Ozubulu - USA 2019 Worldwide Convention Brochure by Life & Times Magazine

Ozubulu USA 2019 Worldwide Convention

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner Ozubulu-USA Convention Columbus, Ohio May 2019 had achieved ourshorttermgoals, which includedthe following: 1. Reaching out to all Ozubulu indigenes residents in the USA 2. Setting up the board of Elders 3. Creating a functional website 4. Developing a benefit program for Ozubulu-USA members 5. Drafting a by-law to govern the benefit program 6. Pursing and finalizing a 501 C 3 status for the association. Fellow natives of Ozubulu, friends, well-wishers, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your presence. It is my distinct pleasure to once again welcome you to another august gathering of Ozubulu USA global convention holding here in Columbus Ohio on this Memorial Day weekend, 2019. May our Lord Almighty God grant us a peaceful and fruitful convention in Jesus Name. Amen. The last convention year was marked by a remarkably successful convention in Los Angeles California in May 2017. Preceding the convention, we 8

In the course of that year, we set out on a very ambitious agenda to improve the lots of our people back home in Ozubulu and our members here in the United States. We fund-raised and planned towards a $250,000 Civic and Recreation Center. We deliberated on a robust education and scholarship initiative for our young people. We initiated a multiyear effort to deliver medical mission to our people in Ozubulu. All these initiatives were encapsulated under the theme â&#x20AC;&#x153;health and educational empowerment of our people".

We are here to present to you all, a scorecard on the progress we made towards accomplishing these goals and some of our short comings: Medical Mission: On a very optimistic note, I am very happy to report to you that the medical mission was executed as planned and was hugely successful by all counts. Over 1,500 peoplewere seen, diagnosed and treated by the team of competent healthcare volunteers who accompanied us to the mission as well as by local medical volunteers. Ten Nurses volunteered from Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi. Doctors, Nurses and a host of other medical staffers also volunteered from Ozubulu Joint Hospital.We send our salutations and gratitude to all of them! Medications and supplies were donated by AmeriCares USA. About one million Naira worth of medications were also sourced from Nigeria and paid for by Ozubulu-USA. These were prescribed and dispensed Ozubulu USA 2019 Worldwide Convention

to indigent patients following diagnosis. Well over 600 people received eyeglasses to improve their vision. Health and wellness vital signs were checked. Blood pressure and blood glucose were monitored. This medical mission was different from other medical missionsso far undertaken, because there was a fully functional laboratory department to perform laboratory analysis on samples, in order to enablephysicians make accurate diagnosis and prescribe medications. The following types of laboratory tests were performed: Blood Group, Genotype, Blood and Urine Glucose, Hemoglobin estimation, Malaria and Typhoid test, HIV tests, among others. Education and Scholarship: The education and scholarship initiative remains a work in progress as we were not able to make a down payment after the 2015 Houston Convention for â&#x20AC;&#x153;need-based and meritâ&#x20AC;? scholarships, but as a tangible agenda item, education could not be pursued vigorously over the last two years sincethe last convention. The reason perhaps was two fold. The vehicle for delivery on the education agenda would have been the library that was Ozubulu USA 2019 Worldwide Convention

proposed as part of an accelerated construction of a civic center. Almost all the funds raised since the LA Convention was channeled towards land purchase after the setback we suffered as a result of our would-be partners at home reneging on their promise to cede the land at the post office. I therefore propose that we carry forward into this convention year, the unaccomplished education agenda and appoint a committee to finalize proposals along that line. Civic / Skills Acquisition Center Project: On the Civic / Skill Acquisition Center proposal, we had hoped to enlist the support and partnership of Ozubulu Associations at home so that we are not perceived to be flying solo without getting connected with our brothers and sisters at home. We planned a huge fundraising drive with great expectations for December 2017 in Ozubulu to accomplish this objective. We were excited at the prospect of taking over the uncompleted civic center project in Ozubulu, completing and runningit for a while before handing it over to the community.We made presentations and proposals on how we thought best we might accomplish this goal. Unfortunately, we suffered an

