Igbo Union Stoke-on-Trent (IUS) 11th general meeting held on 24th March 2024 at Sacred Heart Parish Hanley
1) Opening prayers; by Amaechi Anakwenze at 4: 27 p. M.
2) Welfare Checks; members present introduced themselves while new members like Mrs. Gloria Egbuche, Mr. Chukwueloka Mmakaogu and Patrick Nwokeocha, were welcomed, then the chairman, Mr. Anthony-claret Onwutalobi welcome all present especially new members while also welcoming the old members as well and encouraged all to give their time to discussions on activities planned for today’s meeting especially as regards to the event scheduled for the year and the committees to be set up for it.
This was followed swiftly by the breaking up of Kolonauts by Mr. Patrick Egbuche where he prayed for members, their welfare, families and for the Union.
3) Reading of minutes was taken by the Secretary, Benjamin C. Dunuson, with no corrections made, it was put in motion, which was moved for adoption by Mr. Austin & Njioke as supported by Mr. Eric Udochukwu.
Matters arising;
1) The iri ji (new yam) festival, Hall is still ongoing according to Noel Ezike, who reported that the venue to be used was still in progress as they are still searching, while suggestion was also made by Mr. Anagu Uche for the committee to consider Bet 365 stadium. Different activities were suggested like masquerade dance and performers, cultural dance by women and the children. It was followed by the list of committees that would be spearheading this. The iri ji festival will also have activities for children as well, a way of showcasing our culture and rich tradition to younger ones!
Agendas
1) Sports and Health; The dates for the novelty March was suggested as 25th of May 2024 which will now be called a sports day, it will be led by Mr Frankmore, Dr Amalu and Mr Kingsiey, while Dr. Amalu will also chair the health committee. The sports committee were advised to add different activities and it shouldn’t just be football as suggested by Mr. Emeka and Chinedu Anakwenze(pocowears) who would also kitten the event with poco wears.
Then, the members will be subdivided into three groups according to the Chairman, Anthony-claret. Mr Chinedu Anakwenze going further, implied a need to check for BP before, during and after the games, in unison with him, Mr. Anagu Uche, also called for security checks as he nearly lost his kid during the iri ji festival last year. The Union was to sponsor the food and drinks for the sports day.
2) Picnic will be on the 22nd of June 2024. The Picnic levy would be at at £50 per person, why families will pay more, same as people bringing in an extra person. And bigger donations are also welcomed. Otherwise you can’t get access.
3) Constitution review committee, and adoption will be led by Daniel Durunwa, Benjamin C. Dunuson, Davis Jones and Exco members. They are mandated to conclude and present their report for adoption in the next two meetings.
Hosting for the meeting, next meeting will be by Mr. Chinedu Anakwenze, Emeka Anakwenze (poco wears), David Jones and Ikenna Adili. The hosts for today were warmly appreciated.Next Meeting – May 19, 2024.
4) Career Development; There will be regular workshops to focus on health, mortgage and others, as keynote speakers will be allowed to speak on this topics, mostly during meetings or on selected dates.
5) Police and security checks; The Chairman, Mr. Antony-claret emphasized the need for engaging the police and building a strong ties with the security community, it was therefore agreed, that five members will be part of the police community relationships.
Members would be encouraged to be open as there won’t be any bias treatment to members, or negativity in the minds of the police in dealing with the community, especially in reviewing crime videos, improving on police “stop and search.” Dr. Amalu also suggested that the meeting of the police should best be during our meeting so we have better turn-up!
6) Financial report, in the absence of the financial secretary, who is on excuse for work, the president, Mr. Anthony-Claret informed members that total money in bank stood at £2,478. 73 as at this meeting.
7) AOB; Mr. Elvis Nwankwo called the attention of members, that the choice of clothes and food should be sourced internally amongst members who are into same businesses, as well as during the picnic and the iri ji festivals, including every other activities we are carrying out, at this point list of interested members for a particular tailor were put down. Members were also encouraged to pay off their debts, registration, and for the contributions to two of our members, one, whose parents passed away and for wedding respectively.
While women are encouraged to register they would only pay in the case of deaths or waiting of members but will always pay as family during social activities with their spouse or their partner.
Members are to visit any browser, fill it out and register at;
members.igbounionstoke.co.uk
And pay registration fee of £10 to the union’s bank account, send receipt to the financial secretary, they would get a mail, which they would now Download the Civic app and complete all other processes there. The website is in need of rich article, Members encouraged to write and send, and also monitor it for information on dues, events, attendance and debts where necessary.
Group insurance was suggested by Mr Solomon Agbo, who buttressed the need for insurance especially as a group and Because he emphasized that, in the case of death, this would cut costs down for members he was supported by the Chairman Antony-Claret, who explained further that also members may decide to be buried here or back home in Nigeria. It was good to have Insurance, both for the group and the individual members. It was agreed that Mr. Solomon Agbo would therefore head the Committee On insurance matters And Pension for the union.
Mr. Elvis Nwankwo also suggested for an invitation to be sent to the council and others during the iri ji festival. Mr. Anagu Uche enquired if members on excuse are deemed absent, and the Chairman, Mr. Antony-Claret, took time to remind him and everyone that absenteeism attracts £2, except excused. He also pleaded with members who have events, birthdays, to always invite us as this is a way of encouraging networking, and socialization amongst members.
Benjamin C. Dunuson, the secretary called for more job opportunities and business ideas amongst members to be shared regularly on the WhatsApp platforms, accommodation, as well. Appraisal was given to the Chairman who’s taking responsibility for training people also on some IT courses already.
While making another salient point, Mr Solomon Agbo, encouraged people to regularly call on each other to participate at events, such as our meetings, while pouring praises on Noel Ezike, for always being on him, reminding him the need to attend for meetings and called for others to emulate him and promise to be a strong participant going further.
Mr Chima, called for exceptional circumstances especially for students and yet non-financially buoyant members to be considered during donations, levies and pledges.
Having come to the end of key deliberations, conclusion and motion for adjournment was moved by Mr. Solomon Agbo, and he was supported by Mr Ituma Christopher.
The closing prayer was said by Mr. Anagu Uche at 6:20pm
#NB
List of various committee members;
Novelty Football Match – June 1st, 2024
Committee members: Frankmore Ibekwe, Ejike Amalu, Kingsley Uguwakposim, Ebuka Onyejiaka, Emeka Anakwenze (in charge of jerseys), Amaechi Anakwenze, Executive Members.
Format: Two teams, each selecting a name, wearing jerseys with the Igbo union logo. Sponsor logos may be added.
Summer Picnic – June 22, 2024
Committee members include Noel Ezike, Austine Njioke, Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi, and others.
Workshop – May 19, 2024
Topic: Health issues including Various Cancers, healthy living and other health needs.
Presenter: Dr. Ejike Amalu.
Iriji Festival – August 31, 2024
Organizing Committee: Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi, Austine Njioke, Benjamin Dunuson, and others.
Hosting of Meeting – May 19, 2024
Hosts: Anakwenze Emeka, Anakwenze Amaechi, David Jone, Ikenna Adilih.
A scheduled meeting for discussing various topics.
Constitution Committee
Members: Daniel Durunwa, Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi, Dunuson Benjamin, David Jones, Noel Ezike.
Tasked with reviewing or drafting the constitution
Signed:
Benjamin Chiedozie Dunuson
Gen. Sect. IUS
