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Getting to Know IPAI
By Ukaegbu Ukaegbu
Historical Perspective
Igbere Progressive Association International Inc. (IPAI) is an organization of Igbere citizens in
Diaspora by Igbere people and for Igbere Community. This organization was formed when Igbere
citizens’ residents abroad (outside Nigeria) held a general meeting at Houston, Texas, USA; on
September 3, 2005. Delegates at the general meeting were from different regions of United States
of America and United Kingdom including State of California, Georgia, Nebraska, New York,
Maryland, Washington DC, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Carolina,
Texas and London (UK).
After the decision to form an international organization was made, the delegates proceeded with
discussions on the official name of the new non-profit entity. Various names were suggested
including: “National Igbere Progressive Association”, “World Igbere Progressive Association”, and
Igbere Progressive Association International, Inc. However, delegates overwhelmingly voted for the
name “Igbere Progressive Association International, Inc.” as the official name of the new entity.
More so, delegates at the meeting created a caretaker (temporary) government called “Caretaker
Committee” (CC) that was charged with the responsibilities of running the new organization until its
first executive council is elected. The CC responsibilities include but not limited to drafting the
organization’s constitution and by-laws, officially registering the association and defining the mission
and vision of IPAI. A 13-member Caretaker Committee were nominated by delegates present at the
meeting and accepted by the house.
Also, at the general meeting, delegates voted unanimously for the IPAI Conventions to be held
every two (2) years. Thereafter the Caretaker Committee was charged with the task of deciding
which IPAI Chapter (Branch) that would host and the location (the City) where the next convention
will take place. Dr. Ugwa Kalu Ogbureke and Engr. Peter Anyaogu Imaa served as the Chairman
and Secretary of the Caretaker Committee respectively.
In accordance with their assigned responsibilities, the Caretaker Committee drafted the IPAI
Constitution and organized the subsequent convention which took place at Atlanta, Georgia, USA
and was hosted by Southeast Chapter of IPAI on September 1 and 2, 2007.
Election of First Officials
During the Townhall Meeting segment of the convention, the draft constitution was extensively
debated, amended and then adopted and rectified by the delegates at the Atlanta 2007 convention.
Consequently, the first executive council was elected as follows: Michael Awa (Executive President),
Saul Onyeuku (Vice President), Ukaegbu Ukaegbu (General Secretary), Leonard Ibeka (Publicity
Secretary), Emeka Ejieke (Financial Secretary) Ezinne Ogbureke (Treasurer) and Okorie Uzor
(Provost).
IPAI Convention 2007
The Atlanta 2007 convention was a phenomenon in all respects. Igbere people demonstrated
resilience, showed extraordinary commitment and dedication, made unimaginable sacrifices and
exhibited great patriotism to Igbere. To those who understand the logistics involved in organizing
such an event, it was unthinkable that the convention of such magnitude and success could be
organized within two months.
This well attended Ezumezu featured Igbere citizens from across United States, Canada, United
Kingdom and Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The former Governor of Imo State, Commodore Amadi
Ikwechegh was the Special Guest of Honor. Also, the former Governor of Abia State Dr. Orji Kalu
delegated Chief Smart Ukoha to representative him at the occasion.
Highlights of the occasion during the banquet party include speeches from special guests, swearing-
in ceremony of newly elected officers, traditional dances like Ohuwa dance by Igbere women,
Ikperikpe dance by Igbere men, buffet dinner and fund raising.
Purpose of IPAI
The primary purpose of IPAI is to promote charitable, educational and scientific activities, and to
develop and operate community based services for Igbere people. This is aimed at securing for
Igbere citizens the same basic rights as all citizens of the world.
The fundamental statement of philosophy among others which IPAI uses to pursue the stated
purpose is: “To work towards better quality of life in Igbere and the community or residence by
providing such amenities like health care, portable water, electricity, roads, scholarship, sports,
etc.”; “To encourage and support development and progress of the community”.
IPAI Website: www.ipaiinc.org
The IPAI’s website was launched on July 9th, 2007, by the IPAI Caretaker Committee. The website
was designed, developed and managed by Ukaegbu Ukaegbu.
Basically, the objectives of establishing IPAI website are enumerated below:
During the Town Hall meeting at Atlanta 2007, Chief Esse Esse, specially thanked Mr. Ukaegbu
Ukaegbu for developing the website www.ipaiinc.org where everybody could easily get information
about Igbere, its culture and people including news and events of Igbere Progressive Association
International. Esse further stated that “the website had significant impact in breaking the
communication barrier and provided reliable source of information about the association which
helped people to make informed decision to attend the convention”. Moreover, he suggested that
the association should do all it takes to keep the website up and running always.
