Minutes of the Igbo Union Stoke-on-Trent 12th General Meeting Held on 19/5/24 at Sacred Heart Parish, Hanley
1) Opening Prayer and Welcome
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer by Mr. John Okoro at 4:30 pm.
The Chairman, Mr. Anthony-Claret, welcomed everyone and apologized for the late start. He emphasized the need for active participation as there were numerous discussions to be held.
2) Welfare Checks
Members introduced themselves, and the President inquired about their well-being. Most reported doing well and appeared in good spirits.
3) Opening Remarks
The Chairman noted that the Union would celebrate its second anniversary in August. He highlighted the increase in membership and active participation.
He informed members about engagements with the Stoke Council’s cultural unit, which is interested in our activities and plans to participate in our Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival on September 7th, 2024.
4) Breaking of Kolanut
Mr. Patrick Ituma performed the traditional breaking of the kolanut, offering prayers for long life, family, and endeavors.
5) Reading of Minutes
The Secretary, Benjamin Chiedozie Dunuson, read the minutes from the previous meeting. Corrections were made regarding member names, and the minutes were adopted following a motion by Uche Anagu, supported by Chikadibia Okpala.
6) Police and Security
The Chairman reported on a productive meeting with the police held on 11/5/24 in Newcastle-Under-Lyme. Secretary Benjamin Dunuson provided a concise report, highlighting efforts to reduce tension and bias while safeguarding members’ interests.
7) Iri Ji (New Yam) Festival
The Chairman announced plans for the upcoming festival, including performances by a masquerade. Mrs. Rita Njioke reported that the women’s group is prepared, with most having paid for their uniforms.
Men were encouraged to follow suit, and a food committee would be set up in two weeks. Efforts to secure a venue are ongoing, with BET365 Hall deemed too costly. The Bridge Centre is being considered. Nnaemeka Okochi, our MC, offered to organize a live band.
8) Novelty Match
Scheduled for June 1st, 2024. Members were urged to participate actively. Food and refreshments will be partly provided, with additional donations welcomed. The event will start at 12:00 pm to secure the venue.
9) Health Workshop
Dr. Ejike Amalu spoke about health issues prevalent among black people, emphasizing regular blood pressure and blood sugar checks, medication adherence, and prostate cancer screenings.
Dr. Mrs. Ejike Amalu recommended lifestyle changes, including reduced smoking, moderate alcohol intake, regular exercise, healthy eating, and minimizing sugar and chocolate consumption.
10) Next Meeting Hosting
The next meeting will be hosted by Matthew Ndubuisi, Joel Ibeh, Chucks Ahamson, and Emma Chucks.
11) Women’s Report
Mrs. Rita Njioke reported on the women’s progress and preparations for the Iri Ji festival, requesting food services to be contracted out to allow women to manage family responsibilities during the event.
12) Community Engagements
The Chairman encouraged members to engage more in community activities, register to vote, join political parties, and participate in decision-making processes. Mr. Patrick Ituma supported these remarks, sharing his positive experience with voter registration.
13) Members’ Welfare, Employment, Housing, and Opportunities
Mr. Noel Ezike shared updates on employment opportunities and encouraged members to enhance their CVs on platforms like Indeed. Mr. Chibuzo Felix and Emmanuel Chimdi discussed the potential in construction jobs and the necessity of understanding industry ethics.
14) Financial Report
The total balance as of the meeting date was £2526.73.
15) Any Other Business (AOB)
Benjamin Dunuson informed members about land plots for sale in Enugu. Emma Chucks advised caution in police interactions. Mr. Elvis Nwankwo encouraged dialogue with the police to reduce criminal records.
Mr. Uche Anagu suggested bi-monthly reintroductions on WhatsApp with member photos for easier identification and proposed creating separate WhatsApp groups for different interests.
16) Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned following a motion by Mr. Austin Njioke, supported by Okpala Chimdi. The closing prayer was said by Mr. Patrick Ituma at 6:52 pm.
Signed:
Mr. Benjamin Chiedozie Dunuson
General Secretary, IUS
