EVI Monthly Meeting January 19, 2008 Minutes.

By: Dr. Sunday Abraham
National General Secretary

January 19, 2008 Meeting Minutes
EVI Monthly Meeting


Attendees: Dr. Joseph Akomodi, Abraham O. Okomanyi and Dr. Sunday Okomanyi Abraham.

President’s Opening Speech
The President thanked the participants for finding the time to attend the meeting. He reiterated the importance of this meeting and hoped that whatever would be discussed will be meaningful in the life of our people.

Application for scholarship through EVI website
The need to provide the applicants with the ability to submit applications online through our website was discussed. The intent was to create the features on our website to provide a systematic guidance (according to the scholarship program outline sent along with the December 2007 meeting minutes) to those applying, and collect their identities and applications online. This is an elaborate undertaking requiring significant time to accomplish, and given the limited time available before application deadline, March 30, 2008, this task cannot be completed soon enough to enable applicants to submit applications. Therefore, the decision reached was to ask the applicants to e-mail all the required information (as detailed in the scholarship program outline) to EVI through our e-mail address. To access our e-mail address go to EVI website and click contact us.

Regarding collecting WAEC results, academic achievements for the last three years of college and record of conduct, it was decided that a home-based person would need to coordinate this activity. Someone has been identified, who will be contacted in due course.

Dues and Donations – Method of payment and deadline for 2007/2008.
The participants re-affirmed their commitment to donating $500 each before the end of March 2008.
Scholarship to 2008 University Students – How to ensure that students are aware?
In response to EVI’s request about advertising EVI scholarship program, Ebiraview wrote to EVI agreeing to cover the advertisement in its Newspaper. In the response, Ebiraview provided the costs associated with different coverage. EVI has decided to go with a one-page coverage. The advertisement will be in two stages: a) advertisement of the scholarship program; and b) advertisement of the winners of the scholarship.
The Treasurer, Abraham O. Okomanyi has been asked to touch-base with Ebiraview to discuss method of payment for this service.

In addition, fliers, containing the outline of the scholarship program have been sent home for posting in colleges throughout Ebiraland.

Downloading Images from Video of the Material Aid Event at Ihima to EVI Website.
As we continue to develop EVI website, the images from the video will be downloaded onto the website. This should provide information to visitors to our website of our unwavering commitment to serving the people of Ebiraland.

Meeting Adjourned
The President thanked all the participants for the good discussion and adjourned the meeting.

Posted by: Dr. Joseph Akomodi
National President

Ebira Vonya International 2008 Scholarship Program

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

This is to inform you that EVI scholarship application is out. The detailed information regarding the scholarship can be found at http://www.ebiravonyainternational.org/ Interested, sons and daughters Ebiraland can visit our website under scholarship to view how to apply and the criteria for applying for the scholarship. I am sure we will be reviewing the applications from many Ebira youths who are currently in Secondary School looking forward to enter University in Nigeria. Successful applicants will get approximately $1000 United States Dollars. Hurry up to apply our young generations! The sky is the limit. Education is power when you get it. No one can take it away from you. It becomes you. We the members of Ebira Vonya International beliefs in you! Remember, you have to ensure you gain admission to the University in Nigeria for the scholarship to hold if selected!!

God bless you all.

Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi
National President
Ebira Vonya International
New York, USA.

