New Year Message From EVI National President

Written and Posted by: Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi

EBIRA VONYA INTERNATIONAL

Andai,

New Year Message from the President

On behalf of Ebira Vonya International (EVI), I am sending you my greeting. I would like to wish you a Happy New Year and pray that all your dreams and expectations are met in this coming year. I urge all of you to include the entire Anebira and our homeland in your prayers as the 2006 draws to an end.

Today, I would like each of you to reflect back at these past two years during which EVI evolved gradually to its current state, a more stable state. We have gone through difficult times and have emerged out of the woods several times by rekindling the fire that is in each of you keeping the organization alive. By all account and given its international nature, EVI is the first organization ever formed in Ebira land and hence, it is understandable that EVI had to face some difficulties along the way.

Today we all have every reason to be proud of ourselves, as we have been able to harmonize our differences and unite as one in the drive to aid our ailing society. Reflecting back on 2006, we have achieved some measure of success:

o In April 2006, we held AGM for Region #5– we were able to raise substantial amount of money.
o EVI is now officially registered in Atlanta, Georgia.
o We have sent a sum of US$2000 home to aid the victims of Ihima crisis.
o Our website is gradually being developed.
o EVI has been working closely with Ebiraview.
o EVI is growing as new members continuously register

We now look with great optimism to 2007. The preparation for the next AGM is already underway. We expect a record turn out of Anebira in Maryland, where the AGM will be held. The major focus of our meeting will be on helping the Anebira youths so that they grow to become useful to the community.

As we get into the new year, I urge you to reflect back on the lives of our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, cousins, nieces, neighbours etc that are no longer with us as a result of the violence in our land and remember that we are lucky to be alive today. Let us now ask ourselves a single question: how can I be of help to my homeland? The simple answer is to look beyond personal gains and render any little help you can afford unconditionally. This is what EVI is all about. I am asking you to become active in EVI and render ideas on how we can put our hands together to rekindle the fire of live, love, togetherness, oneness, hope, joy, beauty, positive thinking, respect, kindness and eternity in Ebiraland. I believe that we can be all of the above only if we put our mind to it. The reward of helping our land is enormous and has no boundary as this will result in a vibrant society that our people will relish and others will admire. So, do not be left out as we achieve milestone after milestone on our way to reviving our society.

May you be blessed in this holiday season. Thank you for your time.

Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi, Ph.D.
National President
Ebira Vonya International
New York, USA
phone: 718-484-0351
cell: 917-570-6876
e-mail: jakomod@yahoo.com
e-mail: jakomod@hotmail.com
global e-mail: ebiravonya@yahoogroups.com

The Call for Duty by EVI - Miriam Ikunaiye as a Public Relation Officer and Grant Writing Committee Chairperson

Written and Posted by: Dr. Joseph ozigis Akomodi

Dear Madam Miriam Ikunaiye:

I will like to seize this opportunity to thank you for accepting a double role as the Public Relation Officer and Grant Writing Committee Chairperson for EVI. We are most grateful for accepting such a demanding role that Ebiraland has bestowed on you. We are quite positive that you will perform your duty and responsibility to the best of your ability. Without a doubt, we understand how busy you are. Despite your busy schedule you accepted to serve your Community and Ebiraland. We thank you!

At this moment I urge Engineer Onipe to update our Executive Members information on our website and the National General Secretary and Assistant Gen, Secretary to make amendments to our constitution of the new role and Responsibility of a Public Relation Officer and grant Writing Committee Chairperson of EVI.

Such Amendment must be reviewed and ratified by the Executives. Therefore, I asked the National Gen. Secretary to start working on that as soon as possible. Our efforts will not be in vain by God's grace (Amen).

I urge all members to be actively involved in our organization. Remember, that a service to Ebiraland, Nigeria, Africa and the world is a noble service which we should all be proud about. Furthermore, we must humble ourselves as we serve our Motherland and the world. God Bless EVI, Ebiraland, Nigeria, Africa and world at large.

Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi, Ph.D.
National President
Ebira Vonya International
New York, USA
phone: 718-484-0351
cell: 917-570-6876
e-mail: jakomod@yahoo.com
e-mail: jakomod@hotmail.com
global e-mail: ebiravonya@yahoogroups.com

EVI Monthly Meeting-Minutes of the meeting November 9, 2006.

Posted By: Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi
Written By: Dr. Sunday Abraham Okomanyi


November 9, 2006 Meeting Minutes
EVI Monthly Meeting


Attendees: Mr. Mathew Raji, Mr.Boyi Jimoh, Dr. Yakubu Ochetengwu, Dr. Joseph Akomodi, Madam Miriam Ikunaiye and Dr. Sunday Okomanyi Abraham.

President’s Opening Speech
The president thanked everyone for finding the time to attend the meeting. The president introduced a new member, Madam Miriam Ikunaiye, a journalist and who is strongly involved in a non-profit project geared toward rendering a variety of assistance in Africa.

The president also informed the participants of the meeting that a baby girl has been born into the family of Dr. Thelma and Dr. Stephen. The president asks everyone to send a congratulatory message to this family. Madam Miriam Ikunaiye will be traveling across West Africa to promote virtual incubator network and she promises to get in touch with some of the home-based members for acquaintance.

Highlights of the October 2006 meeting minutes
The main item of discussion during the October meeting was about the $2000 sent home as an aid to the victims of the Ihima crisis. As per Dr. Ochetengwu, the home-based members were planning on raising additional 100,000 naira.

The other item discussed was dues and donations.


Update from Home-based Members on Providing Aid to Victims?

