To meet its objectives, OIU develops and
implements projects to benefit Ikwerre people here and abroad in collaboration
with several volunteers, most of who are active in OIU. The organization
cooperates with other organizations, societies, and governmental bodies engaged
in promoting bridges among people of all nationalities. Currently, OIU operates
six projects. A number of individuals contribute their time freely to meet the
different project objectives.
The OIU organizes an Annual Convention every year in a different state, a major
event which attracts several participants from across the USA and abroad. The
4th Annual Convention took place in July 1999 in New York City, New York, and
the 5th Convention is scheduled for July 2000 in Detroit,
Michigan. The following programs are currently supported
by OIU:
Science and Technology Projects:
Project Chair: Eng. Peter Awute
This office is responsible for developing initiatives that would lead to
advancement in
science and technology in Ikwerre ethnic nationality. The Chair and his
committee
members are responsible for developing the OIU Webpage. They currently in
discussion
for other bold initiatives that will be unveiled at the next convention.
Finance and Economic Development:
Project Chair: Mr. Felix Ngari
The office of finance and economic development identifies mechanisms to enable
OIU to
initiate development projects, pool resources, and to participate in a concerted
effort to help
in the development of rural and suburban Ikwerre communities. This office is
responsible for preparing
guidelines and providing advice for the development projects.
Education and Scholarship Initiatives:
Project Chair: Mr. Nyesom Dike
Through this office OIU is pioneering a scholarship scheme directed at less
privileged Ikwerre youths.
The scholarships will benefit youths preparing for post-secondary education in
Nigerian universities.
Discussions are also in progress to finalize logistics for supplying computers
and printers to some
secondary schools and donating books to selected libraries in Ikwerre
communities.
Health and Social Welfare:
Project Chair: Dr. Ogu Emejuru
The chair and her committee have identified community-wide health screening
exercise as a worthwhile
initiative that would help improve the health status of Ikwerre people living
the rural villages.
Discussions and arrangement are ongoing to determine a suitable operational
structure for the
health-screening scheme.
Ikwerre Leadership Project:
Project Chair: Mr. Godwin Nyenke
This is a three-phase project established to evaluate the leadership crisis in
the Ikwerre ethnic
nationality. Members of this committee have completed phase one and are at the
final stages of phase two.
Phase one results were presented at the New York City convention, and the
general assembly appropriated
the sum of $1,500 to the committee to continue their research. It is anticipated
that the phase two
research will presented at the Detroit convention in July 2000.
Ikwerre Bible Translation Project:
Project Chair: Mr. Tasieobi Osere
Ikwerre Bible Translation project is an initiative of Ikwerre Literature Trust (ILT)
in Port Harcourt and
headed by Dr. Tony Enyia. OIU, during Dr. Dal Didia’s administration, donated
$500 to the ILT for this effort.
The initial estimated cost of this project is about $50,000.
Rivers State Abandon Property Project:
Project Chair: Mr. Tasieobi Osere
There is a need to unveil the truth about abandon property issue as it pertains
to structures located in
Port Harcourt. The common misconception among the Ibos is that at the end of the
civil war in 1970,
Ikwerre people acquired most of their buildings and other structures constructed
before the war.
Because there is a misconception, it is imperative that this issue be studied
and the truth told.
Therefore, OIU will commit resources to implement this exercise. OIU is
particularly interested in reviewing
all relevant documents that would help this course.