EVI Monthly Meeting-Minutes of the meeting May 27, 2006.

May 27, 2006 Meeting Minutes
EVI Monthly Meeting


Attendees: Mr. Usman Anibasa, Mr. Steven Bello, Mr. Bello Abdullahi, Mr. Abraham O. Okomanyi, Mr. Zakarriyawu Umar, Dr. Collins Ajinomoh, Dr. Joseph Akomodi and Dr. Sunday Abraham

President’s Opening Speech:

The president thanked everyone for seizing the opportunity to attend the meeting. He expressed his appreciation to the participants of the meeting for their devotion to EVI’s course. He ended his speech by asking God to continue to be with us.

Highlights of the AGM in Atlanta:

The president provided brief highlights of the AGM in Atlanta stressing that our priority right now is to send delegates to Ebiraland. Extensive debate went on who should go home as delegates and the decision was made that three people from Diaspora along with the home based members should participate in this exercise. The three members from Diaspora are the President, the General Secretary and Mr. Raji Andah Mathew from Germany. The concern of Mr. Steven Bello on the significant expenses associated with sending three members from Diaspora was put to rest when the president indicated that he is paying for his own ticket.

On the question of Mr. Usman Anibasa regarding the time the delegates will be sent home, the general secretary answered that this is subject to the when we are able to raise the right amount of money. Right now, we have raised $4500 but the required amount is $10000. This discussion jump-started the next item on the agenda, which is “donations”. Mr. Usman Anibasa enquired about how to send donations. The Treasurer, Mr. Abraham O. Okomanyi provided the bank details for transfer of money as thus: Bank information deleted because of fraud.

Each region is expected to coordinate donation activities and transfer fund to the account of EVI as soon as possible.

Suggestions on Sending Delegates:

Mr. Zakarriya Umar’s suggestion: It is recommended that the delegates include in the agenda, an activity that involves the common people, especially those and the region of Ebiraland (Ihima) affected by the most recent crisis. Mr. Umar elaborated further that this should include a kind of a tour of the afflicted region and direct contacts with the local people. This was deemed as a great idea by all to which the general secretary indicated that some activities will be designed in close coordination with the home based members.



Ground Preparation for the Arrival of Delegates:

Mr. Anibasa asked for explanation on what is involved in ground preparation. The president and general secretary explained that this would include communicating with community leaders about the activities EVI will embark on, securing a venue(s) for the meetings, buying food and drinks. Mr. Umar suggests that a flyer, outlining the planned events of the visit, should be designed and provided to the home-based members ahead of time for distribution at home. The general secretary indicated that he and the president would take care of this. Mr. Bello Abdullahi reiterated that the success of this visit depends on how actively the home-based members get involved in it. Dr. Collins Ajinomoh also enjoins those at home to demonstrate greater commitment.

Ground Preparation for the Arrival of Delegates:

The participants of the meeting moved on to discuss EVI interaction strategy: the general secretary stated that the interaction strategy within EVI is:
Each region is responsible for determining its own annual fee.
Each region will determine when to hold regional meetings.
Any activity each region engages in that bears the name of EVI to be approved by the central region.
The central will coordinate AGM meetings and design activities that need to be carried out at home.
Each region to contribute 30% of its fund to the central fund.

The interaction strategy was accepted by the participants of the meeting.

Letters to the Community Leaders-How to contact Recipients?
The general secretary indicated that we need the help of the home-based members to get the mailing addresses of the recipients of the letters.

Other:

Mr. Steven Bello and Mr. Usman Anibasa asked about whereabout of the chairman – why is the chairman not participating in this meeting? The president answered that the chairman was aware of this meeting just like every member of the executive. The president will touch base with him to ensure he participates in the next meeting

Next Monthly Meeting:

The general secretary suggested that our next monthly meeting would be end of June. Mr. Bello Abdullahi suggested that the meeting should be on Saturday or Sunday to enable more people to participate.

The general secretary thanked every one for finding the time to attend the meeting. He said this is a history in the making.

Next Monthly Meeting:

The president adjourned the meeting.