OGBONA IMHAKHENA ASAMA FEDERATED UNION
GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT (1987-2004), CHIEF MATTHIAS A AKPAIBOR
It gives me great pleasure to present to the Union this day, this report of my
seventeen years in Office as the General Secretary of Ogbona Imhakhena Asama
Federated Union. I hereby thank the entire community, both at home and abroad,
for the opportunity given me to serve.
I took over this office when it was in its infancy and I had little or nothing to start
with the cooperation of the first, second, and third Presidents, Chief A. O. Itsuokor,
Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP. The Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona and Arc. J.E.A Orbih
respectively the union started growing from strength to strength.
The Union was formed in 1976 with Protem Officers as Chief A. O. Itsuokor –
President, Mr. G. I. Kadiri – Secretary and Chief M.A. Akpaibor as the Asst. Gen.
Secretary. A constitution committee headed by Mr. P. S. Eleta was set up. The Draft
Constitution was submitted in1982 and was adopted and passed into law in the same
year. The first Union executive council members were elected into the following
offices:-
President – Chief A. O. Itsuokor – Lagos Branch
Vice President – Mrs. S. A. Anetekhai- Benin Branch
General Secretary – Dr. J. E. Umole – Benin Branch
1st Asst. Gen. Secretary – Chief M. A. Akpaibor – Warri Branch
2nd Asst. Gen. Secretary – Mr. P. Osigbemhe – Ibadan Branch
Treasurer – Okhaemoi P. S. Eleta – Auchi Branch
Financial Secretary – Mr. M. G. Enakpene – Auchi Branch
Publicity Secretary – Sir P. M. Anaweokhai – Lagos Branch
Social Secretary – Mr. R. A. Edogamhe – Benin Branch
Legal Adviser – Chief C. A. Ekhasemomhe Kaduna Branch
Ex-Officers – Mr. M. Asapokhai – Kano Branch
“ – Mr. A. Oghena – Ile Ife Branch
“ – Okhaemoi J. Edogamhe Ogbona Branch
“ – Mr. A. Oyagha – Warri Branch
“ – Mr. J. I. Odior – Ogbona Branch
Patrons – Chief J. O. Odalumhe – Ogbona Branch
“ – Mr. Francis Asekomhe – Ogbona Branch
“ – Pa. Abu Idinokhai – Ogbona Branch
“ – Pa. Odia Ikhane – Ogbona Branch
“ – Pa Aleghe Orbih – Ogbona Branch
Ogbona was elected to be the Headquarter of the Union and it was agreed that the name of
the Union should be known as the “OGBONA IMHAKHENA FEDERATED UNION”.
The financial branch unions were eight comprising, Auchi, Benin, Ibadan, Ile-Ife, Kaduna,
Kano, Lagos, and Warri while the homebody was dragging their feet over the name of the
union. We are grateful to God today as the number has increased from eight branch
members to ten branch members including the home branch, Abuja, Ilorin. Port-Harcourt
branch which was one of the recently registered branches, is neither here nor there for
reasons best known to them.
The aims and objectives of the Union were well spelled out in the 1982 constitution. After one
year in office, the General Secretary declined his post and I was appointed to act which I did
for one year before I was appointed to the post of the General Secretary in 1985. When I
took over the office, the financial branch members still remained at eight. The home which
supposed to be the headquarters was still doubting whether to accept the name or to stay
away because of the name.
Then the financial position was very poor. The only main avenue for funding was the
monthly subscriptions from the eight branches of the Union. The attendance of the executive council meetings was encouraging except for some branches whose members were not regular, mainly Ile-Ife and Kano. These two branches claimed that they always received letters late. After normalizing their postal addresses, the Ile-Ife branch complained that their members were new converts and that they would not accept the name “Ogbona Imhakhena Union” The Kano branch of the Union complained that due to frequent riots in Kano for the past years, the could not form any useful union. Recently, they informed the federated bodies that they had reorganized and would act fully Ile-Ife remains dormant to date.
