditional groups to promote socio-economic and political development.

 

Education

• Support education: Promote and support educational activities and studies of Ogbona children.
• Organize seminars: Provide ICT training, digital literacy, and career guidance for pupils and students.
• Financial assistance: Offer financial assistance to outstanding indigent students.

 

Cultural Promotion

• Showcase culture: Promote and showcase the culture, traditions, arts, and customs of Ogbona Community.
• Preserve heritage: Preserve the cultural and historical heritage of Ogbona Community.

 

Collaboration and Partnership

• Collaborate with other associations: Unite, interact, and collaborate with other associations to promote growth and development.
• Harness resources: Collaborate with other groups to harness human and material resources for community projects.

 

Healthcare and Support

• Promote healthcare: Advance and promote healthcare for members and sons and daughters of Ogbona Community.
• Financial support: Provide financial support for medical care for seriously sick indigent sons and daughters.

 

Other Objectives

• Influence government decisions: Act as a pressure group to influence government decisions and policies affecting Ogbona Community.
• Celebrate notable members: Project the history of notable Ogbona sons and daughters and celebrate their achievements.

 

5. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

As OEF developed, it established formal leadership structures to coordinate its activities.

These structures include a Board of Trustees and an Executive Committee.

5.1 Board of Trustees

The 2024 Board of Trustees comprised:

Pastor (Mrs.) Julie O. Inu Umoru — Chairman

Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai — Secretary

Gilbert Erelumhe Odior, FNAPE — Member

Bernard Kasim Ikhane — Member

Mrs. Stella Omosibo Mode — Member

Bar. Felix Jones Osimerha — Member

The Board provides an institutional framework for the Forum and complements the work of its executive leadership.

6. 2024 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

The documented 2024 Executive Committee comprised:

Gilbert Erelumhe Odior, FNAPE — President

Bernard Kasim Ikhane — Vice President

Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai — Secretary-General

Peter Alenoghena Aigba — Financial Secretary

Bar. Patience Omadimhe Osilama — Treasurer

Bar. Felix Jones Osimerha — Legal Adviser/Officer

Lawrence Igonor — Public Relations Officer

Andrew Aghukhapemho Inua — Assistant Secretary-General

Mrs. Stella Omosibo Mode — Welfare/Social Services Officer

Mike Amanesi Kadiri-Itsuokor — Provost

Patricia Modupe Uwaiyo Orbih — Ex-Officio

This structure brought together professionals from diverse backgrounds, including geology, petroleum exploration, law, education, healthcare, environmental health, engineering, agriculture, broadcasting, management, and public service.

7. LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE

The leadership of OEF reflects the broad professional and geographical network of Ogbona indigenes.

Pastor (Mrs.) Julie Inu Umoru (Chairman, Board of Trustees)

Pastor (Mrs.) Julie Inu Umoru, née Anaweokhai, is an educationist and pastor. Born in 1946, she taught Geography for 27 years before retiring in 1993. She later established the Brighter Tomorrow Group of Schools and has held leadership positions in private-school associations. She served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Trustees.

 

Gilbert Erelumhe Odior (President)

Gilbert Erelumhe Odior, born in Ogbona in 1957, is a geologist and petroleum professional. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he spent over four decades in the oil and gas industry, including service with ExxonMobil. He has held leadership positions in professional organizations, including NAPE and AAPG, and served as President of OEF.

 

Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai (Secretary-General / Secretary, Board of Trustees)

Dr. John Odior Anaweokhai is an indigene of Ogbona and an alumnus of Imhakhena Primary School and Ogbona Secondary School. He holds a PhD in Strategic Marketing Management and Entrepreneurship and works in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He served as Secretary-General and Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

 

Bernard Kasim Ikhane (Vice President)

Bernard Kasim Ikhane, born in Ogbona in 1966, is an educationist and lecturer. He holds qualifications in Education and English Language and Literature and has extensive experience in teaching, teacher training, and educational development. He served as Vice President of OEF.

 

Bar. Felix Jones Osimerha (Legal Adviser/Officer)

Bar. Felix Jones Osimerha, born in 1960, is a lawyer who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. He practiced law for several decades and has participated actively in Ogbona community affairs. He served as Legal Adviser/Officer of OEF.

 

Peter Alenoghena Aigba (Financial Secretary)

Peter Alenoghena Aigba is a mechanical engineer and oil and gas professional. A graduate of Ambrose Alli University, he has extensive experience in engineering, reliability, maintenance, facilities, gas operations, and quality assurance and control. He served as Financial Secretary of OEF.