Ebira Sovietnicks in the Former USSR

Posted by: Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi

Written by: Jimoh Boyi


Andayi,

Compliments of the season. I write to express my profound gratitude to all the EVI members, especially the executives, home-based and international ones.
The deliverance of EVI relief packages to the affected victims of some violent riots at home is commendable one and once again, a very big thank you to home-base guys for the time and commitments.
The issue raised by Brother Mathew (Murphy) concerning the fate of most of our brothers (ebirasovietniks) in the former Soviet regions is a very disturbing one. As at present, both socio-political and economic situations in these regions are in transient periods, and are as such, most Africans, Asians and Arabs here ( myself, I am on study leave in Moscow) are involve in menial (hand –to- mouth) jobs that have less prospects in future, especially, as one gets older. Coupled with the above is rise in racial hatred, which is being covertly supported by politicians for political gains.
From my personal assessments, if nothing is done to persuade, assist or encourage most of our brothers these regions to either relocate to west (UK, France etc)/ USA or to go home (back to Nigeria) in the next 3 to 5 years, it will be disastrous for them to stay put as age and hope will be weighing them down. I know and have respect for the views of most of them with family members and other reasons. But the fact is that a Blackman in his late 30s and early 40s doing menial jobs/ petty trading in a foreign society that is highly saturated with skin heads, socio-economic crisis and political instabilities will be better off either at home or in some other countries where those vices are less rampant.
I therefore plead with EVI as an organization to look into whatever can be done to make our brothers, especially, those willing to leave, to relocate and at the same time to persuade the rest to do think otherwise.

Once again, Thanks for your time and commitments

B. Jimoh

Report on the Presentation of Relief Materials to the Victim of Ihima mayhem by EVI.

Posted by: Dr Joseph Ozigis AKomodi

Submitted by: Mallam Zakkariyawu

REPORT ON THE PRESENTATION OF RELIEF MATERIALS TO THE VICTIM OF IHIMA MAYHEM BY EBIRA VONYAN INTERNATIONAL (EVI)

FIRST MEETING

The first meeting on the subject matter by the EVI Nigeria based members was held on December 2^nd, 2006 at Dr FATTY’s residence (Obehira). In attendance were: Zakariyya Umar, Malik Suley & Family, Yakub Ochetengwun, Dr Fatty, Hajia Rabiat. The objective of the meeting was to redeem pledges by Nigeria based EVI members, discuss and map out strategies for the effective distribution of the Relief materials, Items to the intended recipients. Most of the home based redeemed their pledges those who were not present were called and they promised to remit their pledges to the Bank. The following activities were consequently agreed upon to be carried out the next day:

1. Gather Donations, Review the List of Victims and Types of Relief materials to buy.
2. Visit the newly installed OHI of IHIMA to inform him of our intention and when we intend to convene for the handover of the Gifts items
3. Fix a date for the formal presentation of the Gift items
4. Pay a sight seeing visit to the site of the Mayhem

The total donations stands at N336,000.00K comprising of $2000.00(N256,000.00) – from EVI members abroad; N50,000.00 from Malik/Zakariyya; N10,000.00 from Yakub Ochetengwun, N20,000.00 from Usman Anibasa(promised to remit to the bank).

We reviewed the list of 31 victims we had and decided that we obtain a more comprehensive list from the new OHI of IHIMA

Various suggestions were made with regards to the kind of items to be purchased for presentation and at the end we unanimously agreed to buy Bags of Rice and Clothing material.

Zakariyya offered to contact one of the textile factories in Lagos for the clothing materials and Hajia Rabiat was to arrange for the purchase of 45 bags of rice.

We reported to the OHI of IHIMA palace very early in the morning of the next day. Unfortunate, as at the time we got there, OHI was not at home. We were directed to meet him where he went and we immediately proceeded there.

He was full of praises for the EVI and what we stand for and expressed hope that such efforts will remould, re-orientate and transform the minds of most of our present day youths. He promised to relate the message to his kingmakers and the representatives of the two clans involved. He also promised to get a comprehensive list of the victims for us from the

After all considerations, the Gift presentation was fixed for around Christmas/.Eeidil Kabir period.

We made a site seeing visit to Ihima and level of destruction we saw was unimaginable.

RELIEF MATERIAL DISTRIBUTION MEETING

Presentation of the Relief materials around the Christmas/Eidil Kabir could not hold because we could not put up all logistics together as a result of the fuel scarcity that started exactly around the time. However, Yakub Ochetengwun was still able to travel home and together with other members at home we had conference call meeting with Malik and myself in Lagos and rescheduled another meeting for Friday, 5^th January 2007.

The meeting finally held on Friday, 5^th January, 2007. In attendance were Zakariyya Umar, Magistrate Ajinomo, Dr Fatty, Hajia Rabiat, Malik Suley(via phone conference)

We explored the possibility of contacting the victims directly without passing through the clan leaders but we were strongly advised against it by the new OHI of IHIMA to avoid further problems.

