Igbo Union (3rd) meeting at Sacred Heart parish, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. 13/11/2022
1) Opening Prayer was led by Dr. Chukwujekwu Odumegwu, at 4:40 p.m.
The Chairman Antony-Claret requested for introduction of members, he also made the purpose of the meeting known, as it is to foster and build an Igbo union in Stoke-on-Trent, that would encompass in network, social, cultural, and political interests of our members. Though this meeting would focus on end-of-the-year activities, he equally welcomed all present and asked for participation in all discussions.
2) Reading of Minutes; The Secretary, Benjamin Dunuson read the minutes of the previous meeting and records of income. The minutes had a correction made by Ugonna Okafor, that is a house for 1-month accommodation by FrankMore for new members and not homes as previously read by the secretary. Ugonna Okafor moved the motion for the adoption of the minutes and was supported by FrankMore. No income, apart from the balance of £40, where £35 was used to pay for the venue of today’s meeting for two hours, and Benjamin to give the treasurer the £5 balance.
3) Reaction on the Minutes; The Chairman enquired about the activities of the PRO, FrankMore. FrankMore informed members on his efforts, he got to place adverts of the meetings in the Moukola African shop and at the Hanley roundabout, and he was refused approval from EmmaChuks store but he had to drop our contacts with them if any Igbo person comes around. FrankMore said has been getting calls about the union of which some of the persons will be at this meeting. Benjamin also said he has also tried to reach out to so many Igbo people being Stoke-on-Trent and he hope they will join the meeting as they’ve been added to the WhatsApp group too. Antony thanked the PRO for his huge efforts. Noel raised the question on membership, saying he didn’t bye the ideas shared in previous meeting about it, and suggested a new member should not be fixed on conditions of two to three months of meeting before being member that they should be immediate members and do registration with £10, then pay monthly dues. This was against the previous ideas shared in the last meeting. He got a good number of support as the decisions were not “cast on stone,” Chukwunonso and Ikechukwu aligned with the new idea, new members should not be scared away by registration or money issues, though, the union would need funds to function efficiently. Members who register would have full benefits of membership. Tobenna asked to be cleared on who is a member and what are the core benefits. In a swift response, Emmanuel told him everyone who is Igbo is deemed a member and made too, more would be settled on this in the upcoming constitution. Benjamin also informed members that most of the activities were volunteers, including the items used in meetings. There were many opinions shared on membership, Claret listed out some of the benefits to include, supporting members in need, during birthdays, weddings, burials, and others. However, more can be accessed from the union as it grows. Everyone should be able to pay for registration, though students who are new would be given more time to especially for them to settle in and get jobs. The money would be used to run the union’s activities too as explained. While Chukwunonso encouraged the need to support members, especially those who are new and are looking for work and accommodation. Noel called on the Chairman, that he needs to reach out to brothers who own agencies and are on the platform, then enquire about what needs to be done, to help our people, especially the new ones even if it is once a week or twice a week shift in their firm. Claret agreed to do so, though he also called members to be dedicated to giving job opportunities and not to embarrass the link they got from individuals and the group at their place of work, as trust and service is key! Dr. Chukwujekwu who joined for the first time, said he came from UNIZIK, Awka, and he was happy to be at the meeting or thought he’s going back to Nigeria, hoping to be back soon after getting permission as he was here due to extended ASUU strike, which is now called off, hopefully. He is studying in molecular medicine, he reiterated his happiness being at the meeting courtesy of Noel, and will always join.
4) End of the year party; The Chairman informed members of the picnic, which was our first social function edition of the meeting to the previous reception and organization that happened during the picnic. He said, it was probably done, reiterating that it is important we support the end of the year as previously done, as it was great fun, socializing, and networking, as well as reunion. In his notification, the director of social II, Dr. JK, who stood in behalf of DOS I, Austin, who had some immediate issues that he had to attend to, said they’ve not met to finalize the plans on the venue and plans, that we could all discuss them at this meeting. The date for the end of the year party was agreed for the 3rd of December and the Venue will be at the Sacred Heart parish social center Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, used for the picnic as it is Winter season. He also said, that funds is the key to the plans, as we should not have impromptu activities like the picnic day, though it was fun, it is better if planned. Noel suggested for freewill donations, and members suggested the base to be £30 and people can do more either. Students who are new would not need to pay up to that amount so as not to overburden them. Those that can’t pay cash can support in kind, according to the Chairman there will be provisions for kids to play, like Bus Games. He said kids need to be cared for especially. Other activities to include games, music, dance, Igbo proverbs, and speech writing/reading. Ebuka Nneji promised to check and invite hype-man, while Emmanuel promised to get us some ogene music, JK to help with the Speakers. The time will be 1 p.m. though varies and could include and depend on the funds and cooking arrangements. Noel suggested members can cook other foods and other items. Dr. JK, the DOS II suggested hiring a caterer and for us to raise funds for the activities. The soup will be taking care of by Emmanuel, FrankMore, Ben and Chuks, who also promised a pan of cake on that day. The drinks would assorted drinks to include beer, juice Baileys, and Ice. A budget estimate of £650 was made.
Donations were given by
Claret-£50
Ikechukwu-£100
Noel-£50
Chuks-£50
and Ben £40. More donations would be appreciated.
5) Constitution; The constitution committee chairman is on excuse of absence, more reports in subsequent meetings. The Chairman promised to create a group for the constitution committee to kick-start of their activities. This is to help in getting us registered with the local council ASAP!
6) AOB; Tobenna enquired why will the meeting be made up of men alone? The Chairman explained it is for the space of being new, that in the future, women would have their own meeting and possibly, we can have a general meeting of both too. Dr. Chukwujekwu suggested expanding the name and meetings outside just Stoke-on-Trent. It was debated, and conclusions about the participation of others in the meeting would be mostly for men in Stoke-on-Trent, open to other members outside Stoke-on-Trent who maybe interested. The meeting would also not be monthly from next year, maybe bi-monthly and there would be other activities in-between such as outing, hangouts and tours as it grows, according to the Chairman, Antony-Claret.
7) Closing Prayer, Motion for adjournment was moved by Dr. Chukwujekwu after exhaustive concordance discussions, supported by Noel and Chuks. Next meeting would be next year, either January or February 2023. Closing prayer was taken at 6:40 p.m. by Emmanuel Okafor and the meeting ended warmly with pictures and voluntary refreshments by DOS II and the Chairman.
Attendance were 15 members.
Signed:
Chairman Secretary