The union could not achieve any meaningful development during these years till 1986
because it embarked on the reconciliation of the two factions that were Asama and
Abokhasomhi unions were formed because of the Chieftaincy dispute in the
community. The Ogbona Imhakhena Federated Union called on them to allow the
Chieftaincy matters take its cause and form a development union. That is what the Federated
Union stands for having a coon front in which the community can channel their
problems through to the government for meaningful development of the community. This
took the Federated Union time but those who saw what the union stands for were carried
along by the union while those who believed that their cause had to be met remained still
battling with their Chieftaincy cases. As of today, all these are history as Ogbona Imhakhena
Asama Federated Union broke the ice and united the whole factions together and brought
them to the popular body both home and abroad.
At the 1987 Annual Conference, the National Executive Council of Ogbona Imhakhena
The Federated Union was dissolved and there was an election where the following members
were elected:-
President – Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP – Benin Branch
Vice President – Sir P. M. Anaweokhai – Lagos Branch
General Secretary – Chief M. A. Akpaibor – Warri Branch
1st Asst. Gen Secretary – Mr. R. A. Edogamhe – Auchi Branch
2nd Asst. Gen. Secretary – Mr. D. Akhamiemhona – Ibadan Branch
Treasurer – Okhaemoi P. S. Eleta – Auchi Branch
Financial Secretary – Chief P. S. Anyiador – Benin Branch
Asst. Fin. Secretary – Mr. M. Asapokhai – Kano Branch
Publicity Secretary – Mr. G. I. Kadiri – Auchi Branch
Social Secretary – Mr. P.C.I Okhakumhe – Auchi Branch
Legal Adviser – Chief C. I. Ekhasemomhe – Kaduna Branch
Ex-Official Members- Mr. S. A. Anetekhai – Benin Branch
“ – Mr. A. Oghena – Ile-Ife Branch
“ – Arc. J.E.A Orbih – Benin Branch
“ – Mr. D. K. Itsuokor – Kaduna Branch
“ – Okhaemoi T. D. Dunia – Ibadan Branch
Patrons – Chief J. O. Odalumhe – Ogbona
“ – Chief M. C. K Orbih – Auchi
“ – Chief A. O. Itsuokor – Ogbona
“ – Mr. J.E Asapokhai – Warri
“ – Oduevho J. E. Igbadumhe – Auchi
During the inauguration of the council, the President sued for cooperation from members.
The President called many executive council meetings and annual conferences. The
executive members and branch unions attended all. Though some of the executive members
did not live up to expectations, the Union still forged ahead. Those members and branches
knew themselves.
My device to future members is that they should accept the duty they can perform although
there is no duty that a patriotic one cannot perform for his/her community as long as is a
member of that community. Also, branch unions should borrow a leaf of from the good
things that are being practiced in the area they are residing and bring such ideas to develop
their community, materially, financially or morally.
In 1996, the executive was reconstituted due to the appointment of the President as the
Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona. The council was reconstituted as follows:
President – Arc J. E. A. Orbih – Benin Branch
Vice President – Sir P. M. Anaweokhai – Lagos Branch
General Secretary – Chief M. A. Akpaibor – Warri Branch
1st Asst. Gen. Secretary – Mr. G. I. Kadiri – Auchi Branch
2nd Asst. Gen. Secretary – Mr. R. A. Edogamhe – Agenebode Branch
Treasurer – Okhaemoi P. S. Eleta – Auchi Branch
Financial Secretary – Chief P. S. Anyiador – Benin Branch
Publicity Secretary – Mr. R. Asekomhe – Benin Branch
Social Secretary – Mr. S. O. Ogah – Auchi Branch
Legal Adviser – Dr. J. B. Idode – Benin Branch
Ex-Official Members – Mr. P. Azoganokhai – Ibadan Branch
“ – Chief B. I. Aikabeli – Benin Branch
“ – Mr. M. O. Mana – Benin Branch
“ – Chief C.A. Ekhasemomhe Kaduna Branch
“ – Okhaemoi P. K. Ikhane – Ogbona Branch
“ – Oduevho T. A. Anyiador – Ogbona Branch
“ – Mr. James Ivhaluogue – Ogbona Branch
“ – Mr. Philip Iyonagbe – P/Harcourt Branch
Patrons – Chief T.A Osigbemhe JP
The Okphe-Ukpi of OgbonaOgbona
“ – Okhaemoi T. D. Dunia – Ogbona Branch
“ – Chief A. O. Itsuokor – Ogbona Branch
“ – Pa M. Ogedegbe – Ogbona Branch
“ – Okhaimho Joe Edogamhe Ogbona Branch
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The out-going President wished the union well and told his successor to always consult him
whenever he found it necessary.