 

Mrs. Stella Omosibo Mode (Welfare/Social Services Officer)

Mrs. Stella Omosibo Mode is a registered Environmental Health Officer with extensive public-service experience in Delta State. She rose to the position of Director and Head of Environmental Health and has participated in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programmes. She served as Welfare/Social Services Officer of OEF.

 

Andrew Aghukhapemho Inua (Assistant Secretary-General)

Andrew Aghukhapemho Inua is a geoscientist with experience in the oil and gas industry. He holds degrees in Geology and Applied Geophysics and has worked in geological and petrophysical studies, well-site operations, reservoir studies, and field development. He served as Assistant Secretary-General of OEF.

 

Lawrence Igonor (Public Relations Officer)

Lawrence Igonor is a pioneer graduate of Ogbona Community Secondary School and a communications professional. He studied English and Literary Studies and later obtained an MBA. He has extensive broadcasting experience, including work with Africa Independent Television and DAAR Communications. He served as Public Relations Officer of OEF.

 

Bar. Patience Omadimhe Osilama (Treasurer)

Bar. Patience Omadimhe Osilama is a lawyer and public servant with experience in legal services and public-sector administration. She served as Assistant Director with the Legal Services Secretariat of the FCT Administration and as Legal Adviser to the FCT Water Board. She served as Treasurer of OEF.

 

Mike Amanesi Kadiri-Itsuokor (Provost)

Mike Amanesi Kadiri-Itsuokor is an agricultural and environmental professional with more than 35 years of experience. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agriculture from Ahmadu Bello University and has worked in agricultural development, environmental services, marketing, project facilitation, and management. He served as Provost of OEF.

 

Patricia Modupe Uwaiyo Orbih (Ex-Officio Member)

Patricia Modupe Uwaiyo Orbih is an Ogbona indigene associated with the family of Chief M.C.K. Orbih. She pursued further education in the United Kingdom, with qualifications in management studies, and served as an Ex-Officio member of OEF.

This version is considerably shorter and should work better in the book, especially if the full biographies are documented elsewhere.

 

8. MAJOR ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Since its establishment, OEF has undertaken initiatives in education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth development, cultural documentation, and community support.

8.1 Education

Education has remained one of the most sustained areas of OEF intervention.

Teacher Support

Since 2016, OEF has supported Ogbona Secondary School through the engagement of temporary or supplemental teachers.

The records indicate that approximately 13–14 teachers have been engaged over the years, with eight teachers currently in the scheme.

This intervention was intended to help address staffing needs and strengthen instructional support for students.

Teacher Training

The Forum has organized professional development programmes for teachers.

These have included:

• A three-day workshop on phonics; and
• A two-day seminar on teaching methodologies.

These programmes were designed to strengthen teaching skills and improve classroom effectiveness.

Scholarships and Educational Assistance

OEF has instituted scholarship and financial assistance initiatives for students.

Among these are:

• The Chief and Mrs. M.C.K. Orbih Financial Grant-in-Aid for the Nigerian Law School; and
• The Ikhatuekewor Asapokhai Scholarship.

These initiatives provide support for educational advancement and demonstrate the Forum’s interest in developing human capital.

Donation of Books and Learning Materials

OEF has purchased and donated books and learning materials to schools in Ogbona.

The documented donations include New Concept English and Mathematics books, valued at approximately N500,000 for Ogbona Secondary School and N300,000 for primary schools.

 

9. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

OEF has also supported community infrastructure.

One of its interventions has been assistance with water infrastructure, including repairs to malfunctioning boreholes and generators.

The Forum also provided diesel for the operation of generators for more than two years.

These interventions were aimed at maintaining access to water for community use.

 

10. HEALTHCARE AND MEDICAL OUTREACH

Healthcare represents one of the most substantial areas of OEF community intervention. The Forum organized major medical outreach programmes in 2017, 2019, and 2024. Each programme lasted approximately three days and provided free medical services to community members and other beneficiaries. According to the Forum’s records, more than 3,000 people were served on each occasion.

Services included:

Dental Treatment

Dental services were provided to patients experiencing dental problems, helping to address pain and other oral-health needs.

Eye Care and Surgery

Eye examinations and surgical procedures were provided for eligible patients with vision-related conditions.

General and Gynaecological Surgery

Surgical interventions were provided for selected general and gynaecological conditions.

ECG Testing

Electrocardiogram tests were conducted as part of cardiovascular screening.

HIV Screening

HIV screening services were provided, together with appropriate support and follow-up.

