Minutes of the Igbo Union Stoke-on-Trent 13th General Meeting
Date: 23rd June 2024
Venue: Sacred Heart Parish, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent
Opening Prayer: Mrs. Chioma Ofobeze commenced the meeting with a prayer at 04:05 PM, followed by a moment of silence in remembrance of the late Mr. Okechukwu Okafor and the late Mrs. Njioke.
Opening Remarks: Mr. Anthony-Claret, the Chairman, welcomed all members present and expressed appreciation for their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to the organization’s growth. He acknowledged the second anniversary of Igbo Union Stoke-on-Trent, extending gratitude to founding members and contributors for their invaluable support.
Highlighting the Union’s progress from a humble start to over 120 registered members, Mr. Anthony-Claret emphasized achievements such as the association’s website, financial management system, and IUS app development, all personally sponsored by him. He also celebrated the Union’s successful engagements, including collaborations with the police to address issues like discrimination and stop-and-search policies.
Mr. Anthony-Claret outlined successful community events such as workshops, the end-of-year party, novelty matches, Iriji festivals, and picnics. He underscored the importance of efficient time management in meetings, proposing that only new members introduce themselves after the meeting begins to streamline proceedings and optimize time utilization.
Breaking of Kola-nuts: Mr. Patrick Egbuche broke the Kola-nuts, offering prayers for the members and the Union.
Minutes of the Previous Meeting: Secretary Benjamin Dunuson presented the minutes, motioned for adoption by Mr. Eric Udochukwu, and seconded by Mr. Noel Ezike.
Reports of Condolence Visit:
Mr. Eric Udochukwu provided a report on the condolence visit to Mr. Ugonna Okafor following the passing of his father, Mr. Okechukwu Okafor. He shared that the visit was well-received, noting Mr. Okafor’s appreciation for the Union’s support during his time of mourning. Chairman Anthony-Claret reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to standing by its members in times of bereavement. He urged members to promptly settle their condolence levy, set at £10 per bereavement, and a wedding levy of £5. Currently, the Union has four ongoing condolence visits and anticipates one or two weddings. Additionally, a condolence visit is planned for Mr. Austin Njioke’s family, to be led by Chima Ugwuakposim, Dr. Ejike Amalu, Ifeanyi Ekpu, and Anthony-Claret, in light of the recent loss of his mother.
The chairman also emphasized the importance of members ensuring timely payment of the levy, noting that funds are crucial for supporting bereaved families during funeral ceremonies. He reiterated that the levy is mandatory and any member who has not contributed will have the amount registered as a debt. Furthermore, he stated that the Union will not provide support to members in need until their outstanding levies are settled.
Matters Arising:
Sports/Novelty Match Report:
Mr. Anthony-Claret highlighted the recent successes of our events and shared key insights from the executive meeting focused on enhancing children’s involvement. Discussions among members centered on evaluating venue conditions and planning for future event locations. During the executive meeting, Mr. Anthony-Claret, the Chairman, underscored the achievements of the event while expressing concerns about children’s participation. He suggested occasional exercise sessions, albeit on a smaller scale, to further engage younger participants.
Mr. Davis Jones reflected on his positive experience and proposed collaborative efforts to maintain venue standards, potentially through council partnerships. Mr. Eric Udochuku expressed satisfaction with the current pitch but emphasized the need for improved facilities in future events. Mrs. Chioma Ofobueze endorsed the idea of regular events, aligning with suggestions from Dr. Ejike Amalu and Dr. Mrs. Ejike Amalu. Mr. Uchenna suggested exploring alternative venues, such as Longton for upcoming events.
Mr. Frankmoore, the Sports and PRO Director, outlined plans for future sports activities, highlighting recent acquisitions like footballs. Mr. Anthony-Claret voiced disappointment regarding members’ conduct, particularly those who took jerseys without payment. He urged prompt return of the jerseys and assured availability of additional jerseys for those in need, although some still remained uncollected.
Agenda:
Upcoming Picnic Announcement:
Members were informed of an upcoming picnic scheduled for the 20th of July, with the venue to be finalized by the committee. Unlike previous events, this picnic will not require a levy or financial contribution for planning. Instead, each member and their family are encouraged to bring homemade food, finger foods, and drinks to share, fostering a spirit of networking, friendship, and camaraderie.
To enhance the picnic experience, the committee will provide a grilling machine for members to cook sausages, raw chicken, beef, corn, and plantains on-site. It is emphasized that attendees should not arrive empty-handed, contributing to the communal feast.