The rate of development in the community was demanding regular attention and the house
decided to set up a committee to attend to them. The committee was constituted and it was
named Ogbona Development Committee with the following members.
Chief A. O. Itsuokor – Chairman
Mallam M. Z. Okozi – Secretary
Mr. A. I. Enaberue – Member
Mr. J. Azoganokhai – “
Okhaemoi T. D. Dunia – “
Okhaemoi P. K. Ikhane – “
They were given the following guidelines to work with
1. To map out development projects in the community
2. To executive development projects in the community
3. To run the development projects when they are in use
4. To constitute the Home branch of the union and arrange for election
5. To act as electoral officers not to be voted for nor participate in voting
6. To hand over power to the home branch to run the branch
7. To remain as Federated Union Committee on development projects.
The Ogbona Development Committee was dissolved because the house discovered that
some members were interested in the home branch election and preferred it to the ODC.
As of today, the Ogbona Imhakhena Asama Federated Union has achieved a lot for the
community while more are still being expected. Also, the Union crossed a lot of hurdles over
the past twenty years. We are all thankful to God for protecting and guiding us for the past
and wish the same for the present and future.
ACHIEVEMENTS
1. OGBONA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
In 1979 the sons and daughters of Ogbona abroad applied for a grammar school and
with the help of our son who was then the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of
Education, Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP the present Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona, the school was
approved. The community received this approval with joy though some members of the
community at home did not see anything good in it because of their mischievous aims. At
the annual conference of 1980, a committee was inaugurated to organize the launching
of the Grammar School. The project was launched on 8th August 1980 and the sum of
N63,032.60 was raised. The sum of N62,857.67 was spent on erecting the school. Chief J.
O. Odalumhe (of blessed memory) was the Chairman of the committee that built the
school. Messrs. P. S. Eleta, P. C. I Okhakumhe and G. I Kadiri audited the account, copies
of the audited account are in the file.
Thanks to Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP. The Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona, for the noble way he led
by bringing education to the doorstep of the community during his tenure in office. My
thanks, though posthumous, also go to Chief J.O Odalumhe who stood out and saw that
the project was completed as scheduled. My gratitude goes to Chief G. K. Enegwea who,
until he retired from the public service, always ensured that NYSC members were
posted to the school since its inception. I will not fail to mention the unequaled role
played by the Ogbona Imhakhena Asama Federated Union since the school was opened.
Some of this people who backed out at the beginning have retraced their steps and
associated themselves with better ideas which are for the betterment of the generality
of the community.
2. ELECTRICITY:
The Ogbona Imhakhena Asama Federated Union in 1986 embarked on an electricity project
based on the advice given by one of our prominent sons. Dr. J. B. Idode, who was the
Director of DFRRI in the then Bendel State and promised to help through his office. The
The Electricity Project was launched on December 26th, 1986 and the sum of N60,090.03 and
a transformer was raised. The sum of N55,599.02 was spent on the project. The
community bought three transformers (100KVA) and the sum of N20,000.00 cash was
donated to the government towards the project.
My gratitude goes to Dr. J. B. Idode, who made the light to come into reality during his
tenure in office. My thanks, though posthumous also go to Mr. B. A. Orbih who helped
the community to achieve her aims and objectives in cash and materials.
