The Ezinifite community residing in the United States of America under the umbrella of Ezinifite Association of USA held her first National Convention in United States with the  goals of coming together as one and for shopping for the sum of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) towards ameliorating the numerous socio-economic problems in the community in the areas of education, security, investment, infrastructure, and economic development.

A cross section of Ezinifite community in USA shortly after the convention held in Los Angeles, California, USA.

The group instructed her Fundraising Chairpersons, Mr. Nnamdi Agba and Chike Esiobu to aggressively find means and ways towards achieving this goal. Ezinifite is  one of the towns in  Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Association, in a communique after its just concluded convention held in Los Angeles, California, US, from August 13-14, 2010, resolved to raise the fund  through donations, writing grants, matching funds with state and federal governments, raffles, car lotteries, and other activities and events.

The community in the communiqué jointly signed by its National President    Chief Jimmy E. Asiegbu and Dr. Osy E. Aka, National Secretary while thanking His Excellency, the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi for what he has done for Ezinifite so far, called on him to reconstruct the town’s main access road from Ekwuluobia to Ezinifite leading to Ekwulumiri, and to Amichi and Nnewi.

According to the Vice President of the Association, Dr. Donald Anadu, the governor is yet to fulfill the re-construction of this road as he had promised on several occasions.  The Association, according to the communiqué resolved that it is very necessary that Anambra State Government should award the long-awaited contract for this essential access road and connector.

On health, medical and social welfare, with Bonny Ume and Chima Akunne as Committee Chairs, the group   resolved to establish Ezinifite USA Mobile Clinic with financial assistance programme to promote good health; educate people about healthcare; and bring healthcare closer to people.

Similarly, on education, the association after the convention   resolved to give education the utmost priority.  This notion was made clearer by the Chairs of Education Committee, Stan Ofomata and Dr. Osy Aka.

“We will  embark on actionable programs and projects such as: renovation of dilapidated school blocks; retention of good and qualified teachers; general “accountability” needed from the Principal of the school; equip the school library and laboratories, especially the provision of computer lab; and through the family unit, the inculcation in little boys (and girls) the importance of a formal education.

Asiegbu also said in the communiqué that the group also resolved to create a Micro-Economic Development Program which is expected to have multiplier effects in the community.  Echoed also by Dr. Goddy Ebele Agba, Chairman of the National Executive Council (NEC) and Economic Development Committee:  “We plan to establish a local bank (if it does not yet exist) with an escrow account of say two (2) to five (5) million Naira, where citizens can borrow money (revolving account) to establish small scale businesses of any type.  This is micro_financing in practice in rural setting.
The communiqué also noted that: “Without adequate security, any other socio_economic development initiatives are meaningless, null and void.  Thus, the Association resolved to aid the officially established vigilante groups in Ezinifite community with the necessities to guarantee a safe, secure, livable, and sustainable society,” Asiegbu who was also the founder of Anambra State Association in United States (ASA_USA) said.

The communiqué also thanked the Igwe–Elect of Ezinifite_Aguata, His Royal Highness, Chief Chukwuma Vincent Bob Orji, and Honorable Chukwuma Umeoji, member, Federal House of Representative, Federal Republic of Nigerai for blessing the convention; as well as the invitees from U.S and especially those from Nigeria, Sir and Lady Nathan Ofoma, Chief & Mrs Chibuike Nathan Umejesi, Barrister Grace Ezeiruaku (Nee Umudu), and Izuchukwu Agba for gracing the occasion, including their generous contributions toward addressing the myriad socioeconomic problems plaguing Ezinifite community.