AN ADDRESS DELIVERED TO AMUMARA DEVELOPMENT UNION, AMERICAS, BY CHIEF P. C. INYAMA, CHAIRMAN, OJI EZINIHITTE 2010 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (AMUMARA 2010)
Distinguished brothers and Sisters,
With an overwhelming sense of admiration and respect, I stand before you this day, humbled, but highly encouraged by your patriotism, support and commitment for the progress of Amumara. I am particularly gladdened by the across-the-board unity and respect you have among yourselves. I urge you to hold on to the good works. I can recall that when I visited around same time last year, I also had the honour to exchange ideas with a cross section of your membership in New Jersey.
Unlike my last trip when we were painfully engaged in trying to rid our community of the cancer of disunity and enemity that was dangerously creeping into the fabrics of our co-existence, this year's visit is a happy one. Yes, it is, because I bring you good news and hope. And more importantly, the well wishes of the Royal Fathers and the goodwill of our people as epitomized in their joint statement. On this note, we congratulate you on the success of your recent convention in Atlanta, Georgia. You have, no doubt proved yourselves to the world as worthy ambassadors of Amumara. Nevertheless, ndi Amumara nile, regretfully send their condolence for the loss of one of our illustrious sons, Chief (Dr.) Chidi Anyanwu who joined his ancestors earlier this year. The unparalelled comradeship you displayed by ensuring that his corpse was conveyed to the motherland and given a very beffiting burial has been hailed by all and sundry. We thank you immensely.
By now, I would presume that you must have all heard that your struggle for peace and the restoration of the status quo in Amumara before the creation of the new autonomous communities has become a mission accomplished. That page has been turned, and we have moved on to a new chapter in our corporate existence. Let us learn a lesson from this episode of our chequered history; that we cannot take our peace or unity for granted. The task of protecting our unity, peace and progress falls upon all of us and no one else (QED). The road is now clear for all well meaning people of Amumara to rally round our Royal Fathers in their quest to build a more united, strong and virile Amumara that is devoid of rancour and backwardness.
As spelt out in the joint statement of Our Highnesses, my mission in simple terms, is to solicit your support for the hosting of the Oji Ezinihitte Festival come January 1, 2010. And as your ally and partner in progress, I have come to remind you that the time has come for you to begin the fulfilment of your promises to us. The latest being the promise you made through your peace committee. You had stated that you will begin to unveil your developmental plans at home once the name issue is resolved. We will surely make out time to explore that opportunity. Right now, I have come to to get your input on our plan to host the Oji Festival.
Oji Ezinihitte:
Those of us who are familiar with the history of Oji Ezinihitte will agree that Amumara is a Pace-setting community in this arena. We set a record that is so high that only Amumara can break it. Our records of 1982 and 1996 are still evergreen in the memories of our admirers to this day. Little wonder then, why the question our neighbours ask for the next 13 years is always "when next will it be Amumara's turn to host the oji?" This is moreso eloquent, now that the festival has grown to become our own version of Olympics. It is so popular throughout eastern Nigeria that people come from all walks of life. It is an avenue to showcase our culture, hospitality, fanfare, integrity, brotherliness and ingenuity. There are too many things at stake that we cannot afford to disappoint our prospective guests this time around. No matter how we try, our fathers would not forgive us if we cannot break the records they set in the past years.
It is therefore grounded on the foregoing that the Ezes and Presidents-General have directed me to come to you for help. The Oji Organizing committee on their part had already pledged to work in harmony with you. I know you have complained in the past that we in Nigeria do not consult you before actions are taken. This time, we want to do things differently going forward. I have not come to tell you what to do but to listen to your ideas. We want you to tell us how to make this project a success. We want you to be fully involved in this endeavour. This is why I did not only come with the budget, but also ready to give you the detailed plan and answer any question. I am aware that one of your greatest worries in dealing with people at home is accountability. This is understandable. That is why we are asking you to nominate 2 of your members who will be co-opted into the Oji Organizing committee. We will also render accounts after the festival. So let not your hearts be troubled about that.
The truth of the matter is that Aba, Lagos and other branches have had their fair share of leading Amumara. Whether they succeeded or not is for history to judge. Now the leadership call is banging on your doorsteps. Do not turn your ears away. We all know that in Nigeria as well as other 3rd world countries, communities are rated by the number and calibre of people they have in the Americas. There is a reason for that. Ndi Amumara are proud of her sons and daughters in the Americas. So let your lights continue to shine.
Security:
I know that many of you have genuine concerns about the security situation in Nigeria. However, on this note, we are making adequate arrangements to provide a fool proof security during the period of the Oji. We are already in high level discussions with the Imo State Police Command to this effect.
Please come home with your family and friends. We would love for you to use this once in a while opportunity to introduce your children to our culture. We believe that this is a perfect opportunity for you to actualise your 2003/ 2004 dream of a "home coming"
Like I said earlier, your past efforts and generousity have not gone unnoticed, We will continue to recognise and trumpet your outstanding contributions in the areas of security, maternity and the coronation of the Ezes. In particular, we note with deep gratitude, the contributions of Amumara Indigenes USA and Chief Felix Eneogwe. I can assure you that when the roll call of people who fought the good fight for their people shall be called, your names will be there.
Finally, I want to thank you again for your patience in listening to this message. I hope you will act as usual by giving the moral and financial support that this visit and circumstances call for. Lest I forget, remember to send your information on time for the brochure. We pray that God will keep us alive until we meet again on 1st January, 2010. Let the preparations begin in ernest. Thank you for listening.
Chief P. C. Inyama
(Okwudire 1 of Amumara)
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