Malaria and Typhoid Treatment

Patients presenting with malaria and typhoid-related conditions received medical attention and treatment.

The medical outreach programmes therefore provided an important avenue through which residents could obtain medical attention without the usual financial burden associated with such services.

 

11. RENOVATION AND UPGRADE OF OGBONA PRIMARY HEALTHCARE CENTRE

Beyond temporary medical outreach programmes, OEF also contributed to the improvement of permanent healthcare infrastructure in Ogbona.

The Forum supported renovation works at the Ogbona Primary Healthcare Centre.

The interventions included:

Installation of new floor tiles;

Repairs to electrical systems;

Repairs to plumbing facilities;

Upgrading of hospital facilities;

Provision of hospital beds;

Provision of beddings; and

Provision of essential medical equipment.

A particularly significant component was the establishment of a basic surgical theatre, equipped with the necessary surgical instruments and supplies to support basic surgical procedures.

This intervention sought to improve the capacity of the local healthcare facility and strengthen the availability of healthcare services within the community.

12. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER GUIDANCE

OEF has recognized the importance of investing in the younger generation.

The Forum has organized Career Day programmes, talks, seminars, counselling sessions, and other activities aimed at exposing students to educational and professional opportunities.

Topics have included:

Career development;

Entrepreneurship;

Human-capital development;

Educational planning;

Counselling; and

Personal development.

These programmes have sought to broaden students’ understanding of career opportunities and encourage them to prepare for future responsibilities.

13. QUIZ AND DEBATING COMPETITIONS

OEF has also organized quiz and debating competitions for students of Ogbona Secondary School.

These activities promote:

Academic excellence;

Research skills;

Critical thinking;

Public speaking;

Confidence;

Teamwork; and

Healthy intellectual competition.

They also provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities outside the conventional classroom environment.

14. CULTURAL DOCUMENTATION AND COMMUNITY HISTORY

Another important area of OEF activity is the documentation and promotion of Ogbona’s history, culture, and heritage.

The Forum has supported the documentation of Ogbona cultural dances and the publication of profiles of Ogbona sons and daughters.

This work forms part of a broader effort to preserve information about Ogbona’s people, traditions, cultural practices, institutions, and historical experiences.

The documentation of notable individuals is particularly important because many aspects of community history are preserved through oral accounts, personal memories, photographs, family records, and individual testimonies.

By encouraging the collection and publication of such information, OEF contributes to the preservation of contemporary Ogbona history.

15. DONATIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

OEF has received, facilitated, and made various donations in support of community initiatives.

These have included:

Books;

Learning aids;

Medical supplies;

Healthcare equipment; and

Other materials required by community institutions.

Such contributions have supplemented existing resources available to schools, healthcare facilities, and other community programmes.

16. OEF AND COLLABORATION WITH OTHER OGBONA ORGANIZATIONS

OEF recognizes that no single organization can address all the development needs of a community.

Consequently, the Forum’s objectives include collaboration with other Ogbona associations and groups.

These may include:

Traditional institutions;

Religious organizations;

Youth organizations;

Women’s organizations;

Professional associations;

Family and kindred organizations; and

Other community-based organizations.

Such collaboration allows organizations to share information, mobilize resources, coordinate initiatives, and avoid unnecessary duplication of effort.

17. CHALLENGES FACING THE OGBONA ELITES FORUM

Despite its activities and achievements, OEF faces several challenges that affect its capacity to implement programmes and expand its impact.

17.1 Limited Awareness

One challenge identified by the Forum is limited awareness among some members of the Ogbona community regarding its existence, objectives, programmes, and activities.

Greater awareness is necessary to encourage wider participation and support.

17.2 Financial Constraints

Community development projects require financial resources.

OEF has identified funding as a significant challenge, particularly when undertaking medium- and large-scale projects.

The sustainability and expansion of its activities therefore depend in part on the ability to mobilize adequate financial resources from members, supporters, partners, and other legitimate sources.

17.3 Limited Membership and Participation

The Forum has also identified the need for greater active participation.

Membership numbers alone do not necessarily translate into active engagement. OEF therefore requires committed members who can contribute their time, professional expertise, ideas, networks, and financial resources to community initiatives.

17.4 Civic and Public Engagement

The Forum has expressed interest in greater participation by Ogbona people in civic and public affairs, including leadership opportunities within the local government area.

Such participation is part of the broader civic engagement of community members and requires adherence to applicable laws and democratic processes, as well as broad-based community participation.

