Igbo Union’s second meeting was held at St. Wulstan Community Centre Wolstanton ST5 0EH. 09/10/2022
The meeting started at about 4:30 p.m. with an opening prayer said by Mr. Ugochukwu.
The meeting started with remarks by Mr. Tony, who reiterated the motives behind calling for the meeting, the need for an Igbo union in Stoke-on-Trent, and appreciated people for turning up, especially for the Picnic. He equally appreciated John Paul for opening his place to accommodate new members for a month or two pending when they secure accommodation, especially people who just got to Stoke.
1) Introduction; of new members and other members present followed afterwards, members present introduced themselves starting with the conveyor and chairman of the meeting Mr. Tony, followed by others present. The minutes of the previous meeting were read by Mr. Benjamin, the adoption was moved by Mr. Chinedu and supported by Mr. Austin.
2) Financial Report; Mr. Tony declared a total sum of £490 as accrual from the picnic event, while a pledge of £100 made by one of us on the WhatsApp group was not fulfilled even when he was reached. The expenses and hiring of the hall stood at £404, with a balance of £84. Mr. Benjamin was given £10 to buy snacks for the October meeting, leaving a total balance of £74. The money would be handed over to the treasurer in a subsequent meeting in November. The cost of food cooking was covered by our two brothers, Mr. Austin and Tony.
3) Registration of the organization (with local Council); Mr. Tony brought to the notice of the house the need to get the meeting registered as soon as possible, and different opinions were sampled. Mr. Austin emphasized the need for elective executives in all positions first, before the registration. The organization would be fully registered with the council by the first quarter of 2023. The amount to be used for membership registration will be discussed further at AOB.
4) Election of Interim Government; Mr. Chukwudi said the current executives should continue for another 2 months to help build the organization. Mr. Chibuzor had a swift response, saying there is a need to have an immediate election, to constitute the executives. Dr. Kennedy in his response suggested it should go to a vote. Mr. Frank Moore in his reaction said that the constitution needs to be drafted, although, he aligned with the opinion stated earlier by Mr. Anthony on filling up vacant elective positions before registration with the council. Kelechi called the attention of everyone on the need to consider people on the WhatsApp group before making such decisions. However, the idea was immediately refuted. In the end, various vacant positions were filled, including the care committee and constitution committee.
*N.B; See the end for the names and positions to be held.
5) Hosting of Meeting; Anthony claret suggested voluntary contributions to host meetings and to support refreshments. Different calls and ideas were thrown up, Dr. Kennedy suggested consistency in hosting the meetings and food choices, to reduce costs. While Mr. Chukwudi supported a budget for the meetings. Mr. Ugonna, gave a hint of how meetings of this nature are done back home in Nigeria, though the idea is not feasible here in the UK. It was then agreed that it should be voluntary and that foods and drinks should be soft and consistent. The financial secretary and Treasurer would have synergy to see how to support the hosting of meetings and hiring of venues. This money would come from member registration, monthly dues, and voluntary donations from members too.
6) End-of-the-year party; The meeting agreed on an end-of-the-year party, and the social event directors are to make a plan about this, in terms of funds, venue, and activities for that day. The date was chosen for 3rd December 2022. No venue yet! The November meeting will be held on 13/11/2022, the venue is yet to be decided.
7) Any other Business (AOB); Mr. Benjamin suggested the PRO to publicize meetings, especially by using the African shops, as we have many of our people coming to buy things there. Members also thought about having a central meeting venue and where that is acceptable to locate, a more central venue. For registration, Mr. Benjamin suggested £5 registration £5 monthly, while Mr. Chukwudi said the registration should be free and that Monthly due can be made. Dr. Kennedy suggested registration at £10, while monthly dues should be £5. Mr. Anthony suggested members should at least bring a certain amount. Mr. Chibuzor in his reaction, suggested a payment, no matter how little. He also said membership should not be immediate until 3 months of attending meetings. Mr. FrankMore and Mr. Duke agreed to the idea opined by Mr. Chibuzor. In the end, £10 would be for registration after 3 months of attending meetings, while the monthly due would be £5. This gives one full right to the organization. Though anyone interested can always come around. Mr. Kelechi suggested seminars, especially for new migrants, While Mr. Benjamin also asked that information on job opportunities as well as housing always be dropped in the group. The language of the meeting is Igbo and English. The constitution committee was to take notes, especially in their draft.
8) The Closing Prayer was taken by Mr. Chukwudi, motion for adjournment was moved by Mr. Duke and supported by Mr. Chinemerem. The meeting ended at about 06;48 p.m.
9) New Executives
Chairman-Mr. Anthony Claret
Secretary-Mr. Benjamin Dunuson
Financial Secretary-Mr. Ugonna Okafor
Treasurer-Mr. Chukwudi Iheukwu
PRO-Mr. FrankMore Ibekwe
Director of Social I-Mr. Austin Njioke
Director of Social II. Dr. Kennedy
Care Committee-Mr. Chukwunonso Obidike
Constitution Committee-Mr. Chibuzor
Mr. Kelechi, Mr. Nonso, Mr. Chinemerem, and Mr. Duke.
The President and secretary are members of all committees.
