President's Priority Agenda

Mbaise USA, Inc.

Memorandum

FROM:            Collins C. Olorondu, National President

TO:                  Affiliate Members of Mbaise USA, Inc.

 CC:                 Provisional members of Mbaise USA, MbaiseUsaForum@yahoogroups.com, MbaiseForum@yahoogroups.com,

DATE:         January 12, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

  Priority Agenda for Mbaise USA for 2009 and Beyond: Workable Blueprint for the Unity, Development and Sustainable Progress of Mbaise

My Fellow Brothers, Sisters and Wives of Mbaise:

 Happy New Year! I hope your holiday season was full of joy and rest, like mine. I pray that this year, God will bless us with good health, prosperity and the wisdom and courage to focus attention on improving the lives of fellow Mbaise citizens who have been less fortunate than us.

I am writing this memorandum to provide you with a summary of our efforts in 2008 and to propose a roadmap for 2009 and beyond. Last year, we formed Mbaise USA as an umbrella organization. We held a successful inaugural convention in Houston, Texas. We also ratified our constitution and elected the first batch of leaders. On behalf of the Executive Cabinet members and Board of Delegates of Mbaise USA, I thank you for your trust and support so far.

 We have more work to do in 2009 and in the coming years. In the pages that follow below, please find a set of projects which I propose that we undertake. I humbly suggest that we begin earnest debate on these proposals immediately. In the end, I would like for the affiliate chapters to approve what projects and funding they would like for us to embark upon. Time is of the essence.

Sincerely,

 CollinsCOlorondu

Collins C. Olorondu

National President

PREAMBLE

 In many ways, human condition in Mbaise has not changed forty years after the Nigerian-Biafran War (1968-1970). For example, people in our hometown are still dying from hunger and diseases. There are no jobs. Security is lax. People are being kidnapped for ransoms. Our hometown continues to be systematically marginalized and zoned out of many opportunities. Political developments and dividends of democracy in Nigeria, Imo State and within the local governments continue to elude Mbaise. Consequently, positive developments like tarred road-networks, electricity, water, good schools and other infrastructure have bypassed us. Hope is almost lost.

How do we begin to address this situation and restore hope back to our people? Individually, we have excelled in many works of life. Mbaise now boasts of sons and daughters with notable distinctions in their chosen professions. However, a critical examination of our hometown shows that despite our individual progress and wealth, majority of the citizenry of Mbaise still languish in poverty and hopelessness. Let us be clear about this: The issue facing Ndi Mbaise living in America today is not whether we do have a responsibility to confront these problems. The challenge, however, lies in identifying those problems for which we have common interest, ability and obligation. The realization of our collective dreams as Ndi Mbaise is in our own hands. The task will be challenging but surely not insurmountable.

INTERNAL CHALLENGES

 There are internal challenges which Mbaise USA must immediately embark upon to continue to bring all Mbaise community organizations and their members together in the United States. Efforts must be geared toward building pride, excitement and spirit of oneness among Mbaise people living here in the United States of America. These challenges must be overcome and they will become the foundation upon which any venture to help our hometown must emanate. The internal challenges include:

1.   Successful implementation of the 2009 Convention in New York (New York 2009) -- Mbaise USA must work closely together with Mbaise Association of New York to plan and implement the 2009 convention. That means that, in addition to setting the date (July 3 – 5, 2009), we must also work closely together to set the convention agenda, objectives, financial setup and other logistical arrangements necessary for a successful convention. The planning committee should also be encouraged to bring new ideas to New York 2009, but where necessary, it should also embrace or borrow those ideas that worked during the 2008 convention in Houston. Mbaise USA conventions should be designed as a money-maker as well as a tool to help us cultivate the spirit of togetherness among our people. Therefore, I expect New York 2009 to be even more successful than Houston 2008 in terms of attendance and financial gains.