The list of Victims from both sides submitted by OHI was reviewed and the summary is as follows: EMANI CLAN(14 death, 128 houses/properties destroyed); OHONWA CLAN(10 death, 215 houses/properties destroyed).

The above list was far above our projection of 40-45 families. We therefore decided to discuss the best distribution method with OHI in a meeting scheduled for the next day. We also agreed to do the final relief material distribution Ceremony on Sunday, 7^th January 2007 by 4:00PM.

Our effort to get the local Radio Station to cover the event failed because their charges of N70,000.00 for logistics was too much and was not budgeted for.

We therefore decided to do a video coverage and later pass it on to the local Television Station to be aired.

We later agreed with OHI during our meeting with him to share all the relief materials equally for the two affected clans. He(OHI) promised to send to the two clan leaders but also advised us to personally contact the two leaders and inform them.

We then immediately left to inform the OBOBAYIN of IHIMA(Emani). The Obobayin thanked and welcomed us and promised to send some representatives to attend. He appealed that we advise our politicians to work together and present one candidate so that Anebirra can produce the next Governor for Kogi State. He wondered why this is so difficult to achieve among our politicians if they are truly vying for the position to serve the people.

The next point of call was to OBOBAYIN OF OHONWA. There we met him with all his king makers and other clan leaders. After our message, they thanked us for the efforts and the good gesture but expressed reservations about the VENUE which was originally scheduled to be in front of OHI of IHIMA’s compound. They insisted the venue is not completely safe for the two sides to meet and suggested ST PETERS CHURCH, IKUEHI. We promised them to discuss it and get back to them. The Obobayin of Ohonwa later prayed and thanked EVI for all the efforts.

At the end, we agreed to shift the venue to ST PETERS CHURCH, IKUEHI for the benefit of doubts. The change of Venue was also communicated to the EMANI side, of course citing other reasons for the change.

On the presentation day, we started by covering some site of the mayhems from 12 noon and ended with the presentation proper. The video cassette in VHS format will be converted to .avi or mpeg to enable direct viewing in our computers/laptops. These should be concluded within the next 2-3 days and shall be emailed to all immediately.

Present at the occasions were: The OHI of IHIMA; The Chairman, Ihima Welfare Association; The Chairman, Ihima King Makers, Representatives of both Emani and Ohonwa Clans, The Chairman, Okehi Local Government etc.

The Ebirra Peace Project representative also attended briefly on invitation from Justice Ajinomo. The video will reveal details of the presentation ceremony. The relief material was presented on behalf of EVI by Justice Ajinomo. The EVI message was also summarized in our mother’s tongue with a promise to make copies available to all.

In conclusion, the occasion was a very huge success. Both sides were full of praises and prayers for EVI. The Ihima Welfare Association Chairman, who received the Relief materials on behalf of the two sides, was also full of appreciations. The OHI later shared the Relief materials publicly as follows based on EVI advise:

1. Emani Clan – 20 Bags of Rice, 20 pieces of Cloths
2. Ohonwa Clan – 20 Bags of Rice, 20 pieces of cloths
3. Other Clan members whose properties were affected – 5 bags of Rice

The report will not be complete without recognizing the commitment, sacrifices, selfless and passionate service of the EVI team that made this a reality. The Regional Coordinator – Ya’akub Ochetengwun have had to travel home at least twice to ensure the success of this exercise, Justice Ajinomo offered himself fully and his Vehicles for the cause, His maturity and handling of issues very superb. Malik was also available fully where possible and on phone (conference call) where not available advising and offering suggestions. Dr Fatty was very wonderful during the entire exercise. Her organizational ability and follow up on issues are quite commendable. Hajia Rabi is another very mature and wonderful woman and a pride to EVI. Her vote of thanks on behalf of EVI as you will see on video speaks volume.

Although, Usman Anibasa was not able to make it to the presentation as he was away in SAUDI ARABIA for this year Hajj, he called directly from Saudi to offer suggestions and prayers.

Let me use this opportunity to say a big congratulation to Usman Anibasa for fulfilling one of the major pillars of ISLAM and pray that ALLAH accept the hajj as an act of worship.

