Minutes of the 1st Igbo Union Stoke-on-Trent General Meeting – 21-08-2022

Igbo Union meeting (Stoke-on-Trent) UK (first edition) held at Burslem
21-08-2022

The opening prayer was said by Mr. Chukwudi Iheukwu at 4:28 p.m.

1. The meeting began with introductions of those in attendance and welcome remarks from members. The convener of the meeting, Mr. Anthony Claret, emphasized the need for a union that would bring Igbo people in Stoke together to socialize, interact, and network. Mr. Claret insisted that he’s always wanted the Igbo community in and around Stoke-on-Trent to get together, as is customary for our people. He hoped that via these gatherings, the Igbo people and their families would develop a stronger feeling of community and fraternity.
2. Mr. Chukwudi, Iheukwu, while supporting the idea of the gathering, suggested that, at this early stage, the organization’s foundation should consist of higher aspirations and solid objectives.
3. While Mr. Chukwudi Njioke supported the formation of the organization, he cautioned that we must be mindful of time management and avoid introducing Nigerian time into the meeting to ensure its success. He asserted that many attendees may not value the meeting if we disregard time management. However, he applauds the initiative and believes we should continue in this direction.
4. Mr. Claret invited members to suggest additional objectives and purposes for inclusion in the new organization.
5. In his response, Mr. Chinedu supported the previously proposed ideas and suggested that the organization will also assist in the onboarding of new Igbo migrants to Stoke and in ensuring their successful integration.
6. Mr. David Iheukwu opined that the meeting should consist of people who share similar views and are goal-oriented in order to maintain the union’s purpose.
7. In addition to the objective, Mr. Benjamin Chiedozie Dunuson brought up the issue of membership. He suggested that the meeting define the age limit and who should be considered members. The issue was tabled in order to be thoroughly discussed during the constitution-drafting process.
8. The participants also agreed that the Union should be officially registered with the local council and that more social gatherings should be encouraged to celebrate our rich festivals and cultural heritage.
9. After numerous member contributions defining the objectives and purposes of the newly formed organization, we have come to the following consensus:

1. a)To create a union that will have a voice in the city and council policy formulation, especially in areas of diversity and integration.
2. b)To promote the ideas of Igbo representation in the council and to encourage members to join the council.
3. c)Serves as the umbrella organization under which Igbo men, women, and children can unite to achieve the common goal of mutual self-reliance and understanding.
4. d)Promoting a sense of community and brotherhood among Igbos and their families via social and cultural interactions.
5. e)Assist new migrants of Igbo descent arriving in Stoke to seamlessly integrate into the system by informing them about employment and housing opportunities, among other things.
6. f)To create a strong union in order for our cultural heritage to be globally recognized and integrated.
7. g)Preserving Igbo traditions and customs, through the celebration of our rich cultural festivals
8. h)To develop both social and youth-oriented activities. It was decided that these objectives and others would be drafted and serve as the organization’s guiding principles. In addition, the union would gradually incorporate it into its focus and future constitution.

10. Following the next item on the agenda, Mr. Claret informed all members that as we begin the new organization, there is a need to raise awareness; therefore, he proposed that we have a picnic as an icebreaker, a way to inform more people, and an opportunity to invite more Igbos living in stoke. All the participants agreed that it was a good idea, and it was immediately agreed that we would have a Picnic and a date was immediately selected on the 17th of September 2022. Venue; Hanley Park, time;12 p.m.
11. The discussion of activities and refreshments was examined in depth. After compiling a list of the meals and snacks to be served at a picnic event, a provisional budget was created. The total amount of the provisional budget was 327 pounds. A request was made for a voluntary donation, and a total of £320 was raised out of a budget of £327; this would cover food items such as rice, chicken, beef, drinks, crisps, water, and many others.
12. We agreed that absent members who wish to contribute to the event can also donate cash or any drinks, food, or other items.
13. In AOB, Benjamin was appointed as a provisional secretary to aid in the documentation of our activities, while Austin would serve as Director of Social, Chinedu as PRO, and David as Sport Manager. Every position is temporary.
14. The next meeting will be held at 4 p.m. on the 9th of October 2022. The venue has not yet been confirmed; members will be notified when it is. Mr. Chukwudi made the motion to adjourn, which was supported by Mr. Anthony-Claret.
15. The meeting concluded at 6:50 p.m., following Frankmore’s closing prayer.

*Note: Attendance is not included.

Agenda

IGBO UNION STOKE-ON-TRENT

Tentative Agenda 21-08-2022

1. Opening prayer
2. Members introduction
3. Remarks
4. Objectives and purposes
5. Discussion and planning
6. Picnic (get-together games are the perfect icebreakers)
7. Next meeting date
8. Initial planning and interim committee
9. Hosting of meeting
10. Closing prayer