2.   Increase in Mbaise USA membership -- During the 2008 Houston convention, six affiliate chapters were represented. For New York 2009, it is reasonable to expect ten chapters to be represented. That is, we expect Mbaise chapters in North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland and Boston to join their fellow affiliate brothers and sisters (Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Houston, New York and Michigan) to seat at the table where issues confronting our people are addressed. In addition, due to their proximity to New York, we would also expect Mbaise people in Delaware Valley and Oganihu Mbaise in Washington, DC to join as full members or participate as Provisional members. In five years or sooner, if we put our general interest above personal pride, membership in Mbaise USA should reach at least twenty affiliates. If invited, I will be glad to visit any Mbaise chapter to answer any questions that will enable them to join Mbaise USA in addressing our mutual interest to help improve the lives of our people back home. By combining our efforts under one umbrella, rather than pursuing separate projects, we can make a bigger impact not just for ourselves here in the United States but also for our homeland.

3.   Good communication -- Open communication is essential between Mbaise USA and the affiliate chapters. Input from chapter delegates is also vital in decisions made in Mbaise USA. It is essential that relationship between the Executive cabinet and Board of Delegates be cordial and based on trust and respect. In addition, Mbaise USA should also strive to maintain a good relationship with the Council of Ezes and Ezuruezu Mbaise as well. We cannot exist in a vacuum; consequently, we must recognize that Ezuruezu and the Council of Ezes can be our partners on the ground back home. Therefore, we must strive to cultivate a relationship of mutual trust and transparency between us, our partners and stakeholders.

Furthermore, we should consider registering Mbaise USA in Nigeria as a non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to poverty alleviation, progress and development of our people. This move will enable us to obtain funding from both the State and Federal governments in Nigeria for designated projects. Also, it would entitle us to duty-free Customs charges whenever we ship containers of medicines, hospital equipment, books, computers and other materials to Nigeria.

In the short term, I believe these efforts will help us quickly to build a strong base and promote unity within the Mbaise community here in the United States. I am confident that, with focus and determination, we can respond boldly and help set the agenda and milestones for a better future for Mbaise.

LOW COST HIGH IMPACT PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR HOMELAND

 Below are six (6) challenges which I call High Impact, Low Cost (Hi/LC) projects facing Mbaise USA in our hometown, Mbaise. I believe strongly that our focus should be on those efforts that can quickly resuscitate hope, create excitement and help us to make a bold statement that Mbaise USA cares. These projects can be implemented in close cooperation with Ezuruezu Mbaise and Council of Ezes, using materials donated by private individuals and organizations. The cost to Mbaise USA will be minimal. For now, we should embark on low risk projects with high potential for success. By the term "low risk", I mean that these projects will not be capital intensive; they are achievable with measurable results. I recommend strongly that we embark immediately on the following Hi/LC projects:

0. Health Care -- Right off the bat, I think we should make a bold statement that Mbaise USA is willing, able and ready to become a driving force in the development and progress of Mbaise. We should have a signature project that Mbaise USA will be known for. I propose hereby that we build and furnish a new emergency unit at the existing general hospital in Aboh-Mbaise and name the new wing the "Mbaise USA Emergency Care Unit". The construction cost will be provided by us but the facility will be equipped with donated medical equipment like ultrasound machine, ambulances, acute care hospital beds, dialysis machines, wheelchairs, medicines, etc. In addition, we will supplement the effort with annual medical missions organized by Mbaise nurses, doctors, health care practitioners and charitable organizations from the United States. Except bearing the cost of constructing the building, the medical supplies and equipment will be virtually cost-free. A Health Care project committee will be formed to help coordinate the necessary efforts and provide additional input in the areas of training, soliciting service providers, etc. Members of affiliate chapters are highly encouraged to forward any ideas and modalities which may help to setup and implement this project effectively.
   
0. Security – Security in Mbaise should also be a high ranking project for Mbaise USA. We should recognize that lack of protection for life and property in Mbaise is a serious issue. We are not immune from that threat when we visit home with our families. Mbaise USA recognizes this danger and will support authorities on the ground to find solution to this problem. Using a Hi/LC project approach, Mbaise USA can summon immediate support for existing vigilante groups or night watchmen (Ndi Nche) in Mbaise. We can form a Hometown Security Council and funnel donation of funds, walkie-Talkie radios, torches and batteries, other gears and materials to them. Private donations can be used in the first year to implement this objective. Mbaise USA affiliates and their members are highly encouraged to suggest ways in which we can also implement this project.
   