I see a HOPE.

Statement of Account

Donations	Naira
EVI Abroad(Donation = $2000@128)	256,000.00
Home Based Donations	80,000.00
Total	336,000.00
Expenditure
45 bags of Rice@5400 each	243,000.00
Transportation and Labour on Rice	5,000.00
40 NICHEMTEX CLOTHING MATERIALS@ 1500 each	60,000.00
Taxi fare from Ikorodu(Textile Factory) to Ikeja	2,500.00
Sticker Printing Cost	4,000.00
Video Camera Rent	1,500.00
Video Coverage Assistants	2,500.00
Cloth Nylone wrapper@50/yard - 20 yards	1,000.00
Fueling and Transportations at home	4,000.00
Fueling To and from Lagos	9,000.00
Total	332,500.00
Balance	3,500.00
VHS conversion and airing of the event by NTA	?

THE EBIRA-SOVIETNIKS AND THE CHALLENGES OF LIFE IN THE EX-USSR

By Mathew Raji Andah

For ten years, 1981-1991, there was a steady rise in their numbers. They were the beneficiaries of a contractual agreement, trained at the tertiary institutions of the host country. They studied hard to earn their PhDs or diplomas in medicine, engineering, economics, linguistics and other specialties. Upon graduation, many have gone back home, some have opted to travel to other parts of the world or stayed behind in the host country. Others failed to graduate, returned home, stayed behind or gone to overseas. No one knows exactly how many there are. Conservative estimate put their number at about a hundred. They are the Ebira-sovietniks.

The Ebira-sovietniks who went home upon graduation--probably about 30 percent-- are making their mark in the academia, the medical, engineering and other professions. Those who failed to graduate before heading home have enrolled and did so at home upon arrival. To both group of returnees, readjustment and settling down was hard. The vacancy sections of national dailies were perused with gusto, countless applications for work were written and resumés sent. Journeys were undertaken as follow-ups. The compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corp provided respite to most returnees enabling them to practise their skills and reintegration back into the society. Some lucky ones were retained as employees at the place or institution where they served.

Others who opted upon graduation or before it to other parts of the world especially the west constitute another 30 percent. Most gained entrance via the US or the Canadian equivalent of Green Card Lottery programmes, others through visitors’ visas that were then converted on arrival into residencies. Whichever way the entrance was secured, readjustment and settling down was also hard. It required doing the so-called survival jobs, retraining and integration in the new society.

The third group of Ebira-sovietniks are the hangers-on, those--about 38 percent-- who stayed behind after or before graduation in the ex-Soviet Union.

Most of the Africans in the Soviet Union in the early nineties were students and Anebira owe their being there, in large part, to Ajaokuta steel company. Shortly before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and immediately afterwards, a wave of hustlers, “transit guys” began entering the country. Mainly from Nigeria, many were relations or friends of students already in the USSR. Others paid to facilitators to get taken there. All the “transit guys” have one thing in common. They were using the country as a transit camp to get the necessary travel documents to continue the onward journey to the western countries. Some succeeded. Others who could not were left to their own devices and the growing network of criminal gangs to cope. They became hawkers: selling shoes, wears and illegal drugs. Of “the transit guys”, only one Anebira has been identified and she now lives in Holland.

I recently returned from Kiev, capital of the Ukraine, after a thirteen-year absence. I was amazed at the extent of the transformation. There were banners everywhere in the crowded city advertising everything from mobile phone providers, PCs and latest Jeeps to fast food joints. There were the trappings of modernity and the Ukraine is revelling in its consciousness as a democratising and independent country with eyes firmly fixed on joining NATO and the European Union. Five political parties are represented in the Verhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, out of the forty-five that contested the parliamentary elections on the 26 March 2006. Other parties did not cross the 3 percent threshold imposed by the country’s electoral laws.