A committee made up of Messrs. F. Umago, F. S. Akpaibor, and P. S. Eleta Chairman,
Secretary and Treasurer respectively were set up to collect levy and disburse same.
Messrs. G. I. Kadiri P.C.I Okhakumhe and G. E. Itsuokor, Chairman, Secretary, and
Members respectively have audited the account. The report is in the file.
About the Grammar School Project, the Electricity did not receive much cooperation from the opposing side. They did all within their power to stop the project by
writing petitions to various branches not to support the project which was their own
baby. Also, they engaged their members to circulate their petitions from branch to
branch. As the saying goes, that “Positive ideas always triumph over negative ideas”
Thank God that their aims did not achieve their objectives. The Union took drastic
action against them by denying them the use of the light, nor until the intervention of His
Royal Highness, The Ogieavhianwu of Avhianwu, that led to amnesty being granted
them. Presently, the then enemies of progress in the community have repented and
happily, they are now in the forefront of development in the community. Thank God for
that. I thank the Ogbona Imhakhena Asama Federated Union for the respect accorded
His Royal Highness for the sense of maturity and understanding in handling the issue. I
also thank the entire community.
3. THE FIRST CORONATION OF OGIEAVHIANWU OF AVHIANWU
The Head of Avhianwu Clan was appointed from Ogbona Ruling House in Avhianwu Clan
by the then Bendel State Government and was gazette in 1987. The Ogbona Imhakhena
Asama Federated Union made history by organizing the first over coronation in
Avhianwu Clan for the Clan Head of Avhianwu, His Royal Highness P.A Oboarekpe, the
Ogieavhianwu of Avhianwu. It was a very colourful ceremony and people from all walks
of life came to graced the occasion.
The union raised fund for this ceremony and the account was audited. I thank Mr. P. S.
Eleta, Chief M. C. K Orbih, Dr. J. B. Idode, Chief A. O. Itsuokor who was then the President
of OIAFU and Chief T. A. Osigbemhe JP. The Okphe Ukpi of Ogbona and the entire OIAFU
branches for their unreserved co-operation.
4. COMMISSIONING OF OGBONA COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTRE UBTH ANNEX
The OIFAU played a vital role during the commissioning of the Health Centre by
mobilizing the community to embrace the occasion. They donated bedding and rented a
building, which accommodated the medical students attached to the Health Centre.
Thanks to Chief M.C.K Orbih for the great role he played in influencing the Federal
Government in establishing the Health Centre in the community when he was the
Chairman of Board of Governors in UBTH, Benin City.
5. WATER PROJECT:
The OIAFU in conjunction with DFRRI executed the water project and on January 31st
1990, the then Military Governor of Bendel State. Col. Jonathan Tunde Ogbeha,
commissioned the project. The water is flowing at a site in the community today. I thank
Dr. J.B. Idode who rescued the community when they were thirsty. His name will ever
remain indelible in the heart of the entire community. Also, my thanks go to Chief Major
F. Atsegwasi (Rtd) who during his tenure as the Local Government administrator
extended the water from the borehole site to the community where it is being fetch
today.
I will not fail to mention the behavior of the unpatriotic citizens in the community
who vandalized the NEPA cables at the borehole site.
6. SCIENCE EQUIPMENT – IN–HOUSE LAUNCHING:
In 1988, the OIAFU instructed branch unions to organize in-house launches at their
various branches. On the 25th March, 1989 during the annual conference. A few branches
reported the success of their launching and the total sum of N10,405.00 was remitted.
This amount was diverted to the Ogbona/Imiava crisis in which the law enforcement
agents arrested our men over a communal clash. The idea of equipping science
laboratories was deferred.
7. HOMEBODY, NEW BRANCHES ACCEPTED TO JOIN THE OIFU
On the 25th March 1989 after nine years of the formation of Ogbona Imhakhna
Federated Union, the home body accepted to enroll in the Union. The Union was then
renamed “OGBONA IMHAKHENA ASAMA FEDERATED UNION”.
