WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CARETAKER COMMITTEE,
BEN. OMON. ETIOBHIO AT THE LAUNCH/FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION IN DALLAS,
TEXAS. August 13th - 15th, 2010.
My fellow Uromi people, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Caretaker committee
of the National Association Of Uromi Sons And Daughters USA, I welcome you all to this
historic event at this august period in Dallas, Texas , the traditional home of the
Cowboys. The event is historic because this is the first time in America that all Uromi
sons and Daughters are gathered together at one venue in fellowship with a view to
engaging in deliberate discussions on issues which concern and affect them here and
their home town, Uromi.
Before I go further, please permit me to register my profound appreciation to all whose
contributions made this event possible today. My immense thanks go to Elder Adams
Ebhomielen for initiating this journey when he sounded the clarion call about a year ago,
to all Uromians in the US that the time has come to come together and begin a dream
for ourselves and for our home town. I salute you Sir. I shall also express my deep
gratitude to my fellow members of the Caretaker Committee for their commitment, and
their strong and active faith in this cause which I very much believe prompted their
cooperation with me throughout this period. To the members of other committees and
individuals who have worked tirelessly to make this day a reality, I also say “IBHA
OBULU”
Brothers and Sisters, the mission of NAUSDA is clear and unambiguous. Our
objectives among others are to create a forum for social and cultural fellowship among
Uromi indigenes in America where we can discuss and rob minds on common issues
affecting us and our families, and share our challenges and experiences here in the US
to the benefit of all members. This National Association will also coordinate and
complement the efforts and activities of all local associations, organizations and
individuals in the US whose aims and objectives are geared towards the development
and progress of our home town, UROMI. Hence the theme of this first National
Convention is aptly termed ‘TOGETHERNESS FOR PROGRESS’. However, let me
hasten to add that this association is purely non political as clearly spelt out in its
Constitution. It will not and does not intend to participate in political campaigns nor
endorse candidates for any political office anywhere.
Brethren, our home town , Uromi , for some time now has been plagued with a myriad
of problems ranging from almost non existent Healthcare Delivery system, to a very
deplorable situation in the Education sector, and lack of portable drinking water . Other
infrastructures have also suffered neglect; neglect that is indefensible by those in
charge. With these situations confronting our home town at this period of time, it is my
belief, ladies and gentlemen, that we have a choice; either to come together and plough
the ground or let the weeds continue to grow. The presence of all of you here today
convinces me beyond all reasonable doubt that we have all decided to go with the
former choice. For this I thank you all.
Therefore, as we all gather here today to re-unite with our brothers and sisters, re-
establish old friendship, meet with new friends, and fellowship together, let us also
resolve to chart an attainable and sustainable program that will light up the hope of our
people at home. This is my challenge to all of us this afternoon. I am not unaware that
there are some other associations or groups that also have programs aimed at
addressing some of the problems within Uromi and Esanland in general. The aim of
NAUSDA should be not to compete or get into conflict with these groups but rather to
collaborate with and also complement their efforts with a view to making a difference
collectively in the lives of our people at home.
As part of the efforts to move forward, the association will this afternoon elect the
members of the first executive committee to lead us. Brothers and Sisters, as we move
forward, who leads us at this time is less important than what leads us. Let us not lay
emphasis on who leads us, but rather let us focus on what leads us; the conviction, the
energy, the devotion, and above all, the faith we all bring to what I will call here, if you will
permit me, ‘This Great Moral Enterprise’ which we are embarking on. I do not want us,
after socializing for this couple of days, to retreat to our individual comfort zones and
forget about this dream. We must not abandon this dream lest we abandon our people
to hopelessness. God Forbid. We must come together to do something. The time to act
is now because there is an immense and painful longing for the basic amenities and
necessities of life by our people at home.
In conclusion, Brothers and Sisters, and as we formally launch this association today, I
hereby call on the best that is in every Uromi son and daughter here this afternoon to
support and identify with this our noble cause. Let us make our collective commitment
the rallying point through which we must lend a hand. With optimism, Brethren, let us
look forward and not back, let us look up and not down, let us look out and not in, as we
all come together to lend a hand. What we need is the will, courage, faith and a little
sacrifice here and there. All these and with prayers and God’s guidance I hope we shall
make it.
While I wish you all successful deliberations, I hope you will enjoy the beautiful weather
of Texas.
Thank you and God bless you all.
God Bless Uromi.