One of the main causes of disquiet amongst the African community in Kiev is the rise of xenophobic and nationalist parties like the Ukrainian Conservative party and the Freedom party. Then there are also the Skinheads who are inspired by the racist rhetoric emanating from the xenophobic and nationalistic politicians like Prof. Georgy Shchokin and Oleh Tyahnybok of the Ukrainian Conservative party and the Freedom party respectively. The Skinheads are young people with skin-deep haircuts, “omolo”. Fans of punk, rock music and heavy metal, their standard dress comprises of jackets, jeans and boots. They are usually violently aggressive. And they are found all over the world in various political stripes ranging from the far right neo-Nazi, racists to the far left extremists. Estimates from the human rights organisation put their number worldwide at about 70,000 of which 50,000 are believed to be in Russia alone.

It was easy to see the need for apprehension amongst the African community in Kiev. In the summer of 2006, Silavka, a popular bazaar-- where many Africans owned shops selling articles such as used car radios, mobile phones, wears and shoes-- was torched by arsonists suspected to be skinheads. On the 25th October 2006, few days after my arrival, skinheads attacked Dr. Godknows Mievi, a Nigerian from Bayelsa state with knife at the back in the spinal cord and died near the metro “Pozniyaki”. He had a PhD and was survived by an ex-wife and a son. Dr. Godknows was 44. According to Dr. Johnson Aniki, 45, the murder was the first of its kind to a Nigerian in Kiev. Attacks are common these days. A homeboy, Dr. Sheidu Onimissi on a visit from Maryland narrowly escaped being attacked by gangs of skinhead in late October 2006. According to Mr. Sunday Adelaja, 40, the Nigerian protestant minister, “Africans are assaulted on a weekly basis in Kiev”, linking “the rise of racist violence in the Ukraine to the growth of neo-Nazi movement in neighbouring Russia”. At an emergency meeting of the Nigerian community in Kiev to discuss the murder of Dr. Godknows Mievi there was a palpable sense of helplessness and siege mentality. Participants worry that the Ukrainian authorities are in denial of the existence of hate crimes to which foreigners are daily subjected and as such are not doing enough to bring perpetrators to book.

I want to re-emphasise a point once made by Mr. Justin Isa in the August of 2005. He suggested that the Ebira Vonya International should engage with the Ebira-sovietniks still in the ex-USSR. In my conversation with the president, Dr. Joseph Akomodi, I reiterated this point and suggested that a fact finding mission be sent to the ex-USSR to ascertain the plight of Anebira still hanging on there. Of the thirteen Ebira-sovietniks in Ukraine today, only one--Richard Aniki-- is a student. Others are hangers-on with PhDs or Masters but scrapping by in the bazaars selling articles or working in the factories. Six are living in Kiev.

No one, not even the EVI can force people to relocate. The EVI must take cognisance of the plight of the Ebira-sovietniks still in the ex-USSR because they fall well within its orbit and it can certainly encourage people in their late thirties who graduated more than a decade ago to make the right choices. In most countries of the world, people need to put in at least ten years of service to be eligible for pension. The Ebira-sovietniks hanging on in the ex-USSR should take a long-term view of their stay and their lives.

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

EVI Website Future and Present Enhancement

Posted by: Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi, Ph.D.

Written by: Engr. Onipe Abraham Okomanyi

Hello Andayi,

I do believe you are all doing well.

At the time the President sent out the below message alerting you to the availability of the membership registration feature on the ebiravonyainternational.org site, I was still in the process of updating the site and fixing associated bugs. One of the obvious bugs was that the image upload was not working as required. I have fixed the bugs now and I have also refreshed the database, which means that the data for those of you that have already registered will be lost. The people affected are Joseph Akomodi, Onipe Suberu and Kabir Ismail. These individuals would have to re-register again. I do apologize for any inconveniences.

I implore you to try to register only once and as the site will only catch duplicate registrations if and only if you try to use the same login name but if you use a different login name there is no way the site will know that the registration is a duplicate. So, please register only once.