unexpected setback. Our would-be partners at home refused to come along especially with respect to ceding the abandoned civic center site to us as was previously agreed.This is how our mission to collaborate with our brothers and sisters back home on the civic center project was finally scuttled. Returning from home in January 2018, the executive met and reviewed our remaining options. The choice was to either go it alone or to scrap altogether, the project for which so much money had already been raised. We decided on the former. At the first teleconference of the year, the executive briefed the members present on the developments, and presented a modified proposal for the Civic Center project. This amended proposal was for Ozubulu USA to go it alone and add a skills acquisition center as a component of the civic center project. That would entail looking for land to be exclusively purchased and outrightly owned by Ozubulu USA. Members weresupportive, and the proposal passed 9

commences on it, we may need to monetize our investment.

unanimously. I can report to you that as of today, five contiguous plots of land have been purchased at the cost of 10,980,99.80Naira (about $31,500.00) at Olie Akpu, Ugwu Olie Ozubulu, by Ozubulu USA. This cost includedSurvey plan fee, Agreement fee, Agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fee and other customary costs. We did quite well by raising and collecting over $30,000.00 last year and I commend you all for your support and steadfastness. I therefore propose that our fundraising drive continues with the same intensity so that we can commence and bring this project to fruition as soon as practicable for the benefit of our people. Looking into the future Today we are going to make a power point presentation showing the 5 plots of land acquired, and solicit your input on how to move forward with the Civic / Skills Acquisition Center project.I will propose that we set up a five-member committee to handle the project and report to the executive. The land is already ours and until actual construction work 10

We can lease the land to farmers to plant high yield crop varieties or to craftsmen to use as workshop or production facility. Since we are going to need water anyway once construction begins, we can sink a water borehole after fencing and supply water to builders at a fee or do whatever else we wish with the land to generate funds. As we think through the skill acquisition center, we need tofactor the operational costs for the skills acquisition center and how such costs could be defrayed. If for example, it would cost 350,000 man-hour and resources to train one individual in a trade over a sixmonth period, are we really in a position to facilitate such training free of charge? How are we going to fairly shortlist those who need to be trained? Alternatively, is each potential trainee going to find a financial sponsor, whether individuals, agencies or State to underwrite the costs? On our multi-year medical mission, aninitiative whichhas so far proved successful, I propose that we continue that mission with undiluted intensity and vigor. I plead that in addition to cash donations

toward this crucial mission, that people also donate small medical devices and equipment such as health stations commonly found in pharmacy outlets and departmental stores like Wal-Mart. Due to the persistent problem with electricity, small batteryoperated blood pressure and glucose monitors for home use could also be donated as we did not have enough to give away during our last medical mission. In conclusion, you can all see for yourselves our stewardship accomplishments and score them against the goals we set for ourselves prior to the 2017 LA Convention. Let us not be weary in our service to Ozubulu. I pray for continued unity and for God to guide us in our search for new leaders to pilot the affairs of this association going forward. I wish you all safe journey back to your various Homes in Jesus Name, Amen May God bless OzubuluanaAkpu! May God bless the United States of America! Thank you all! Godfrey Echendu National President.

Ozubulu USA 2019 Worldwide Convention

Welcome address by the National Planning Committee Chairperson

mu Ozubulu, our inlaws, our friends, and our well-wishers, it is with great pleasure for me on behalf of Umu Ozubulu Planning Committee living here in Ohio to extend to you a warm and cordial welcome on this Ozubulu – USA 2019 Worldwide Convention from May 24-25, 2019 here in Columbus, Ohio. We, the Planning Committee are happy to have you here, the great city of Columbus, Ohio – The Home of THE Ohio State University Buckeyes. I also want to thank our members, who year in and year out, make the sacrifice to be at