Between 1980 and 1996 three branch unions joined the federated union. They are Ilorin,
Port-Harcourt, Agenebode while Abuja joined in year 2000. As at today, two of the
above-named branch unions are dormant i.e. Agenebode and Port-Harcourt.
Homebody’s presence is not felt as their financial status in the Union is not encouraging.
8. COMMUNAL CLASH BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND IMIAVA:
In March 1989 there was a communal clash between our community and Imiava over
the farm land. Some of our men were arrested and detained in various prisons custody.
The case was charged to court at Auchi High Court and some were discharged and
acquitted while three were convicted and sentenced to death. The OIAFU took an appeal
to the Appeal Court in Benin City and won the case and the three men regained their
freedom. As at today, the OIAFU is still having one of the cases in the court, in which the
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community is the Plaintiff. The case is Chief P.A Oboarekpe vs the Edo State Government,
over the White Paper on the community clash between the two communities. The case is
in Court 11, Benin City.
I thank the OIAFU members and His Royal Highness P. A. Oboarekpe, The Ogieavhianwu
of Avhianwu for the way they piloted the affairs of the entire community during this
period of tribulations. I will not fail to mention that during the trials, one of our sons, Mr.
Okhakuobomhe Ozekhomhe, died in detention and the community gave him a very
befitting burial. May his soul rest in perfect pace (Amen). My special thanks go to Chief
T.A. Osigbemhe JP. The Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona, Dr. J. B. Idode, Chief B.I Aikabeli, Mr.
M.O. Mana (in blessed memory), Mr. R. Asekomhe, Arc. J. E. Orbih, Mr. G.I Kadiri,
Okhaimho P.S. Eleta, Sir P.M. Anaweokhai (in blessed memory), and Chief P.S. Anyiador.
My special thanks also go to all Branch Unions, Lagos, Ibadan, Auchi, Benin, Warri, Ilorin,
Kaduna, Kano, Port-Harcourt, Agenebode, and Ogbona for the patriotism they demonstrated
since the beginning of the problems to date.
9. SCIENCE EQUIPMENT:
In 1994, the Ministry of Education supplied Science Equipment to Ogbona Grammar
School with the help of our late son who was then the Commissioner for Education, Mr.
G. Uwaya. After the supply, the installation of the equipment became a problem and this
was reported at one of the OIAFU executive meetings held in 1994. It was unanimously
agreed at the meeting that a launch had to be organized for funds to extend electricity
to the school and installation of the equipment. A committee was set up with Chief A. O.
Itsuokor, Chairman, Okhaemoi V. Anaweokhai, Secretary and Okhaemoi P.K. Ikhane as
Treasurer. The launching was held and the sum of N84,850.00 was raised and the sum of
N78,536.00 was spent on the extension of light and installation of the equipment.
My thanks go to the late Mr. G. Uwaya who distinguished himself and proved to the
community that there are patriotic sons who have the welfare of the community at heart
whenever they are given any opportunity to serve in the government. I also thank the
following people who contributed materials and cash for the completion of the project:
Mr. F. Anyiador, Mr. P. E. Ifaorumhe, Chief G. K. Enegwea, Chief A. O. Itsuokor, Okhaemoi
V. Anaweokhai, Okhaemoi P. K. Ikhane and the entire OIAFU.
10. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
The OIAFU formed a vigilante Group to take care of security matters and indiscipline in the
community. The group brought sanity into the community from which the neighboring
communities borrowed a leaf. As at today, the local government has renamed it as
Neighborhood Watch and gave them more power to execute their duties.
11. RE-ROOFING OF OBOAREKPE PRIMARY SCHOOL BUILDING:
Oboarekpe Primary School building was blown off by a rain storm some time ago. The
community reported to the appropriate authority but there was no immediate relief
from local government authority and then the school was in session. The OIAF levied
every branch for the re-roofing and this was done. The Primary School was reroofed
through the levy collected by the OIAF Union.