Here are the currently deployed features:
1. Ability to Register by clicking the Join Us link
2. Ability to login to members' area once suucessfully registered by clicking the Login link and entering your login information
3. Once logged in, the landing page provides you with the ability to
a. View the details of your profile
b. View the profiles of other registered members
c. Pay your annual dues to EVI account through Paypal
4. Also, you can also now make donation to EVI by clicking the Make Donation link

The following are features to come in the nearest future:
1. Ability to edit your profile information
2. Birthday alert on the landing page (the dashboard) for members celebrating their birthdays in the current month
3. Ability to send e-mails to selected members through t he site once logged in
4. Ability to upload publications and articles to the site - restricted to only the admin user
5. Ability to view such articles or publications that have been uploaded
6. Ability to reset your password
7. Ability to retrieve your login information if you forget it

Please let me know if you have any other suggested features you would like to see on the site. Due to my busy schedule, I am not able to turn around changes to site as fast as desired. This time, I had to use the Thanksgiving holiday and the weekend to work on the above available features.

Thanks!

Abraham O. Okomanyi
B.Eng, M.Eng, MISM, PMP
CEO ABEConsult International Incorporated
Atlanta, U.S.A.

EVI Website Enhancement by Engr. Onipe Abraham Okomanyi

Written and Posted by: Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi, Ph.D.


Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I am delighted to bring to your notice that EVIs' website has been enhanced by our dynamic Treasurer - Engr. Onipe Abraham Okomanyi. It is available to us to join the Organization through our website, pay dues by members only, login to access information, we could also download pictures of a normal size to the website. I urge all members to have their pictures posted with their info so that we can identify each others and begin to know ourselves.

Donations can be made by members and non members. It is so easy just click on donations icon. It is self explanatory. I have tried the website by making donations to confirmed that it works. You can also print receipt of your payment. You can have account with paypal to monitor all your contributions. The annual dues for Europe and North America is $250 U.S. dollars. I urge all members to click on "Join Us" it will take you through the process as easy as ABC. When you join, to be able to view members' profile you have to login with your Users ID and password.

Remember that students' annual dues as agreed upon is 50% of $250 dollars , which is $125 dollars per year. This annual dues affects those of us leaving in Europe and North America. The amount for Nigeria members and Asia is different, contact your Regional Representative to find out how much. You should be aware that you don't have to make the whole amount of annual dues at once. You can be making installments payment month by month or week by week but by the end of the year, you most have made a total sum of $250 dollars for that year.

If you have not make payment of your dues for year the 2006, please go straight to our website: http://www.ebiravonyainternational.org/ Click on "Join Us" then after you are done with the info. go back and login with your user ID and password which you have previously entered. It is that simple. We also urge all members who can to make some contributions. Remember that at the end of the year you can use that as tax write off. Every penny counts no matter how small. Therefore, join me in your dues payment and making donations. God bless you all.

To the General Secretary, on behalf of the Organization you need to send an official thank you letter to Engr. Onipe Abraham Okomanyi for his splendid work on our Letter heading.

Thanks for your cooperation in this endeavor! "Join Now and Join All."


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

15 Killed in Ebira Communal Clash

Posted by: Dr Joseph Ozigis Akomod, Ph.D.

This day/Distributed by African Global Media ( AllAfrica.com)

The Chairman of Okehi Local Government area of Kogi State, Mallam AbdulRahman Danga has put the death toll in last week's communal crisis between the Emani and Ohionwa clans in Ihima district at 15.
The council chief confessed that the figure were those that were seen and enumerated officially and added that there are reports of casualties that were not reported.
Danga who gave the official casualty figure to Governor Ibrahim Idris on Sunday who was on spot assessment visit to the crisis- prone area, lamented that the crisis has made the people of the area destitute as they abandoned their home stead to live elsewhere.
But the governor who regretted the communal crisis vowed not to spare anybody linked with the crisis no matter the status or political standing of the patrons of the crisis.
The governor's riot act was on the heels of the allegations that his deputy, Phillips Salawu who hails from the community and the embattled Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim might have been part of the crisis as a continuation of their struggle for the control of the area.
Idirs said that the crisis was avoidable if the people had not listened to rumour or hearsay or had embraced dialogue.
Idris who fell short of describing the act as influenced by madness said, "it is easy to destroy but hard to reconstruct. You can destroy about 100 houses but you cannot build those 100 houses in 20 years. Why then do we need to destroy our property and burn our houses?"
The governor ruled out any payment of compensation to the victims of the crisis, saying doing that would be tantamount to encouraging the perpetrators.
He lamented that the crisis was a contradiction of the peace move initiated by the state government to bring the warring clans together.
Idiris who was shocked after going through the troubled areas and listened to the explanation of Dnga burst out, "enough is enough. Government will not take kindly to these senseless and mindless destruction of lives and property in the name of pursuing a communal agenda that has no basis".
The council chief who conducted the governor round the trouble areas hinted that the names of the perpetrators from the two clans have been compiled and submitted to security agencies for appropriate action.
The council chief added that the hoodlums approached the crisis in a war manner, inscribing the name of a conqueror clan on a conquered place.
"Your Excellency Sir, it is our belief that if the perpetrators are arrested, there will be peace in Ihima and that is why we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators face the music."
Copyright This Day. Distributed by All Africa Global Media(AllAfrica.com)