Ozubulu USA 2019 Worldwide Convention

to Ohio very every convention in various coming cities over these years at their memorable. I am therefore, appealing to great personal expenses. everybody present at this This convention has been gathering of Ozubulu citizens, branded with high to be generous and patriotic in expectations. We may be small your financial support as we on this our in numbers, but we planned embark big and we expect big results. Worldwide Convention fundYou have always come to raising event. We know that developmental Ohio to make history and this these time will even be an challenges are not going to be exception. The vision of this easy, but I am confident we union is to foster camaraderie will prevail if we give them among Ozubulu sons and our best. That is what we daughters in the United States could ask for. Therefore, ladies of America and to solicit funds and gentlemen, let’s roll up for the successful completion our sleeves, and take the bull of the projects that will by the horns. Let’s go to work! improve the living conditions of our people in the Mother Thank you for coming and land and neighboring towns. God bless you. This year’s convention theme: “Health, Education, & Technology: Opportunities for the development of quality life amongst our people”, undoubtedly speaks for itself. We need your assistance! Our local planning committee has worked very hard in putting together interesting activities that will make

Lady Doris Ukamaka Anyadoh, “Ada Madam Beagle” Ada Ozubulu Ji Eje Mba Nne Nwa Mere Eze of Amaigbo Orlu National Convention Planning Committee Chairperson

A Goodwill Message from Ichie Ike O. Ugochukwu (Ichie Dala Omeokachie) ay I join in welcoming you all to Columbus , Ohio for the 2019 Biennial Convention. Nnoo nu!!!

donated or pledged to donate funds towards this laudable project. I hope that by the end of this Convention more donations or pledges will follow.

I salute the National President, Godfrey Echendu, his Executive It is heartening to note that and the host State, Ohio for despite the multiple challenges, at home, especially in the areas of putting up a great Convention. safety /security and our epileptic there is a My brief message at this time is to power supply, booming home thank you all for your noticeable contributions towards the construction efforts by our people progress of our beloved town, in diaspora. I encourage those of Ozubulu. Amidst these you who can, to really think successes, I would , however, like home, follow suit and invest in Oliver Twist, ask for more of your Ozubulu. presence in our home community. I would therefore , ‘Ebe amulu onye ka ama ogboya’ use this platform to add my voice ( Home offers you your best to the clarion call for you all to do identity ). A lack of action on our part may result in a loss of more. precious heritage, Ozubulu Please take a deep breath , pause Anakpu, our beautiful land of for a few minutes, think of the plenty. We should encourage our good old days at home . Rise up children, grandchildren and our and ‘Keep Thinking Home’, my future generations to embrace this important part of their heritage. brothers and sisters. Ozubulu USA , Inc., has shown great commitment to the development of Ozubulu. Your recent purchase of some plots of land to build a Civic Center at Ozubulu is commendable . I wish you all a huge success . This move is definitely a step in the right direction. Congratulations to those of you who have either 12

One key to sustaining a good presence at home is the ability to maintain a healthy relationship with a few trustworthy friends or relations. As my father often said, ‘those living outside Ozubulu require the support and backing of some trustworthy relatives at home. Those at home need the confidence and support of those

away from home. ‘ While the usual news from home may not be so encouraging, we have to always try to push forward even against all odds. As a wise man once said, “ If it is important to you, you’ll find a way. If it’s not, you will find an excuse.” Finally, I wish you all a successful Convention and God’s traveling mercies as you travel to or return to your various homes. Thank you and may God bless you all. Ichie Ike O. Ugochukwu, KSJI, JP. (Ichie Dala Omeokachie)

Ozubulu USA 2019 Worldwide Convention

Ozubulu-USA Medical Mission January 2018 Report he Ozubulu-USA Medical Mission conducted at Ozubulu Joint Hospital on January 2,3 & 4, 2018, in Ozubulu town in Anambra State, Nigeria was timely, a labor of love and a resounding success. The people desperately needed and craved this type of medical interventions regularly.

