OGBAKOR IKWERRE USA, INC.

An address at the 8th Annual National Convention of Etche-America Foundation

November 30, 2002.

South Plainfield, New Jersey, United States

Presented by:

Dr. Godwin Obiri

President, Ogbakor Ikwerre USA, Inc.

Mr. Chairman of the Occasion

Members of the High Table

The president, Etche-America Foundation

Honorable Executive Board of Etche-American Foundation,

Honorable members of Etche-America Foundation

Invited guests, and

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

It is with profound joy and hope that I address you tonight on behalf of the Ogbakor Ikwerre USA (OIUSA), Inc., a non-profit national organization of Ikwerre indigenes residing in United States of America and Canada. I bring to you best wishes and warm embrace of our collective membership across the US in support of your cause.

Etche Kwenu, Kwenu, Kwenu. Kwezuo nu

Ikwerre Anu Meka, Meka, Meka, Meka

I want to thank your leadership for inviting the Ogbakor Ikwerre USA (OIUSA), Inc. to be part of this fine convention. More importantly, I want to thank all of you for continuing to fight for the betterment of the Etche Kingdom. I encourage you to continue to be a voice of hope for the Etche people everywhere. There is a saying that when we don't speak no one hears or knows our plight. But when we voice our concern, however little it might be, at the very least someone will hear our plight. And who knows it might be the person that could bring relief to our problem. I believe that each time you come to gather to discuss common issues, it advances the hope of the Etche community.

I stand before you today for a number of reasons. But I will highlight the one that is most dear to me and that is that Ikwerre and Etche are one. Ikwerre and Etche have long a long history between them. I am pleased that Etche people share this understanding. Not too long ago, OIUSA had its convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Your president, Dr. Okeechukwu Nwodim, was invited and she represented your organization superbly to the delight of our General Assembly. During her speech, she said and I quote "When we were growing up, they told us that Etche and Ikwerre are two brothers. I don't remember which one was the older brother - I believe Etche was." You know when I was growing up I was told the very same story but I believe Ikwerre was the older one. Ikwerre and Etche are brothers and that cannot be changed.

Unfortunately, this natural bond between Ikwerre and Etche has suffered considerable setback in recent times to the detriment of our collective economic and political achievements and we must do something about it. Since I took up the leadership of OIUSA in 1999, I have made it a point to bring OIUSA closer to the Etche-America Foundation. My contact with the Etche-America Foundation began during the presidency of Mr. Lionel Akor. He and I discussed in many occasions on how we can bring our people closer. I have continued the same discussion with Dr. Nwodim since she took over as president. I must say that these efforts are yielding concrete results. We now have some Etche sons attend OIUSA convention. At the last convention of OIUSA in Atlanta, Georgia, the Etche-American Foundation was well represented and we are very thankful for that. Your president not minding her busy schedule made time to be there. Your Vice-President, Mr. Akahmbari Nwordu participated with us through out the convention. In fact, he was so committed that he stayed till the end of the convention. He and I left the hotel for the Airport at the same time. We are increasing contacts and participation with our people. This is the level of effort your leadership and I are making to restore brotherly relationship that use to exist between Ikwerre and Etche. Interestingly too, I have heard about the increasing cordial relationship between our people and Etche indigenes in many parts of the US. This development has been more palpable in the Baltimore/Washington and Houston, Texas areas. Thanks to all of our people and Etche indigenes in these areas for taking decisive steps to recognize and maintain genuine camaraderie with one another. This is the type of relationship and understanding that is needed between Ikwerre people and Etche people everywhere and we must all continue to keep the momentum.

I am very hopeful that one day we will collectively bring about an atmosphere where Ikwerre and Etche can be truly one again. I must add too that the effort we are making must not stop here in the United States of America. It is a noble idea that deserves deliberate transplantation to Ikwerre and Etche Kingdoms. Therefore, we must individually and collectively carry these sentiments home where the need to restore the spirit of brotherhood is most needed. The fruit of such effort is limitless. Here is where the Theme of this convention (Economic Empowerment & Sustainable Development of Etche Kingdom) is very timely. We all know that in Nigeria society today, political power precedes economic empowerment. Political participation and success have changed many individuals and transformed some communities in Nigeria, including Rivers State. As we desire increased economic empowerment in Etche or even in Ikwerre, this fact must not be overlooked because of its centrality. There are no two ways about it. The interest of Etche and Ikwerre must culminate in political power to usher in economic empowerment and sustainable development in our common community.

Brotherhood dictates that we rise together on all issues and fronts. Ikwerre and Etche must stand together. In recent times, we have heard about the plan by Shell BP to construct toxic waste site in Etche. Ikwerre and Etche share the same ecosystem and what affects Etche affects Ikwerre people. I must reassure you that OIUSA stands with the Etche-America Foundation and the people of Etche on this matter.

Now I would like to address you on our own convention. As some of you know, OIUSA 2003 Annual National Convention will be held in Ikwerre land. I want to use this opportunity to invite the Etche-America Foundation to participate with us in this history-making event. This particular convention will be unique in that it is intended to provide a forum for us to celebrate our past gains and dialogue about our collective future. A number of events and projects are planned for implementation. We plan to launch an Endowment for Ikwerre Studies in honor of late Senator Dr. Obi Wali at the Rivers State University of Science & Technology. In addition, OIUSA’s continuing efforts in assisting to restore normalcy to Ogbakiri town will be a significant part of our presence at home next year. For three years, the Ogbakiri crisis has been a pivotal issue in OIUSA. OIUSA will be undertaking a Water Project for the benefit of the six villages in Ogbakiri. The convention will also feature presentations and workshops on health education, AIDS awareness, conflict resolution, small business strategies, political participation strategies, community empowerment, etc. Screening disease conditions and distribution of free medications will also be implemented at each local government area in Ikwerre as part of the convention activities.

The participation of the Etche-America Foundation in the upcoming convention is crucial. This is because it could give a boost to our hopes of restoring increased sense of brotherhood among our people. The appearance of decreased level of cooperation must be decisively stripped from amongst our people now to usher in a more progressive and promising future for our common communities. This apparent lack of meaningful cooperation, whether real or imagined, must be replaced with an enduring sense of brotherhood, pride, and sincere respect for one another. The future will be bright for Etche and Ikwerre when we recognize our natural connection and keep it that way. No one can bring about this restoration than Etche-American Foundation and OIUSA. Therefore, we must begin to take serious and deliberate steps ourselves in that direction. The 2003 convention definitely provides us a rare opportunity to openly showcase this brotherhood and unity. Please join hands with us because together we can make Ikwerre and Etche great again. 

My brothers and sisters, this is a great day for Etche and for Ikwerre. Each time you gather gives great opportunity for discussion of important issues, and in so doing, it advances the Etche Kingdom. And it's a good thing. Please keep this light that began eight years ago lit. Let it continue to shine strong every day as a sign of your collective resolve to continue the struggle for the survival of Etche Kingdom.

             Thank you for this brilliant opportunity to address all of you, and may God continue to bless the Etche and Ikwerre ethnic nationalities.

Dr. Godwin Obiri

President, Ogbakor Ikwerre USA, Inc.