Ebirra Peace Project: Another Clarion Call.

Forwarded to be Posted by: Miriam Ikunaiye

Written by: Ismail Oziotaiki Ikunaiye


EBIRRA PEACE PROJECT: ANOTHER CLARION CALL.

It was sometime in June, 2005, a group of young men gathered in Abuja to deliberate on issues that has to do with the security to life and properties in Ebirraland.

This, of course, has occupied main discussions among the people of this area in both seminars and privates concerns. It would be recalled that, at the close of the decade of eighties, a new dimensions entered into our lives; even though, thuggery and other sorts of violent behaviours characterised our daily lives but the introduction of negative ritual activities that surfaced left much to be desired.

So, in the nineties, the height of these menace was reached: scores of innocent souls were lost through violent and ritual activities. These has really brought to us negative pictures and required that something must be done.

These imperatives are what prompted these young men to embark on what is now known as Ebirra Peace Project (EPP). The principal actors are :-
Alh. Abubarkar Imam (Chairman)
Shaibu Chatta (National Coordinator)
Saqeed Saeed – Siasia (Secretary General).

This organization operates on a tight financial back-up. They have, nevertheless, embarked on a door to door campaign and at the same time assist the youth to subsidized their fees at schools. The body also take it upon itself to disseminate important information to through the local media known as Ebicom Newspaper and some time through personal contacts.

Recently, they met with this special correspondent in Nigeria to explain their own side of the story and as for understanding. They also promised to visit and patronize Etemeya News Magazine Website since the website has become a popular channel information among our people here and in diaspora.
Long live EPP.
Long live Ebirra People
Long Live Nigeria .
Ismail Oziotaiki Ikunaiye.

When Anti-Crime Officers Came Calling.

Forwarded to be Posted by: Miriam Ikunaiye

Written by: Ismail Oziotaiki Ikunaiye


WHEN ANTI-CRIME OFFICERS CAME CALLING.
At the beginning it was like occassional harrasment of hoodlums by the state security services (SSS). But this time around it is a different ball game entirely.

The slave master is at war with his wards and his wards lost their security, confidence and “glory”. The Anticrime officers were drafted from the mobile police, the State Security Services (SSS) and, the Directorate of Military intelligence (DMI).

On the 26th of September, the squard, known as SASS (Special Anticrime Security Services) arrived in Okene via Lokoja to embark on a total cleansing of the crime prone neigbourhoods.
The first casualty was one Momojimoh (alias Emjay) in Adavi Local Government Area. This was followed immediately by the arrest of the notorious gangstar leader who was previously an informant with the police departments in Kogi, Edo and Ondo states. He is by name Ilyasu (informant). Ofcourse he was in the police in Lokoja to rescue his gang member that was in the police net. He had collected money from the kinsmen of the boy (Emjay) for the rescue operation. Unfortunately, he met his waterloo.

A record of forty criminals, thugs and street urchins has been arrested so far as at the close of last week, the 17th of November, 2006.

Therefore, the recently concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election was peaceful due to this mass arrest. Kogi state would have been worse than any elsewhere.

However, the chieftain of these things and criminals the Chairman of Okene Local government, Alh. Salihu Ohize was caught napping as a result of wards that were arrested. This has created a serious dent on his political carreer.