The committee is actively seeking a suitable location for grilling and encourages members to bring indoor game equipment such as ludo, ncho, and others to enjoy during the event. Further updates on the picnic details will be provided in due course, and all members are eagerly anticipated to participate in this enjoyable gathering.
Iri Ji Festival 2024:
Our upcoming Iri Ji festival is scheduled for the 7th of September 2024, preceded by a cultural parade early in September. The planning responsibilities will be overseen by the newly appointed Iri Ji planning committee, working in close collaboration with the Executive team to ensure a successful event. Mr. Emeka Anakwenze has been appointed as the chairman of the Iri Ji planning committee, tasked with realizing the festival’s vision.
Members were reminded to acquire their uniforms, including cashmere and isi-agu, which will be essential for entrance and traditional dancing, especially among men. Regarding venue arrangements, the Chairman provided an update on efforts to secure Joiners Square Hall, with ongoing negotiations to meet specified conditions, such as obtaining a license for serving alcohol. Other members were encouraged to explore alternative venues, with Mr. David Jones, Benjamin Dunuson, and Chuks Obidike specifically tasked with scouting potential locations.
Prior to the festival, efforts will be made to raise cultural awareness through displays of masquerades and cultural exhibits within the city, as part of the cultural parade leading up to the main event.
Iri Ji Festival Levy and Sponsorship
The chairman addressed the issue of contributions for the upcoming Iri Ji festival, and after deliberation, the following amounts were agreed upon: £30 for students attending alone, £50 for active single members, and £100 for families or married couples. Members wishing to invite additional guests will pay £100 per invitee and must inform the executives to receive admission codes.
A voluntary donation drive was initiated, receiving positive responses from attending members. Those absent were encouraged to support financially, emphasizing the event as the primary income source for our planning efforts. Detailed plans for the festival activities, including masquerade performances, various presentations, Akuko Uwa, and Igbo language news debates by children, are still being finalized and will be announced in due course.
Refreshments and food arrangements will be managed by the Social Director and the Iri Ji planning committee. Traditional dishes will be prepared by our Igbo women’s group, complemented by catered items such as jollof rice from vendors.
Financial Report:
Current balance: £2310.96. Donations and contributions are welcome.
Any Other Business (AOB):
Mr. Benjamin Chiedozie Dunuson invited members to his father’s funeral in Nigeria and offered to assist in obtaining uniforms from Nigeria at reduced costs.
Women’s Reports:
Given by Mrs. Naomi Onwutalobi, highlighting progress and preparations despite recent challenges, Currently, 26 members have secured their uniform and other new members can still indicate interest to plan for a second batch.
Motion for Adjournment:
Moved by Mr. Ndubuisi Oha and supported by Amechi Anakwenze.
Closing Prayer:
Conducted by Mr. Emeka Ogbonna at 10:30 p.m.
Hosting the Next Meeting:
To be Hosted by Mr. Uchenna Udezue, Emmanuel Anoliefo, Ivan Nwankwo and Emmanuel Chimdi Dike.
Benjamin Chiedozie Dunuson
Gen. secretary IUS
List of Picnic Committee:
- Chima Ugwuakposim; Chairman
- Ivy Nwankwo
- Parick Uche
- Benjamin Chiedozie Dunuson
- Chuks Obidike
- Chibuzor Felix
- Chikadibia Okpara
- Elvis Nwankwo
- Mathew Ndubuisi Christopher
List of Iri ji Organising Committee
- All Executives
- Emeka Anakwenze; Chairman
- Chima Ugwuakposim
- Amaechi Anakwenze
- Ituma Christopher
- Elvis Nwankwor
- Kingsely Ugwuakposim
- Uchenna Ugochukwu
- Joel Ibeh
- Eric udochukwu
- Uche Anagu
- Umeokafor Uzochukwu
- Daniel Durunwa
- Emmanuel Anoliefo
- Anthony Anih
- Mathew Ndubuisi Christopher
- Afam Okam
- Amalu Ejike
Launch/Donations to Iri Ji festival
Anthony-Claret Onwutalobi £100
Emmanuel Chimdi Dike £50
Uche Peter John £150
Dennis Jones DJ sponsorship
Kinsley Ugwuakposim £100
Ejike Amalu £100
Uzochukwu Umeokafor £50
Amechi Anakwenze £300
Eric Udochukwu £100
Sunny Muomah £50
Uchenna Udezue £50
Ifeanyi Gaobi £50
Ifeanyi Emmanuel £50
Emmanuel Uche Martins £50
James Onyibo £50
Chukwueloka Mmakaogu £50