12. OGBONA DAY:
The outgoing President, Arc. J.E.A Orbih, on his resumption in Office, made a lot of
proposals to be considered by the house. One of his proposals was a celebration of
Ogbona Day. He said that would draw all sons and daughters and non-indigenes to the
community, which can lead to foreign investors investing in the community. The house
unanimously accepted this. Sub-committees were set up and it became a reality in the year
2002. The first Ogbona Day was celebrated and was attended by all sons, daughters, and
the community’s well-wishers. It was resolved at one of the OIAFU meetings that the
Ogbona Day would be celebrated year 2004 with a difference. It was agreed by the house
to add to it a Fund Raising which was done according to plan. I will not fail to mention
here that it was almost marred by one quarter that backed out from the ceremony due
to pettiness, but with God’s grace, the ceremony recorded above average.
The sum of N521,000.00 was raised. I thank all OIAFU members both home and abroad
who stood their ground and made the ceremony to achieve its aims. My thanks also go
to the Okphe-Ukpi of Ogbona and High Royal Highness the Ogieavhianwu of Avhianwu
who gave fatherly backing to the Union for the successful ceremony.
13. YOUTH FORUM/STUDENTS UNION
The Youth Forum and Students Union in the community requested approval for
recognition to participate in all community affairs. Their request was considered
by OIAFU and approval was granted.
The OIAFU has started organizing competitions with prizes for the students in Secondary
School level. The first beneficiaries received their prizes during the Second Ogbona
Day/Fund Raising ceremony in the year 2004.
TRIBULATIONS
1. OGBONA IMHAKHENA ASAMA FEDERATED UNION’S LONGEST DAY COMMUNAL
CLASH:
In 1989 there was a clash between our community and Imiava community as earlier
mentioned. The patriotic members of our community witnessed a lot of horrors at the
hands of law enforcement agents; the community started by contributing money through
levies, and providing food and provisions to those arrested. The Traditional Ruler and
prominent members of the community were arrested and detained in various prisons
custody. The Traditional Ruler was suspended from office. Members of OIAFU were
being harassed here and there while some members were running around trying to make
ends meet and finding solutions to the problems.
Our fellow community members who were so unpatriotic because of their selfish aims
compounded the problems. They compiled the names of the patriotic citizens and sent
to the Police, alleging that these were the people who ran off Imiava community. This case
became tougher as the opponents got more support from our own community. The
worst happened when our fellow clansmen went to the tribunal and testified against us,
introducing the chieftaincy matter before the Commission of Inquiry in order to dethrone
our traditional ruler, but with God on our side, we overcame the major part of the
problems.
On a surprising note, some of them who were detained and charged to court and
discharged from court have now turned their backs on OIAFU. Their reasons for their
actions are best known to them. In many respects, this is affecting the OIAFU presently
both at home and abroad, they are not willing to pay their levy and most parents are
discouraging their children abroad. I humbly appeal to these members to unto others as
was done to them when they were behind bars. Now we cannot pay our legal fee and
cannot open our eyes and see that our land is taken away by strangers. Fellow
community members, let us rise and shine as in the olden days. We are sons and
daughters of Ogbona which is known throughout the environment. We are known to be a
united body when we are outside. In the same vein, we should settle our problems and
be united when at home. We have no other home than Ogbona.
2. VANDALISATION OF N.E.P.A CABLES
In 1990, while we were still in the wake of the compound clash, the same
unpatriotic community members led unscrupulous elements to vandalise the
N.E.P.A cables at the water project site. This was detected in time and a vigilante
group was sent to the site these men were caught and handed over to the
police with the cables in their possession. The case was charged to court but the
outcome of the case is yet unknown to us. However, the cables have been released to
the community after a series of petitions from OIAFU. I thank the entire community
for their courageous actions that they have known from time immemorial.
BEREAVEMENT
The OIAFU lost some of its able bodied members during the period under review,
mostly the exco member Sir P M Anaweokha, Vice President of OIAFU from Lagos
branch, Mr. M G Enakpene, Finance Secretary in 1982 reign, from Auchi branch, Mr.