UROMI KHIDE
Ben Omon. Etiobhio
Chairman, Caretaker Committee
BEN. OMON. ETIOBHIO AT THE LAUNCH/FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION IN DALLAS,
TEXAS. August 13th - 15th, 2010.
My fellow Uromi people, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Caretaker committee
of the National Association Of Uromi Sons And Daughters USA, I welcome you all to this
historic event at this august period in Dallas, Texas , the traditional home of the
Cowboys. The event is historic because this is the first time in America that all Uromi
sons and Daughters are gathered together at one venue in fellowship with a view to
engaging in deliberate discussions on issues which concern and affect them here and
their home town, Uromi.
Before I go further, please permit me to register my profound appreciation to all whose
contributions made this event possible today. My immense thanks go to Elder Adams
Ebhomielen for initiating this journey when he sounded the clarion call about a year ago,
to all Uromians in the US that the time has come to come together and begin a dream
for ourselves and for our home town. I salute you Sir. I shall also express my deep
gratitude to my fellow members of the Caretaker Committee for their commitment, and
their strong and active faith in this cause which I very much believe prompted their
cooperation with me throughout this period. To the members of other committees and
individuals who have worked tirelessly to make this day a reality, I also say “IBHA
OBULU”
Brothers and Sisters, the mission of NAUSDA is clear and unambiguous. Our
objectives among others are to create a forum for social and cultural fellowship among
Uromi indigenes in America where we can discuss and rob minds on common issues
affecting us and our families, and share our challenges and experiences here in the US
to the benefit of all members. This National Association will also coordinate and
complement the efforts and activities of all local associations, organizations and
individuals in the US whose aims and objectives are geared towards the development
and progress of our home town, UROMI. Hence the theme of this first National
Convention is aptly termed ‘TOGETHERNESS FOR PROGRESS’. However, let me
hasten to add that this association is purely non political as clearly spelt out in its
Constitution. It will not and does not intend to participate in political campaigns nor
endorse candidates for any political office anywhere.
Brethren, our home town , Uromi , for some time now has been plagued with a myriad
of problems ranging from almost non existent Healthcare Delivery system, to a very
deplorable situation in the Education sector, and lack of portable drinking water . Other
infrastructures have also suffered neglect; neglect that is indefensible by those in
charge. With these situations confronting our home town at this period of time, it is my
belief, ladies and gentlemen, that we have a choice; either to come together and plough
the ground or let the weeds continue to grow. The presence of all of you here today
convinces me beyond all reasonable doubt that we have all decided to go with the
former choice. For this I thank you all.
Therefore, as we all gather here today to re-unite with our brothers and sisters, re-
establish old friendship, meet with new friends, and fellowship together, let us also
resolve to chart an attainable and sustainable program that will light up the hope of our
people at home. This is my challenge to all of us this afternoon. I am not unaware that
there are some other associations or groups that also have programs aimed at
addressing some of the problems within Uromi and Esanland in general. The aim of
NAUSDA should be not to compete or get into conflict with these groups but rather to
collaborate with and also complement their efforts with a view to making a difference
collectively in the lives of our people at home.
As part of the efforts to move forward, the association will this afternoon elect the
members of the first executive committee to lead us. Brothers and Sisters, as we move
forward, who leads us at this time is less important than what leads us. Let us not lay
emphasis on who leads us, but rather let us focus on what leads us; the conviction, the
energy, the devotion, and above all, the faith we all bring to what I will call here, if you will
permit me, ‘This Great Moral Enterprise’ which we are embarking on. I do not want us,
after socializing for this couple of days, to retreat to our individual comfort zones and
forget about this dream. We must not abandon this dream lest we abandon our people
to hopelessness. God Forbid. We must come together to do something. The time to act
is now because there is an immense and painful longing for the basic amenities and
necessities of life by our people at home.
In conclusion, Brothers and Sisters, and as we formally launch this association today, I
hereby call on the best that is in every Uromi son and daughter here this afternoon to
support and identify with this our noble cause. Let us make our collective commitment
the rallying point through which we must lend a hand. With optimism, Brethren, let us
look forward and not back, let us look up and not down, let us look out and not in, as we
all come together to lend a hand. What we need is the will, courage, faith and a little
sacrifice here and there. All these and with prayers and God’s guidance I hope we shall
make it.
While I wish you all successful deliberations, I hope you will enjoy the beautiful weather
of Texas.
Thank you and God bless you all.
God Bless Uromi.
UROMI KHIDE
Ben Omon. Etiobhio
Chairman, Caretaker Committee
National Association of Uromi Sons and Daughters, USA.
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