Though, the SASS Operation continues and peace now reigns everywhere. The Operation cut across the entire Ebirraland. So the struggle continues.

Ismail Oziotaiki Ikunaiye.

Letter to Chief Momoh Obaro - Kogi State Gubernatorial Aspirant

Posted and written by: Dr. Joseph Ozigis Akomodi, Ph.D.

Dear Chief Momoh Obaro, Gubernatorial Aspirant of Kogi State:

Thanks for your e-mail and words of advise to EVI in general. Regarding the recent e-mail between me and the National Chairman, I do not considered it as a quarrel. Mr Chairman raised some issues which I think needs to be addressed. My e-mail is to clarify his worries. The organization of this magnitude needs check and balances. What has happened, I considered it to be healthy conversation between the National Chairman and I. May be we should not have brought it to the open. That is looking at it at another dimension.

The EVI is up and running all for the benefit of Anebiras. We have reached the point of no return. The EVI strongly support the National Chairman to be the Chair of the Organization. No one can dispute it. His silence for a while is best know to him. He was aware in all of the meetings. He was informed on several occasions to join us at the meeting which is web based. He can attend the meeting at the comfort of his home. We have more vibrant members than ever. I am getting calls from the diaspora on a daily basis. As soon as any sons and daughters of our land discovered the existence of this body they called for more information and how to become a member.

We the Executives, since the start of the monthly meetings, had had meaningful discussions. For any organization to function there must be transparency and that is what EVI have showed and continued to demonstrate to all and its' ability to unite all Anebiras. We are not at all divided thinking of how to bring us together. We respect our National Chairman, and the contribution he has to offer to the Organization. We urge him to attend all of our meetings and he will earn all the respect of our members. His refusal to attend meetings, is seen by many of us as being immature. What had happened in the past is forgotten by all members. We do not think it is to the interest of anyone to revisit the issues we have resolved and moved on. His views are his views and his pride are his pride. We have to put all that aside to govern and serve for the interest of all Anebiras. So that in years to come, our children's' children will be able to carry the touch that will continue to illuminate for ever and ever (Amen).

The monthly Executive meetings which takes place on a monthly basis, is not just North America alone but all the five Regions. Region one, two three and five have always participated. I duff my hat for them. EVI is a global organization, therefore the idea of decentralization without check and balances will not be appropriate. As we move on, I will expect to see branches in big Cities such as New York, Los Angele's, Boston, Florida Toronto, London Moscow, Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano etc to emerge. This will further facilitate the raising of funds and bringing more innovative programs to our land, Kogi State, Nigeria and the world at large. The vision is there and we will make it work. For example, EVI Region 5 New York Branch, EVI Region 5 Toronto Branch etc. That will lean towards decentralization with check and balances, which make it even more global with unified body.

EVI is a benevolent organization for the generality of Anebira, it is not an Institution set up to be governed by an individual. While it exists to serve the interest of all Anebira or while our plight is to unite everyone, EVI will not hestitate to weed out any individual including the National President and National Chairman that attempts to use it in his or her own interest and exert or vest personnal opinions on others. The greater mass of Anebira we serve is far more greater than just loosing a member. EVI will stick to its own constitution and will not tolerate an attempt to circumvent its effort to bring peace to Anebira. We urge all members to demonstrate respect, maturity, intelligence and flexibility in dealing with each other. These attributes are the very things that are missing in our society and since these things are EVI's traits, we will use them to determine who is part of the organization.

The aspect of face to face meeting can happen not on a monthly basis but annually. Which we feel at this point all the Regions should be encouraged to have annual meeting at their respective Regions. The western Europe started this which we considered to be very effective under the leadership of Mathew Raji Andah.

My special advise to those of you who are Politicians back at home to come together as one voice, one body, one Ebirans regardless of your background, the party you belong to or the clan you belong to, put all these aside and unite as one front to have any headway during 2007 Gubernatorial race in Kogi State.

I wish all our members in North America and in the diaspora HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

God Bless EVI! God Bless Ebiraland!! God Bless Nigeria and the 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.comglobal e-mail: ebiravonya@yahoogroups.com