Over half a million dollars worth of medications and supplies were donated by Americares USA and close to a million Naira worth of medications were sourced from Nigeria. Dr Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Key Sams with Sammarian Medical Group was our Chief Medical Officer in charge of the

Ozubulu USA 2019 Worldwide Convention

mission and Dr Bernard Okwelogu and Dr Jerry Okolo were the pharmacists in charge of the mission. Engr Mike Ukaigwe and Lady Doris Anyadoh were in charge of security and crowd control. Dr Tina Ukaigwe volunteered in the pharmacy. Prof NT Izuchi

and Chief Okey Izuchi assisted in logistics. Prof Ernest Nwachukwu performed oversight and accountability functions in dispensing eyeglasses. Our surgeon, Dr Onyejiaka with Suncel Health Foundation, performed ten different types of surgeries from hernia, fibroid (myomectomy) and lipoma in three days. Nine eye doctors (optometrists) participated and lots of patients (over 600) benefited and received eyeglasses. Overall patient population seen was over 1500 by 8 medical doctors including a Modesto USA-based Dr Emeka Anago from Nene. Ten nurses volunteered from

Ozubulu-USA Medical Mission January 2018 Report Contd. Teaching hospital Nnewi to perform triage functions, record vital signs and assist the medical doctors. The nurses at

and duties. Judith Amarachukwu Okwelogu, RN, served meritoriously in the pharmacy. Dr Martin

Teaching Hospital Laboratory Dept. ran and coordinated the Laboratory activities. Our able and amiable President, Mr. Godfrey Echendu a Medical Laboratory Scientist and Public health consultant and his sister, Nonye Mabel Echendu Nweze anchored the Lab functions and different tests. The following lab tests were performed during the mission. .Blood Group .Genotype .HIV Test .Blood Glucose Test .Urine Glucose .Hemoglobin estimation (blood Level) .Malaria Parasite Test .Typhoid Test .Among other tests Pharmacy was very busy and accurately, efficiently and safely dispensed lots of medications. Close to ten volunteers served in the pharmacy under the Pharmacist-in-charge Dr Jerry Okolo. All the medical professionals who served in this medical mission have the requisite certification and licenses to perform their functions.

Ozubulu Joint Hospital and their compassionate Matron, Therese Martins, were assigned to varied functions 18

Ifeanyichukwu an accomplished Medical Laboratory Scientist / Immunologist from Nnewi

Some patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; conditions were so acute and severe that we could not in clear conscience allow them to go home like that and they had to Ozubulu USA 2019 Worldwide Convention

Ozubulu-USA Medical Mission January 2018 Report Contd.

be admitted to the hospital to be stabilized. One patient’s blood sugar test was so high our glucometer could not read it. The patient had to be admitted and placed on insulin drip. Another patient had blood pressure so high she was about to stroke out. That patient was admitted and placed on fast acting antihypertensive medications to quickly lower the blood pressure. A very sick and dehydrated child was also admitted in the hospital. Ozubulu-USA Inc. paid for the continuing care of all hospital admissions.

“first come first served” basis. All patients were seen irrespective of their town of origin. Hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, eye problems, infections, dermatosis,

malnutrition and dehydration were the common disease states and conditions encountered at Ozubulu. The crowd displayed palpable joy and appreciation (burst into songs of praise, appreciation and grace) for the mission team especially the elderly woman who danced upon receiving her eyeglasses and being able to see clearly again. The New Police DPO of Ozubulu in partnership with Ozubulu vigilante services provided adequate security throughout the mission

The mission was strictly on Ozubulu USA 2019 Worldwide Convention

Ozubulu-USA Medical Mission January 2018 Report Contd. Left over medications were donated to the everappreciative and caring Matron of Joint Hospital to use in patients follow-up care. The January 2-4, 2018 Ozubulu-USA Medical Mission to Ozubulu was a resounding success and the best (in scope and coverage) medical mission ever at Ozubulu. To God be the Glory!

Please go to Ozubulu-USA website / Whatapp group to view video documentary of this medical mission as captured and compiled by Chief Dr Bernard Okwelogu.

privilege to service Ndi Ozubulu and humanity. We always welcome the opportunity to give back to our beloved Ozubulu town that raised us so well.

Chief Dr Bernard Okwelogu Kpakpando Ozubulu â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shine in Your Community and Generationâ&#x20AC;? Chairman Ozubulu USA It has been an honor and a rare Medical Mission January 2018. Thanks be to God always for the journey mercies and safety of all the medical mission participants.