By Akụnna Madụeke
Since the 1990s, Enugu State citizens in the United States of America (USA) have stayed glued to their home state. Preaching “akụ ruo ụlọ” (bringing home the goodies) to them is like telling bees to make honey. In 1998, associations in major cities formed the umbrella EnuguUSA. In 1999, it held the first convention in the City of Angels, Los Angeles—venue of the next Olympics.
Within one year, before the Y2K Convention in Newark, NJ, EnuguUSA brought internet access to IMT, thus paving the way for the establishment of internet providers in Enugu State, and donated books and medical supplies.
Half a century later, on the weekend of August 3, 2024, EnuguUSA convened in Dallas, Texas, and reelected Dr. Chy Agbayi, the third female president (after Lady Oby Clara Igbo and Dr. Ifesinachi Ugwuonye), launched the youth summit, renewed its annual medical mission, and positioned the building of a $500K EnuguUSA HQ in Enugu. One week later, on August 10, 2024, Enugu State Association of New Jersey (ESANJ) held its 18th annual Enugu Day captioned “Ihe dị Iche.”
ESANJ is a child of circumstance. It was formed 24 years ago to salvage EnuguUSA from formation teething troubles. It succeeded. By 2006, ESANJ had disengaged from Anambra-Enugu group and left the tri-state Enugu formation with New York and Connecticut.
Beyond its frontline participation in EnuguUSA affairs, ESANJ delved directly into Enugu State affairs, proposing programs, recommending resolution of Oruku-Umuode crisis, providing computers to IMT, celebrating the creation of Enugu State every August, supporting its members, rebuilding primary schools, providing educational materials, promoting Enugu culture, etc. [See esanjusa.com]
The 2024 Enugu Day was held in Carteret, NJ, just south of Newark Liberty International Airport. The oversubscribed event, which brought together prominent members of the community, kicked off with intros, prayers, anthems, and kolanut communion. Two teenagers rendered the USA anthem beautifully and amazingly blew out the entire three stanzas of the now-new old Nigerian anthem (Nigeria, we Hail Thee) to the genuine surprise of many.
In his address, the current president Dr. Pius Ilo recapped the accomplishments of his predecessors, pledged to continue the growth with his elected cabinet, and appealed for continued support. He reminded all that ESANJ is a 501(c) organization, that financial donations are tax-deductible.
After the children’s displays and a dinner of diverse dishes, the colorful celebration unfolded amid a free flow of different drinks. In a brief remark, the MD of NABNTV and chairman of the occasion, Chief Moses Adedeji, highlighted the paucity of women in Nigeria’s politics as an issue that must be addressed. He kicked off the donation phase. Guests donated generously. First lady Dr. (Mrs.) Evelyn Iloh spurred ESANJ members to chip in and support the primary school projects in Enugu State and the book scholarship program for university-bound students in USA.
Foundation trustee of ESANJ and first chairman in EnuguUSA, M. O. Ene (theOracle) presented the scholarships. The recipients were six students heading to various universities from the University of Connecticut through New Jersey City University and University of Pennsylvania to Texas A&M: Stephanie Agwu, Kendra Wando Kamanu, Chimbusonma Ojielo, Franklin Oguama, Odera Orjiekwe, and Christpher Ugwu.
The president was assisted by ex-presidents Chief Boniface Udenta (Ide New Jersey) and Chief Izu Onyeani (Akamonyeeze) in honoring the immediate-past first lady, Dr. Chiamaka Orjiekwe for her devotion to ESANJ. Other 2024 honorees included the immediate-past president, Dr. Ogonna Orjiekwe, for his consequential six years of service and during whose tenure the association got the 501(c) tax-exempt status; Mrs. Ngozi Wogu, for her dedication to imparting Igbo culture to the children; Chief Chibuzo Njeze, a supporter and the proprietor and chief pharmacist of Springview Pharmacy; and Mr. Melvin Ejiogu, the CEO/President of VeeMost Technologies.
Details of the presentations including photos of Governor Peter Mbah, anthems, the president’s address, and brief bios were packaged in a polished “Enugu Day 2024” magazine. It also featured congratulatory messages, local and international business ads including SkyBarrel Academy, Maduabum Law Firm, Platter Logistics, and the growing glossy Pacesetter Frontier Magazine. [See pacesetterfrontier.com]
It would not be Enugu Day affair without the Inyiágbaọkụ men’s masquerade in all its spiritual-aura majesty. When the women made their appearance with the signature “para m apara” hit, dollar singles rained and carpeted the floor. Dollars were still raining as the women danced out with the trending Udu Bunch achịkolo-genre music.
Ably hosted by Engr. Emma Udekwe, the VP of the association, Enugu Day 2024 was successful in entertaining guests, managing the time, and raising money to continue its projects. In her closing remarks, the director of socials., Lady Doris Mboto offered immense gratitude.
ESANJ delivered dividends of diaspora sojourn to future generations of ndị Enugu State in Nigeria and in New Jersey, USA. Their giving spirit is worthy of emulation. The absence of a diaspora commission in ENSG to provide a solid anchor in Enugu for the efforts of all our diasporas worldwide remain a promise yet to be fulfilled.
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Akunna Madueke is the author of “Time Tames” (August 2024), a sequel to “Love is All Things” (July 2021).