0. Educational Empowerment Program – As another Hi/LC project, Mbaise USA can start a program to refurbish one elementary school and one secondary school each year in one local government area in Mbaise. Under this program, we can donate computers and school supplies to the schools. We can solicit text books from libraries here and donate them to elementary and secondary schools back home. We can also promote a mentoring program in secondary schools under this initiative and help revive the “Old Boys and Girls” association whereby alumni of those secondary schools become involved in Mbaise school children’s lives. Furthermore, we can set aside a fund to help promote inter-school Quiz and Debate tournaments in those schools to help raise academic competitiveness. We do not have to delve into funding scholarship programs under this program because there are on-going commendable efforts being made at the sub-community (village) and national (AFOMA) levels within Mbaise organizations in the United States of America. Meanwhile, members of chapter affiliates are encouraged to contribute ideas that can help make the life of young people better at home.
   
0. Annual Sports Tournaments – Mbaise USA can sponsor Hi/LC championship cup for secondary school football competition. We can start this project immediately with a minimal financial commitment in its first year. The cup can be called Mbaise USA Football Championship. The Board of Delegates will be requested to approve funds for the final three winners of each year’s tournament along with a bronze, silver and gold cup prices. The competition modalities will be worked out in due course. We also hope to institute a Handball tournament with similar price compensation for our young women at home. These competitions will help engage young people and give them state and national exposure in the areas of sports. Once again, members of chapter affiliates are encouraged to submit any ideas for the successful setup and implementation of this idea.
   
0. Cultural Pride Revival -- Any society which allows its culture to become extinct can only blame itself, not the gods, for its woes. Despite our religious piety and uplifts back home, we must continue to promote our cultural legacies. Mbaise has a rich cultural heritage in Igboland. The great "Abigbo" dance, Agbachaa-Ekuru-Nwa women's dance, "Oji" Mbaise, "Iri-ji" Mbaise, all are festivities for which Mbaise is well-known in Nigeria and beyond.  We should provide funds for cultural revival including inter-village dance competitions back home. This can be another Hi/LC project for Mbaise USA. During the annual Iri-Ji and Oji festivals, for example, we should promote “Mbaise USA Cultural Dance Competitions” whereby the final three village winners of each year’s tournament will receive monetary awards. Based on the availability of funds, I would suggest that we commence this program immediately by sponsoring “Mbaise Women’s Cultural Dance” festival this year and expand the program later.
   
0. Erosion Control: Many interior villages in Mbaise are in danger of being eroded away by erosion. Possible solutions include grading the country roads, cleaning up and enlarging our water ponds (Iyiala) and planting trees with canopy-forming tendencies (Ugba). Good rapid growth Ugba and Udara seedlings can be procured from Umudike. We may also be able to procure quicker harvest and high yielding fruits like mangoes, oranges, even palm trees from the United States Agriculture department for distribution at home. Mbaise USA should initiate a program in which every man, woman and child in Mbaise should plant one tree a year. The benefit of this exercise far outweighs the cost.

HIGH IMPACT, HIGH COST DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES: MILESTONES & TIME LINES

Below are four (4) challenges which I call High Impact, High Cost (Hi/HC) projects Mbaise USA can embark upon in Mbaise These projects will require substantial investment and will take many years to complete, but these development projects do have time lines and achievable milestones.

1.   Mbaise Civic Hall -- Mbaise USA must make a bold statement in support of the Mbaise Civic Center being built by Ezuruezu Mbaise. We must salute the on-going effort and pledge a substantial sum for its completion. Ezuruezu Mbaise and other private efforts have been committed to the realization of this project. Though Civic Halls do not make money, they act as landmark, the people’s pride, a place of discuss for the greater good of the people. We must thank Ezuruezu and the progressive citizens for their contributions toward this project. We must also come out unequivocally in their support with a hefty pledge which can be redeemed over 3 - 5 years for the completion of the hall. At the same time though, Mbaise USA should look for ways to retain over-sight privilege and direct control of the equity we invest in the Civic Hall project. 