Sequel to the successful launch of the website, subsequent IPAI Convention 2007 and some other
events executed by the association, here are some of the comments made by the members and
other users of the website:
a) Chief Alfred Eme Onyeuku, Chairman, IPAI Board of Directors, wrote:
“I express a profound gratitude to the entire body of the outgoing Caretaker Committee, the present
elected executives and the sons and daughters of Igbere who came to Atlanta to deliberate on the
betterment of our people. You have shown that we are:
“The atmosphere at the convention meetings was lively. Igbere people were happy to meet one
another. There were hugs, jokes, laughter, and cheers as delegates arrive unannounced. The
memories of that day will not be forgotten. You made me proud to be an Igbere citizen (by way of
Isiukwuato).”
c) Engr. Emmanuel Ukandu, former President, IPAI Texas Chapter, wrote:
“Ukaegbu, I want to thank you for the way you have been serving your Igbere community. Although I
do not yet know you on a personal level at this point in time, I am impressed with the service you
have provided to Igbere community. The website you have designed free of charge for IPAI speaks
volumes about your sense of duty and sacrifice to make our community better. I say: More grease
to your elbows.”
d) Engr. Ndukwe Uche, in Oman, Middle East, the Chairman of Ebiri Scholarship Board, after
the Igbere Ebiri Scholarship programme sponsored by IPAI Texas Chapter was integrated onto the
IPAI website wrote:
“Ukaegbu, Wow! Impressive speed! Great stuff! Well done. This train has definitely now left the
station.”
Here are just a few other comments by Igbere indigenes who use and/or have visited the IPAI
website:
Conclusion
We believe that Igbere people should “count their blessings and name them one-by-one’, harness
all material and human resources towards working for the betterment of the community. We believe
that it is extremely important that Igbere leaders at every point in time show their greatest
accountability to its people. This will motivate other citizens to render selfless services to the
community. It is imperative that every Igbere person take responsibility for their actions and realize
that the community can only progress when we work as a team. An association like IPAI is more or
less all about giving back to the Igbere community.
Long Live IPAI !
God Bless Igbere Ebiri !
About the Author of "Getting to Know IPAI"
By Ukaegbu Ukaegbu
Historical Perspective
Igbere Progressive Association International Inc. (IPAI) is an organization of Igbere citizens in
Diaspora by Igbere people and for Igbere Community. This organization was formed when Igbere
citizens’ residents abroad (outside Nigeria) held a general meeting at Houston, Texas, USA; on
September 3, 2005. Delegates at the general meeting were from different regions of United States
of America and United Kingdom including State of California, Georgia, Nebraska, New York,
Maryland, Washington DC, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Carolina,
Texas and London (UK).
After the decision to form an international organization was made, the delegates proceeded with
discussions on the official name of the new non-profit entity. Various names were suggested
including: “National Igbere Progressive Association”, “World Igbere Progressive Association”, and
Igbere Progressive Association International, Inc. However, delegates overwhelmingly voted for the
name “Igbere Progressive Association International, Inc.” as the official name of the new entity.
More so, delegates at the meeting created a caretaker (temporary) government called “Caretaker
Committee” (CC) that was charged with the responsibilities of running the new organization until its
first executive council is elected. The CC responsibilities include but not limited to drafting the
organization’s constitution and by-laws, officially registering the association and defining the mission
and vision of IPAI. A 13-member Caretaker Committee were nominated by delegates present at the
meeting and accepted by the house.
Also, at the general meeting, delegates voted unanimously for the IPAI Conventions to be held
every two (2) years. Thereafter the Caretaker Committee was charged with the task of deciding
which IPAI Chapter (Branch) that would host and the location (the City) where the next convention
will take place. Dr. Ugwa Kalu Ogbureke and Engr. Peter Anyaogu Imaa served as the Chairman
and Secretary of the Caretaker Committee respectively.
In accordance with their assigned responsibilities, the Caretaker Committee drafted the IPAI
Constitution and organized the subsequent convention which took place at Atlanta, Georgia, USA
and was hosted by Southeast Chapter of IPAI on September 1 and 2, 2007.
Election of First Officials
During the Townhall Meeting segment of the convention, the draft constitution was extensively
debated, amended and then adopted and rectified by the delegates at the Atlanta 2007 convention.
Consequently, the first executive council was elected as follows: Michael Awa (Executive President),
Saul Onyeuku (Vice President), Ukaegbu Ukaegbu (General Secretary), Leonard Ibeka (Publicity
Secretary), Emeka Ejieke (Financial Secretary) Ezinne Ogbureke (Treasurer) and Okorie Uzor
(Provost).
IPAI Convention 2007
The Atlanta 2007 convention was a phenomenon in all respects. Igbere people demonstrated
resilience, showed extraordinary commitment and dedication, made unimaginable sacrifices and
exhibited great patriotism to Igbere. To those who understand the logistics involved in organizing
such an event, it was unthinkable that the convention of such magnitude and success could be
organized within two months.
This well attended Ezumezu featured Igbere citizens from across United States, Canada, United
Kingdom and Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The former Governor of Imo State, Commodore Amadi
Ikwechegh was the Special Guest of Honor. Also, the former Governor of Abia State Dr. Orji Kalu
delegated Chief Smart Ukoha to representative him at the occasion.
Highlights of the occasion during the banquet party include speeches from special guests, swearing-
in ceremony of newly elected officers, traditional dances like Ohuwa dance by Igbere women,
Ikperikpe dance by Igbere men, buffet dinner and fund raising.