A. Oyaghi, Ex-officio, Warri branch, Chief J.O Odalumhe, Mr. Francis Asekomhe, Pa
Abu Idinokhai, Pa Odia Ikhane, and Pa Aleghe Orbih all of whom were patrons in the
1982 reign. Mr. G. Uwaya the former commissioner of Edo state and Mr. D. K.
Itsuokor, Exco member of Kaduna branch, Mr. B. A. Orbih. May their souls rest in
perfect peace (Amen).
MEMBERS WHO HAVE ILL HEALTH:
There are some of the OIAFU Exco members who have been down with illness for some
time now. They are Dr. J. B. Idode, Legal Adviser, and Chief A. O. Itsuokor, Patron. I
wish them God’s mercy and quick recovery (Amen).
OBSERVATION
1. OGBONA ELITES:
It has been observed that the majority of Ogbona sons/daughters who have gone
beyond secondary school education level hardly associate with their community
wherever they are residing. They don’t attend their meetings, they hardly
contribute towards the development of the community, and they don’t accommodate
their fellow citizens wherever they find them, either in their various organizations. They
are heading or working, in fact, they do not care for what is happening at home.
From my experience, an Ogbona man is highly respected in any organization he
finds him/herself because of honesty, dedication, and hard work. Why should our
sons/daughters who are in responsible positions refuse to help the younger
generation? I hereby appeal to these groups of elites to have a rethink of their
action and come and develop our home. Nobody can do it for you, you have to do
it yourself. They should not forget the saying that, North, East, South and West,
home is the best.
2. TOWNHALL:
It has been observed that the age-long Ogbona Town Hall is an abandoned
Project due to lack of funds. I am suggesting that we should appeal to our
sons/daughters to give OIAFU a helping hand in completing the hall. It will serve a
useful purpose for our youth and the town in general.
3. EROSION IN THE COMMUNITY:
It is an eye-sore for anyone who goes along the major streets in the community.
The erosion is threatening houses and roads seriously. The attention of our
councilor and the local government chairman should be drawn in general.
4. POSTAL AGENCY:
The community has no permanent building for postal services. It is still being
operated in a rented house and the rentage is not being paid as and when due. I
think with the completion of the Town Hall the problem of the Postal Agency would be
solved.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. To generate more revenue for OIAFU purse, the clubs, association both at
home and abroad, should be appealed, to pay a certain percentage of their
income to the union’s account at the end of every year.
2. A certain percentage of the community revenue should be paid into the OIAFU’s
account.
3. An appeal should go to the elites in the community to form a solid body if they cannot
join forces with OIAFU to develop the community.
4. The erosion should be given the proper attention it deserves from the Local
Government.
5. The Town Hall should be redesigned if the present one is too big to execute.
6. The Postal Agency should have a permanent building.
7. The Birth and Death registers should be re-addressed
8. The entire community should sanction those dormant branch union/individual members who
are not with the OIAU.
9. I strongly recommend to the entire community, both at home and abroad to arrange for
inter-denominational thanksgiving service to our Father Almighty, for what He has done
for us over the years, and still do.
SUMMARY
It is a good adage that says “United we stand and divided we fall”. As you all know, this
Union is a rebirth of Unity in Ogbona. To make it function properly, we should drop
pettiness, sectionalism, hatred, and prejudices. We should avoid all unnecessary complaints
against anybody or group of people, with the intention of bringing about another disunity.
Let all genuine complaints that would bring disunity be brought to the floor of the house for
settlement. Let Love and Peace reign supreme in our midst. Let us learn to tolerate the
misgivings of others and show a good sense of judgment in the interest of peace.
I thank you OIAFU for the cooperation I received from you during my tenure in Office as the
General Secretary.
Long live Ogbona Imhakhna Asama Federated Union, Long live Ogbona Community, Long
live Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Chief M. A. Akpaibor
General Secretary