According to Dr. Ochetengwu, the home-based members met with the OHI of Okehi LGA to discuss about the means of providing the victims with food stuff and clothing. The OHI was very excited about this mission. The home-based members have been able to raise 80,000 naira thus far in addition to the $2000. The distribution of food stuff and clothing will tentatively take place on December 26-27, 2006. The event will be videoed and pictures will be taken.


Dues and Donations
The president informed the participants that dues and donations can now be paid through the website directly. The General Secretary some people have already made use of direct payment through the website and that several others plan to pay soon. Regarding collecting dues from the Europe, specifically Germany, Mr. Raji Mathew informed us that the collection of dues and donation will be central in their discussion in the upcoming regional meeting. The president clarified to Dr. Yakubu Ochetengwu that each region will maintain their own account for donations received but every member is obliged to contribute dues to the central account.


NEXT AGM IN MARYLAND, USA

The President reminds everyone that the next AGM will take place in Maryland, USA in April during the Easter holiday. Invitation will be sent to everyone sometimes in January 2007. Each region is advised to start raising money to send at least one person to this meeting. There is a huge community of Anebira in Maryland and so, a good turn out is expected. The help of Madam Miriam Ikunaiye will be sought in rallying the Anebira in Maryland.

New Executive Position

The President nominated Madam Miriam Ikunaiye as Public Relation Officer and Grant Writing Committee Chair and this nomination has passed the approval process.

Other


1) The president advises everyone to register as a member of EVI through the EVI’s website (www. ebiravonyainenrational.org). We intend to conduct most of our activities through the website but first a complete list of members on the website is required. While registering, please ensure that you provide your photograph.

2) All the participants commented on the good work performed by Abraham Okomanyi on the website.


Next Monthly Meeting
Our next meeting will be in January next year.

Meeting Adjourned
The president adjourned the meeting.


President’s Suggestion After the Adjournment of the Meeting

The President also would like EVI to offer financial assistance to Ebiraview to pay for their website for a year. As there is no objection from the executive members, EVI will carry on with providing the necessary assistance to Ebiraview.

Africa: Under the Boost of Western Empire

Posted by: Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi

Written By: Miriam Ikunaiye
Email: info@etemeya.com

Africa: Under the Boots of Western Empire
Tue, Nov 29, 2006

Decades of misconduct of Western nations in African continent through selfish military and economic policies designed to access and plunder Africa's wealth at the expense of Africa's people has just been jacked up. According to the recent article in http://www.businessdayonline.com/ “The sum of N6.4-billion (E40-million) has been approved by the European Union (EU) to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) towards successful conduct of 2007 general elections” in Nigeria. You can say that again; usual old trick of falsely pretending to be the friends of African countries while in reality they are foes in pursuit of their own selfish agenda. In the West, buying of election is a fraud and a misdemeanor or felony; depending on the state. It is punishable by a $500 fine, 90 days in prison, or both and so applies to Africa; Nigeria, to be specific. What does the EU get for donating to this worthy cause? Build relationships with the Nigerian key decision makers.
Without a doubt, policy makers are greatly influenced by their donors. This funding is purely to sponsor corrupt and malleable officials, brainwashed to be sympathetic to the EU government and corporate activities in Nigeria at the expense of the Nigerian masses. What about the Western claim of "Africa's problems are African made?" Whereas, for decades, Western policy toward Africa has always seek destabilization rather than stabilization and has been to support dictators and military leaders who assumed power by force. Remember the psychic (National Intelligence Council) prediction of the collapse of Nigeria in 2020? Of course, it is very easy to predict a man’s downfall when you've had him set up by the cliff’s edge.
EU's claim for support for democracy is a sham and here is why
Before the imposed Western values, African societies rely on communal efforts which promote peace and love while strengthening democracy. In contrast is capitalism, so ingrained in the collective psyche of Western society. Capitalism is the paradigm that drives the economic and the philosophical engines of Western world. How could democracy exist in a plutocracy— a system in which haves govern have-nots. Capitalism is the direct opposite of democracy. Therefore, how could you advocate democracy when you do not have one? Hence, no democracy intended in Western policies toward Africa. Instead they are made to make us suffer and expire at the altar of corporate greed; we are condemned to dispose our goods for pennies in order to generate enormous wealth for Western corporate CEOs. Western policies set Africa's people against each other; to die in wars, and ethnic conflicts— a device used to engage us from seeking advancement while they freely usurp our fabulous wealth.
Here we are; millions in the Diaspora, sitting in the limbo, brain-drained with dreams half fulfilled, always the second best, left to scramble for the Western crumbs that fall from the top down, yet too naïve to advocate homecoming.
To make matter worse, EU and America are no longer immigrant-friendly. The new policy, full of clauses is a reminder of the reversible-citizenship confronting immigrants. Running short of morons in the globalization era and coupled with increasing public awareness on Western stage-manage policies, I can honestly understand why these giants can no longer house both invited and uninvited guests.
Nigeria has Africa's largest population, estimated at over 130 million, including 250 ethnic groups out of which estimated 15 millions are in the Diaspora. Out of Nigeria's $20 billion annual income, 40% is lost to corruption and mismanagement. For these reasons alone, we should all, together, be saying loudly to the Western world to desist from evil propaganda that clearly stems destabilization, killings, hunger and poverty in Africa. If we stand firm and do not waiver, history will change for the better. To give up is to give up both the adopted nation and our beloved Africa. I am optimistic, the unification of the African’s poor will one day force the West to fess up to their evil policies, put in place to protect the financial interests of their wealthy investors; open world markets to the exploitation of cheap labor.

Click to read original article West's Involvement in Nigerian Election