HISTORY

Anambra State Association, Greater Philadelphia Region

Genesis, now and the way forward

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Anambra state is one of the newest states created in Nigeria. It is the heartland of the former Eastern Region, a region resurrected from the ruins of the Nigerian Civil War. Anambra state, bounded in the north by Kogi state, in the west by Delta state, in the east by Enugu state and in the south by Abia and Imo states, has its capital in Awka. The state prides itself with having Onitsha, the largest commercial center in Africa. It is located on the east coast of the famous Niger river.

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The Ibo land and states within, particularly Anambra state, are states of vibrant achievers with their indigenes at the forefront of technological development in most of the world’s technology centers – North America, Europe, and Asia. Anambrarians are known to be very hardworking people whose aggressive enterprising nature, ambition and vision have led them to all four corners of the globe. Within the Nigerian federation, the Ibos, and in particular Anambra indigenes are settled in almost every state. This reflects their belief in human interaction, peaceful coexistence, promotion of cultures and above all, self-reliance.

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Anambra state community in the Philadelphia metropolis is a microcosm of Anambra state of Nigeria. Our migration to the United States, itself a synthesis of many cultures, has broadened our view of the world and we stand on a solid ground to compare world cultures. It presents us with a unique opportunity to share our culture, rich in humanity, with the world. It is therefore of utmost importance that we continue to nurture and promote the culture of our home of origin, believing that there’s a lot to be learned by all people. It is equally important that our children and the generations after them get exposed to the beauties of this unique culture so they have a sense of the culture of their ancestry.

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In furtherance of the aforementioned objectives, the Anambra state community in the Greater Philadelphia Region had for years tried, with no success, to form an umbrella association that would unite all the fragmented units that existed. Finally, in the Spring of 2002 in a social gathering, the debate heated up again. This time, there was unity of purpose and a rear determination to see the success of the latest effort at forming an association. By the end of the day, an agreement had been reached on a date and venue of what would be the inaugural meeting of Anambra State Association, Greater Philadelphia Region.

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May 26, 2002 marked the beginning of Anambra State Association, Greater Philadelphia Region as a bona fide association. It took off in a grand funfair with all the participating families in very high spirit. Interim officers were selected to coordinate the affairs of the association pending the election of permanent officers. Also, several committees were set up. These included the committees for Constitution drafting, Launching of the association, Goals and Objectives. News quickly spread of the resounding success of the first meeting. That fueled interest amongst the members of the community. The association gradually grew from a handful of families to a substantial number. Subsequent meetings were held at members’ homes on voluntary basis. At a later stage it was becoming difficult to accommodate vast number of people in private homes and so, a decision was reached to look for outside facilities. At first, Temple University served that purpose. Later the meeting was moved to a multi-purpose hall at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Elkins Park. Initial funding of the association was mainly through personal donations and later from annual dues and registration fees generated from membership growth.

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As the association grew in popularity and number, now duly insured and registered in the state of Pennsylvania, it was time to launch the non-profit entity to the world. This was realized in June 18th, 2005. With important dignitaries from Nigeria and the United States of America, the inaugural launching was a showcase of cultural exhibition. The representatives of the then Governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige (OON) and the representatives of the then Mayor of Philadelphia, Mr. John F. Street were in attendance to grace the occasion. There was a display of cultural dance by the youth of Anambra State Association, Greater Philadelphia Region. It was an opportunity to unveil and publicize the Mission statements, Goals and Objectives of this young, non-profit association. By all standards, the event was a huge success. With the proceeds realized at the function, it was time to start implementing the programs outlined in the goals and objectives.

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Later in the summer of 2005, United States of America and indeed the world would be tested by the catastrophe in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hurricane “Katrina” devastated a great part of New Orleans. The whole world had its attention on the tragedy. Anambra State Association, Greater Philadelphia Region was no exception. The association rallied around and made some monetary donations for this course through the “Katrina Disaster Fund.” Our attention is not lost on the needs within our locality. The association organized trips to local soup kitchens where the member volunteers render their helping hands in the service of the less privileged. When it came to taking care of our brethren in the old country, the association was not found wanting. Through the years, the association has sent and installed medical equipment and accessories worth over two million US dollars ($2,000,000.00). A large quantity of books and technical journals were also shipped with the medical equipment. We have also been very active, in association with other groups, in sending participants on the Medical Mission to Anambra state of Nigeria.

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Our prospect for the future is looking great, so also is our need to raise funds in order to be able to accomplish all we set out to do within the confines of our goals and objectives. To increase awareness within our community, we are engaged in annual family picnic during the summer and Children’s Christmas party in December. It is a forum for our friends and well-wishers to socialize. It is also an opportunity to say “Thank you” to our donors without whose help we will never be able to achieve our objectives. A major task ahead of the association now is to find a permanent home within our locality. It definitely is an arduous task, but we feel equal to the challenge. We plan to occasionally organize banquets as a means of fundraising. We therefore will always welcome donations and good ideas. With God’s help and with the help of our friends and well-wishers, Anambra State Association, Greater Philadelphia Region will continue to wax stronger well into the distant future.