Purpose of IPAI
The primary purpose of IPAI is to promote charitable, educational and scientific activities, and to
develop and operate community based services for Igbere people. This is aimed at securing for
Igbere citizens the same basic rights as all citizens of the world.
The fundamental statement of philosophy among others which IPAI uses to pursue the stated
purpose is: “To work towards better quality of life in Igbere and the community or residence by
providing such amenities like health care, portable water, electricity, roads, scholarship, sports,
etc.”; “To encourage and support development and progress of the community”.
IPAI Website: www.ipaiinc.org
The IPAI’s website was launched on July 9th, 2007, by the IPAI Caretaker Committee. The website
was designed, developed and managed by Ukaegbu Ukaegbu.
Basically, the objectives of establishing IPAI website are enumerated below:
- To promote unity and solidarity among Igbere citizens across the world.
- To provide a forum for interaction of members by promoting mutual cooperation, respect and
unity amongst members of the association. - To provide authentic source of Information about the association.
- To promote Igbere traditions and cultural heritage.
- To provide reliable source of news and events about Igbere people.
- To provide a platform for Igbere people to share their stories and view point.
- To help in realizing the overall objectives of IPAI.
During the Town Hall meeting at Atlanta 2007, Chief Esse Esse, specially thanked Mr. Ukaegbu
Ukaegbu for developing the website www.ipaiinc.org where everybody could easily get information
about Igbere, its culture and people including news and events of Igbere Progressive Association
International. Esse further stated that “the website had significant impact in breaking the
communication barrier and provided reliable source of information about the association which
helped people to make informed decision to attend the convention”. Moreover, he suggested that
the association should do all it takes to keep the website up and running always.
Sequel to the successful launch of the website, subsequent IPAI Convention 2007 and some other
events executed by the association, here are some of the comments made by the members and
other users of the website:
a) Chief Alfred Eme Onyeuku, Chairman, IPAI Board of Directors, wrote:
“I express a profound gratitude to the entire body of the outgoing Caretaker Committee, the present
elected executives and the sons and daughters of Igbere who came to Atlanta to deliberate on the
betterment of our people. You have shown that we are:
- Individuals that Go Beyond Everyone's Reasonable Expectations (IGBERE).
- Individuals Galvanized Because Everyone Revere's Ebiri heritage (IGBERE).
- Designers of the blueprint towards Improving Generations of Brethren Expected to
Recalibrate Ebiri (IGBERE). - You acted with behest, with unity of purpose and with wisdom. It is joy to witness the
enthusiasm in the deliberations from our compatriots all over the world.”
“The atmosphere at the convention meetings was lively. Igbere people were happy to meet one
another. There were hugs, jokes, laughter, and cheers as delegates arrive unannounced. The
memories of that day will not be forgotten. You made me proud to be an Igbere citizen (by way of
Isiukwuato).”
c) Engr. Emmanuel Ukandu, former President, IPAI Texas Chapter, wrote:
“Ukaegbu, I want to thank you for the way you have been serving your Igbere community. Although I
do not yet know you on a personal level at this point in time, I am impressed with the service you
have provided to Igbere community. The website you have designed free of charge for IPAI speaks
volumes about your sense of duty and sacrifice to make our community better. I say: More grease
to your elbows.”
d) Engr. Ndukwe Uche, in Oman, Middle East, the Chairman of Ebiri Scholarship Board, after
the Igbere Ebiri Scholarship programme sponsored by IPAI Texas Chapter was integrated onto the
IPAI website wrote:
“Ukaegbu, Wow! Impressive speed! Great stuff! Well done. This train has definitely now left the
station.”
Here are just a few other comments by Igbere indigenes who use and/or have visited the IPAI
website:
- Orji Ogwo in Bern, Switzerland wrote: “I was just wondering if there exits really a website for
Igbere Welfare Union. When, I went to Google search, I was directed to this wonderful
website. I find it very amazing. To those behind the creation of this site, more grease to your
elbows.” - Arc. Dike Nduka, in Umuahia, Nigeria wrote: “I find your association well organized and would
impress it on you to keep up this sense of brotherhood. The yield in this initiative would to a
great extent impact on the development of our home town.” - Emeka P. A. Ukonu in Aba, Nigeria wrote: “It’s great to see what you people are doing over
there to give Igbere a new face. We must be proud of our place. Igbere is ours and we must
stand by it. May God Bless you all for the great job of giving Igbere a new face.”
Conclusion
We believe that Igbere people should “count their blessings and name them one-by-one’, harness
all material and human resources towards working for the betterment of the community. We believe
that it is extremely important that Igbere leaders at every point in time show their greatest
accountability to its people. This will motivate other citizens to render selfless services to the
community. It is imperative that every Igbere person take responsibility for their actions and realize
that the community can only progress when we work as a team. An association like IPAI is more or
less all about giving back to the Igbere community.
Long Live IPAI !
God Bless Igbere Ebiri !
About the Author of "Getting to Know IPAI"
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