2.   Accurate Head-Count and Voter Registration Campaign -- Some may wonder: “Why should we choose a Head-Count and Voter Registration campaign as a project for Mbaise USA?” It is worthy to note, however, that there is a prevailing perception that the population of Mbaise was grossly under-counted in the last Nigerian national census. Based on that misrepresentation, Mbaise was allocated only 3 local government areas (3 LGA’s) out of the twenty seven (27) in Imo State. Those 27 LGA’s in Imo State are grouped into three Senatorial Districts, namely Orlu (with 12 LGA’s), Okigwe (6) and Owerri Senatorial District (comprising of Mbaise with 3 LGA’s and Owerri with the remaining 6). Obviously, towns with higher number of LGA’s, political awareness and linkage receive greater share of allocated government budget. In fact, the marginalization of Mbaise and lack of public infrastructure therein can be blamed on the pitiful number of LGA’s allocated to it. I recommend therefore that Mbaise USA commission a head-recount and voter registration project this year, using some of our young graduates from the villages to do the job. Starting at the village level, the results can be grouped by each LGA. This project can be completed and tabulated by the end of 2010. If the result from this effort shows a significant contradiction with the Census Bureau’s record, Mbaise will then have a basis to challenge the official record or request for a government recount. No doubt, Mbaise USA would be seen as doing its patriotic duty and civic responsibility if we could champion this cause. The cost will be money well spent for which our homeland will be grateful for decades to come.

3.   Political Investment Program -- Mbaise USA should aggressively seek opportunities to affect political outcomes in Imo State and Mbaise. We should not pass any opportunity to canvass for positions or offices that an Mbaise man is interested in. In fact, Mbaise USA should make concerted efforts for the selection and sponsorship of the right Mbaise candidates for federal, governorship, Imo State House of Assembly, local government chairperson and other political appointments. Road, water and electricity projects in Mbaise can be accomplished through political linkage and patronage. As we speak, the Council of Ezes and Ezuruezu Mbaise are consulting with Mbaise USA for input. Mbaise sons, daughters and wives in the United States who are interested in this initiative should indicate such interests early. We must choose those with capable and transparent leadership qualities. We should also form a political action committee to enable us pursue this objective. At the barest minimum, Mbaise USA does have the capacity to become an effective pressure group that will help bring political, social and economic change to our people back home.
 

4.   Economic Empowerment – Mbaise USA can promote the following ventures and encourage partnerships between the private and public sectors and individual efforts:

·        Agricultural initiatives along the Imo River basins in Amumara, Ife, etc (piggeries, poultries and fisheries)

·        Development of natural resource –related industries (eg, block industry along the sand beaches)

·        Redevelopment of Mbaise major markets, slaughter house and cold storage at Afo Ogbe

·        Agitation for an Imo State University campus or Technical school in Mbaise

·        Development of garri, palm oil and palm kernel processing plants

·        Microfinance opportunity -- The role of microfinance as a capacity builder in funneling loans to small rural entrepreneurs, artisan, farmers, traders, weavers and other skilled groups and individuals, thereby raising income levels, creating jobs, opportunities, local investing. Mbaise should be able to take advantage of and benefit from the Microfinance scheme, also known as Micro Finance Banks (MFBs). 
 

EXPENDITURES

Over the next 5 years, I have estimated roughly that Mbaise USA should invest $1,000,000 (1 Million Dollars) in Mbaise. We will present a breakdown of the expenditures to the Board of Delegates in due course. 

REVENUE SOURCES

It is expected that we can raise up to $1,000,000 (1 Million Dollars) by year 2013. Revenues for execution of the projects are expected to be realized from the four sources below:

·      Funds from annual conventions

·      Levies from affiliate chapters

·      Mbaise USA Launching & Homecoming in Mbaise in December 2009 or 2010

·      Public and private initiatives (Charitable donations, individuals gifts, grants, etc)

IMPLENTATION PLAN 

First, I believe that open, honest communication between all stake-holders in this plan will be essential. As we obtain more information about each proposal in this plan, I will ensure that it will be disseminated properly. Second, the Executive cabinet also will work diligently with the Board of Delegates to obtain approval and funding for the projects from the affiliate chapters. Finally, we must be aware and guard against the fact that many projects have failed in Mbaise due to abuse and misuse of funds. I would recommend therefore that an implementation committee be formed to focus on investing any realized funds into an endowment fund which can be used on budgeted and approved projects. More information on the benefits of using an endowment fund to pool existing and future revenues will be presented in due course.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

May God bless United States of America

My God bless Mbaise

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