17.5 Documentation and Access to Information

The Forum faces challenges in obtaining existing documents and papers relating to Ogbona and Avhianwu traditions, culture, customary laws, development, and leadership.

There is also a need to collect and preserve the biographies, photographs, records, and experiences of community leaders and other notable individuals.

The urgency of this work is underscored by the fact that historical information can be lost when elderly custodians of knowledge pass away without their memories and records being documented.

17.6 Poor Internet Connectivity

Poor or inconsistent internet connectivity in Ogbona has also been identified as a challenge.

Because OEF relies substantially on digital communication, weak internet connectivity can interfere with information sharing, document transmission, virtual meetings, and communication between members at home and in the diaspora.

17.7 Quality Assurance and Quality Control

As OEF increases its documentation and publication activities, the Forum has identified a need for stronger quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC).

The involvement of knowledgeable individuals in reviewing historical, cultural, educational, technical, legal, and development-related materials can help improve accuracy, consistency, presentation, and credibility.

18. THE IMPORTANCE OF DOCUMENTATION TO OEF AND OGBONA

The documentation activities associated with OEF have significance beyond the Forum itself. For a community whose history has traditionally been transmitted through oral traditions, family accounts, community meetings, photographs, and personal recollections, systematic documentation provides an opportunity to preserve information in a durable form.

Documentation can help preserve:

Family histories;

Genealogies;

Traditional institutions;

Community leadership;

Cultural practices;

Festivals;

Indigenous knowledge;

Traditional foods;

Languages and expressions;

Community development initiatives;

Educational history;

Healthcare interventions;

Profiles of Notable Individuals; and New Generation

The experiences of Ogbona people in the diaspora.

The OEF experience demonstrates that community development is not limited to physical infrastructure. The preservation of knowledge, memory, identity, and cultural heritage is also an important component of development.

19. THE ROLE OF THE DIASPORA

One of OEF’s distinguishing characteristics is its ability to connect Ogbona indigenes living outside the immediate community.

Through Facebook, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms, members can participate in discussions and contribute to community initiatives without being physically present in Ogbona.

The diaspora therefore constitutes an important source of:

Professional expertise;

Financial support;

Information;

Networks;

Mentorship;

Educational opportunities; and

Community advocacy.

The continuing growth of digital platforms has strengthened this connection and created new opportunities for cooperation between residents of Ogbona and members of the diaspora.

20. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The experience of the Ogbona Elites Forum since 2016 provides a foundation for continued community engagement.

Future development efforts can build upon the areas in which OEF has already established experience, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth development, cultural preservation, and community communication.

Particular attention can be given to:

Strengthening sustainable funding mechanisms;

Expanding educational support;

Supporting schools and teachers;

Developing youth skills and entrepreneurship;

Improving healthcare facilities;

Supporting sustainable water infrastructure;

Strengthening cultural and historical documentation;

Digitizing community records;

Expanding participation by Ogbona indigenes at home and abroad;

Improving communication infrastructure;

Building partnerships with other community organizations;

Establishing stronger documentation and archival systems; and

Developing consistent quality-assurance procedures.

The Forum’s continued effectiveness will depend not only on its formal leadership but also on the willingness of members and other Ogbona organizations to contribute ideas, expertise, resources, and constructive participation.

 

CONCLUSION

The Ogbona Elites Forum emerged in 2016 from a simple idea: to create a digital platform through which Ogbona indigenes could communicate, interact, and remain connected to their community.

From the original Facebook initiative established in March 2016 to the subsequent creation of the WhatsApp Forum and the development of additional digital platforms, OEF has grown into an organized community institution.

Its activities have extended beyond online communication. The Forum has supported education through supplemental teachers, teacher training, scholarships, and educational materials. It has supported healthcare through medical outreach programmes and improvements to the Ogbona Primary Healthcare Centre. It has contributed to water infrastructure, youth development, career guidance, academic competitions, cultural activities, and community documentation.

At the same time, OEF’s experience illustrates some of the continuing challenges associated with community development: the need for sustainable funding, broader participation, stronger communication systems, improved documentation, access to historical information, and effective quality assurance.

The story of OEF is therefore not simply the story of an association. It is part of the evolving story of Ogbona itself—of a community seeking new ways to organize its people, mobilize resources, preserve its heritage, support its institutions, and respond to the changing needs of successive generations.

As Ogbona moves forward, the experience of the Ogbona Elites Forum provides an important example of how community members, professionals, organizations, and the diaspora can come together around shared interests and contribute to the development and preservation of their ancestral community.