ODA Accomplishments and Activities

The Vision of Obohia Development Association
By Emeka Okoro

There comes a time in every society or generation that the people of that generation assumes their destiny and begin to tackle the challenges of their time. Sir Amam A. Acholonu felt a sense of urgency to help shape the upcoming generation of influencers, stakeholders, and leaders in Obohia. The Summit on Saturday September 12, 2009 in Sun City Hotel, Owerri gave birth to Obohia Development Association as a substitute for Obohia Central Union, under the guiding principles of Unity, Service and Accountability. This was a clear call for leaders of thought and influence within Obohia community to model and create an association for Obohia people home and abroad that is widely accepted by all people, groups and associations with mandate and platform to speak for Obohia on social, political, and cultural issues. Participants walked away with a sense of commitment, confidence, and affirmation that they have been successful. Because the statements generated by these participants are grounded on real experience and history, people know how to repeat their success, to make Obohia great again!

The result of this is the introduction in Obohia, another tier of government – the Obohia Development Association as the legislature. Traditional rulers (Ndi Eze) made up of four autonomous communities with their cabinets and other community leaders as the executive body, while a carefully selected wise, honest, and courageous men (people of caliber and integrity) as the judiciary. Obohia Development Association main objective is to create a “welcoming space” for public discourse that is conducive to listening to all perspectives as to the issues about the issues at hand, after which those who have expressed their views engage one another about their agreements and disagreements in gracious and respectful conversation toward the goal of learning from one another and collectively gaining a better approximation to that issues. ODA will bring the Appreciative Inquiry approach or perspective to Obohia community challenges. ODA will look for what works well in our community that we appreciate, which tell us where our community wants to be, based on the high moments of where they have been.

A marvelous by-product of this vision is Obohia Development Association USA incorporated in the state of Arizona, USA under Arizona corporation Law and operate under Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Service code, as a chapter organization in the United States of America.

Eyiri eyi Obohia which is celebrated on the Nkwo Obohia market day between the 7th & 14th of August every year has remained a foremost cultural festival for Obohia people of Ahiazu Mbaise. The highlight is the special Ugu Mmanu soup only prepared for the ceremony and the Ekpe dance at the Nkwo Obohia market square. Today ODA-USA celebrates Eyiri-Eyi with all its pageantry.

ODA-USA intends to focus our developmental efforts on the Common Wealth of Obohia, namely Eyiri-Eyi Obohia, Iyi-Court, Nkwo Obohia, Obohia Secondary Technical School and her teaming population. We are liaising with ODA at home to work out a most effective approach to reach our goals.

1) December 26th of every year to be declared Obohia Day, with all accorded respect and privileges thereto. E.g. An ecumenical Christian Service at St. Bede’s School Obohia by all ordained sons of Obohia, followed by ODA general meeting, meritorious awards and youth football match or women cultural dance to entertain the crowd.

2) ODA to set strong standards for Obohia sons and daughters who aspire to political office in Nigeria. Those interested in contesting in the election for public office will come before the above mentioned authorities in Obohia to share their political and developmental vision for Obohia community.

3) ODA must have an effective procedure in line with current realities to sanction Obohia sons and daughters, who violate or work against the overall interest of Obohia.