By Deacon Charles Anumudu,
Chicago Affiliate.
The journey of a thousand miles, they say, begins with one step, or the first gear if one is driving. So also does the next thousand miles require another step or another gear as the case may be. Orlu Regional Assembly USA (ORAUSA) has no doubt attained an enviable position in the pantheon of diaspora organizations. It has become an exemplary diaspora organization blazing the trail in peace, unity, transparency, cohesion and efficiency in the management of human and material resources.
Many have wondered why ORAUSA has survived for so long and avoided the hurdles that have proved intractable for other diaspora organizations to cross. Why has ORAUSA successfully managed peaceful transitions from one administration to another for more than twenty years. How did ORAUSA acquire an immunity from rampant litigations, wrangling and leadership tussles that have bedeviled many other diaspora organizations. In short, what makes ORAUSA special.
To answer the above questions, one needs to pay special tribute to the founding fathers (and mothers!) of the organization. The solid foundation laid by these founders has not only stood the test of time but will continue to guide future generations in building a stronger superstructure. Those who expended time, energy and resources putting the founding documents together were obviously selfless and committed to building a fair and just affiliate-based organization. I’ll leave their individual recognition to the History of ORAUSA now in production.
Laying a solid foundation is one thing. Building on that foundation is quite a different thing. ORAUSA is simply blessed or as some say, lucky to have successive crop of leaders ready, willing and able to play their parts creditably and pass the torch to the next leader. From founding President Nze Gibson Chigbu (Akaraka) to 2nd President Chief Emeka Iwunze (Ozodi) and then to the 3rd President Chief Chris Onwuzurike (Akanchawa), the organization weathered hiccups of the first decade of a new socio-cultural diaspora organization. The 4th President, Sir Fidelis Ezewike (Dikeoha) then received the baton of leadership from Chief Onwuzurike, played his part before handing over to Chief Tony Okpara (Ebubedike), the 5th President. With their respective Executive officers, these men piloted the affairs of the organization during their tenures, each leaving the association in a better shape than they found it.
Having completed the second decade of existence, ORAUSA is geared to commence the journey into the third decade. Like the first two decades, the journey into the third decade will also require leadership with the same level of commitment, selflessness and credibility to continue the upward trend in the growth of ORAUSA. It is well-known that demolition of an edifice is far easier than building/rebuilding it. Attaining an enviable height is difficult but even more difficult is maintaining that exalted position. The same forces that pulled down other diaspora organizations have not given up on ORA. The peace and stability we currently enjoy in ORAUSA cannot be taken for granted. They need to be consciously nurtured and guarded against demolition agents.
As we elect a new set of leaders to take us into the next decade, it is important that we choose only those who will pursue the vision of the founders with a resolve to surpass the successes of past leaders. As the baton passes to the 6th President Dr Uzo Unegbu, our prayer is that we will be blessed with the right team to move the ORAUSA ball forward. Nothing less is acceptable.
ORA! USA! ORA! USA!, USA! ORA!
Deacon Charles Anumudu
Director
ORANEWSFLASH Committee
