AMASIRI UNITY FORUM 10th Anniversary: We are celebrating Unity, love, development in Amasiri – Chief Administrator, Otu
A registered socio-cultural organization, whose mission it is to bring unity and development to the people of Amasiri, in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has stressed that AUF remains a rallying point for the achievement of its people’s corporate goals, geared towards a greater Amasiri Community.
Established in 2015, AUF, added that it has put modalities in place for the celebration of its 10 years of existence, which has been occasioned by records of unprecedented achievements.
Briefing newsmen in Abakaliki, on the activities lined up to mark the group’s success story, the Chief Administrator of AUF, Comrade Dandy Otu, explained that: “AUF in their bid to foster unity, oneness and encourage ‘idi n’otu’ chose and commissioned the first day of every year as AUF Day. The day features unity walk around Amasiri, distribution of welfare packages to indigent widows and organisation of dinner at different venues – residences of AUF members.”
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He listed the Board of Trustees, BOT, of AUF to include: Elder Engr. Iho Ibiam – Director of Business Development, Elder Chief Osuu Otu Chukwuetu – Director of Amasiri indigens in the diaspora, Elder Hon. Chooks Oko – Director of Weather report, Elder Elechi Oti (Diji) – Director of Search light Programme, Elder Pastor Idike Chukwu – Director of Religious Committee, Elder Engr Ibe Godwin – Director of family matters, Elder Amb. Ngwoke Ngwoke – Director of Politics, Elder Martins Okonya – Director of Public Institutions, Elder Ngozi IDAM – Director of Women affairs, Prof Amari Omaka (SAN) – Director of Legal, Elder Omezue Prince Oyari – Director of traditional institutions, Elder Sunday Okoh – Director of family affairs, Elder Engr. Ogbonnaya Uche Ude, Elder Samuel Okparaocha, Elder Roxton Chukwu , Elder Paul Agha, Elder Engr Oko Chukwude, Elder Dr John Ndukwe, Elder Engr Abraham Aghadike as Advisers of the forum, Comrade Enyim Vincent – facilitator of home events, and Comrade Ndubuisi Ome – facilitator of Sports.
According to him, “AUF has worked tirelessly to bring Amasiri indigenes from all walks of life together not minding their locations.
“Technological advancement has made it possible for the Forum to serve as e-Amasiri at a glance as information regarding happenings in Amasiri and the World are brought to the knowledge of everyone, seamlessly. AUF believes that unity is when we come together with other individuals or groups to form something greater than any of us.
“Since its establishment, the venue of AUF Dinner Parties have been held as follows: 1st January, 2017 (Maiden Edition) at Comrade Ikechukwu Agwu’s Residence (Ogwunangwu Unity Estate); 1st January, 2018 – at Comrade Ndubuisi Ome’s Residence (Azuhu Unity Estate). 1st January, 2019 – at Comrade Chinwe Idam’s Residence (Azuhu Unity Estate).
“1st January, 2020 – at Engr. Elder Iho Ibiam’s Residence (Azuhu Unity Estate). 1st January, 2021 – There was no dinner because of COVID 19 Pandemic. 1st January, 2022 – at Comrade Otu Dandy’s Residence (Ogwunangwu Unity Estate). 1st January, 2023 – at Prof. Amari Omaka’s Residence (Azuhu Unity Estate). 1st January, 2024 – at QS Ndubuisi Ogbonna’s Residence (Azuhu Unity Estate). 1st January, 2025 – at Chief Sunday Ike Ogbonna Residence (Alumaco Unity Residence, Ihie).”
Also speaking during the briefing, the Chairman of the Tenth Anniversary Organising Committee, Comrade Engr. Osim Uchenna stated that “Unity forums are essential for fostering a sense of community, promoting dialogue, peace and driving collective growth. This definition aptly captures the essence and existence of the Amasiri Unity Forum (AUF)”.
Uchenna clarified that the alternation of venues for AUF programs was necessitated by the prayers made by the group’s founding members.
“The changes in venues for AUF programs followed a passionate prayer made by the founding members asking God not to allow AUF repeat any venue for her programs. As you can see, not only did God answer the prayer, riches, unity and development have flooded Amasiri through AUF.
“Apart from the AUF Annual Dinner Night of 1st January, AUF Whatsapp platform hosts different programs such as the AUF Weather Report that comes up on weekly basis where members report about the weather at different parts of the World; AUF Prayer and fasting that brings the Forum and the members closer to God as the members pray for peace, unity, preservation and success of Amasiri. This program holds in January, June and November of every year;
“AUF Orie Market Day where members are forbidden from writing in any language other than Amasiri dialect; AUF Business Development Days which allows members to showcase and advertise their businesses on monthly basis for patronage. AUF Home Event (event from home is posted live and direct) AUF Search Light (Deep searchlight on the history, culture and people of Amasiri) etc”
He added that, “There is also AUF Unity Cup Football Competition and Novelty Match, which brings our people together, builds relationships, promotes social change, physical fitness, health and wellness. Through these programs, AUF has provided succour to indigent individuals in Amasiri including widows, students, the sick and the ‘oppressed. The Forum has also served as a platform for employment of Amasiri sons and daughters in different private and public establishments.”
The Chief Administrator of the Group further said “AUF has brought connectivity among Umu Amasiri all over the World. This is evident in the fact that nwa Amasiri does not need much introduction whenever he calls onye Amasiri ibie no matter the person’s status in the society.
“Other notable unity activities executed by Amasiri Unity Forum since inception includes: The collaboration with AMASIRI TOWN UNION to organize the most attended and colorful Amasiri day celebration that was judged the best since inception. This same edition is in internet (YouTube) for references.
“Championing the rebranding and showcasing of our dear town positively among comity of communities. Payment of Hospital Bills and other financial assistants to many less privileged sick indigenes, too many to mention. Continuous assemblage of great sons and daughters of Amasiri within and outside the country. Promote and encourage speaking and writing of Amasiri dialect. Support and mobilize resources for other sister platforms in Amasiri as the need arises
“AUF has maintained four structures namely the Executive (ADMINISTRATOR and his team), Legislative (ELDERS in the Upper chamber), Legal (TEAM of lawyers) and General Assembly (Umu Amasiri). Due to her contributions in community and human development, Amasiri Unity Forum was given an Award of Excellence in Community Service by Amasiri Town Union (ATU) in 2018.”
Otu, who is excited about the group’s 10th Anniversary celebration, emphasized that AUF was committed to putting smiles on the faces of Amasiri people in Particular and Ebonyi State in general.
“As we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of AUF, it is our belief that AUF is our own. It has come to stay and will keep doing well by putting smiles on our faces while serving as a rallying point for the achievement of our corporate goals towards a Greater Amasiri.
“The grand finale of the anniversary will come up during AUF annual programmes later in the year. ”
Otu, thanked members for their steadfastness and commitment to the development, peace and unity of Amasiri Community in Afikpo L.G.A of the State.
