By Austin Akabueze

ASA-Atlanta is the acronym forAnambra State Association, Atlanta Chapter.  The members hail from Anambra State, which is one of the 36 states of Nigeria. The present Anambra State was created in August 1991 from the Old Anambra State, which hitherto comprised of the present Enugu and Anambra States. The old Anambra State was created out of the former East Central State in 1976.

 The State capital is Awka, while Onitsha, a historic port city, remains the important center of commerce within the state. Onitsha is reputed for having the largest market in Nigeria as well as in West Africa. The current population estimate has Anambra State with a population of about 10 million and one of the states with the highest per capita income and the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

Nicknamed “Light of the Nation,” Anambra State is the eighth most populous state in the country, despite being the second smallest in area ofabout 1870 square miles (4844 square kilometers). Notable indigenes of the State include, late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the First President of Nigeria; Late Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Head of State of the defunct Biafra; former Vice President of Nigeria, Late Dr. Alex Ekwueme; Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the first Black Secretary General of the Commonwealth; Late internationally acclaimed novelist,  Prof. Chinua Achebe; Late Dr. Nwafor Orizu, the First Senate President of Nigeria; former ECOMOG commander, Retired Lt. General Isaac Obiakor; Rep. Chuka Umunna, a British Labor Party MP for Stratham Constituency; and the Obi of Onitsha, Chief Nnaemeka Achebe, a former Managing Director of  Shell Development Corporation; among others.Anambra is endowed with so many people too numerous to mention, who are captains of industry, academia, and politics.

The current governor of Anambra State who was sworn in on March 17, 2014, is Hon. Chief Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike), who hails from Aguleri.

Anambra State consists of twenty-one (21) Local Government Areas. They are:

Aguata · Awka North · Awka South · Anambra East · Anambra West · Anaocha · Ayamelum · Dunukofia · Ekwusigo · Idemili North · Idemili South · Ihiala · Njikoka · Nnewi North · Nnewi South · Ogbaru · Onitsha North · Onitsha South · Orumba North · Orumba South · Oyi

An association is “an organization deliberately formed for the collective pursuit of some interest, or a set of interests, which its members share”. 

The genesis of Anambra State Association in Atlanta is intractable and elusive at best.  Some may trace it to the rudimentary and primordial Committee of Anambra State Indigens in Atlanta that received Dr. Ikedife (Okwadike of Igboukwu) in 1993, the First Executive Governor of the newly created Anambra State.  This Committee fizzled away after some time. The Governor visited Atlanta to express or showcase his development plans for the newly created Anambra State, as well as solicit funds for the administration’s ambitious and mega projects at home (e.g., construction of Oba Airport).  Members of the Committee included, among others, Late Prof. Charles Ume, Chief Austin Ngoddy, Eric Anachebe, Dr. Osita Aka, Mr. and Mr. Dennis Nzenekwe (Governor’s In-laws), etc.  During that visit, the Governor also went to Macon, Georgia with his entourage, where he launched (cut the ribbon; opened) a Medical Clinic for Dr. Ezekweche.  Surely there are likely to be other narratives about origins of the current Association.

Some might trace incipiency of the current Anambra State Association Atlanta, Georgia, Inc. as the collective brainchild of hitherto primordial Anambra State organizations in Atlanta, coupled with  the nudging from Dr. Chinweoke C. Mbadinuju, the Executive Governor of Anambra State of Nigeria (1999-2003), which was pivotal in the Association’s formation.  Because of the concerted efforts, the present ASA-ATL was midwifed in 2001by Dr. Nze Daniel Onyeagba, who eventually became the pioneer President (2001-2008).

Anambra State Association, Atlanta was said to evolve as Organization of Anambra State Citizens in Atlanta Georgia (OASCAG) on March 3, 2001, during the visit to USA by Dr. Chinwoke C. Mbadinuju, the Executive Governor of Anambra State.   The Governor introduced a program called Joint Action on Development (JAD) in which he informed all sons and daughters of Anambra state residing in Atlanta about the Housing Estate Development in the Capital Territory, Awka.  The launching of JAD in Atlanta facilitated the formation of what is today called Anambra State Association Atlanta (ASA-Atlanta) that metamorphosed from Organization of Anambra State Citizens in Atlanta, Georgia (OASCAG).  Hon.Chief Nony E. Mbaezue was among the architects in the formation of ASA-Atlanta with the initial needed financial support.

 Dr. Chinwoke C. Mbadinuju was happy to inaugurate Anambra State Development Committee of Atlanta Georgia with Hon. Nze Sir Dr. Daniel Onyeagba and Chief Olisa Oraelosi as the coordinators of the committee.  The committee had powers to solicit investment opportunities on behalf of Anambra State Government in Nigeria.  The committee was expected to report directly to the Governor, or whomever he would designate for that purpose.

 Anambra State Association, Atlanta (ASA-Atlanta) was officially launched on Saturday, August 23, 2003, as a nonprofit Association, to foster in Atlanta, Georgia and beyond the spirit of goodwill and cooperation among people of Anambra State of Nigeria living in Metropolitan Atlanta, for achieving greater social interaction, networking, economic prosperity, and promotion of the cultural heritage.  The official launching was necessitated by the need which emerged from the recognition of political crisis in Nigeria; critical socio-economic issues pertinent to development;  and particularly, the obligations to the good people of Anambra State, all Igbo speaking States, and Nigeria in general.

More importantly, ASA-Atlanta was formed to unite various Anambra communities in Metro-Atlanta, as well as to reach out to other Anambra parochial Associations in the U.S.A.  The primary purpose was to brave the unknown, especially to have unified voice, concerted efforts, and coordination in political and leadership matters; foreign investments and overall projects paramount to the state; and above all, help eradicate so-called political god-fatherism in the state.   Launching of ASA-Atlanta had undoubtedly added inevitably enormous powers to all other Anambra State Associations already in existence in the U.S, which are working toward the betterment of Anambra State.

Special thanks and gratitude should go to these pioneer members of the Association, such as  Hon. Chief Nony Mbaezue for his seeding financial assistance in the formation of ASA-Atlanta, Dr. Francis Bosah for his professional technical contribution at the infancy stage of the Association, Late Mr. Okey Adibe,, Late Giles Ifenatuorah, and Late Mrs. Bessie Okafor (may their souls rest in peace).  The pioneers also included, Engr. Somto Egbuna, Mr. Oliver Nwabude, Dame Adagoe Ezeokeke, Dr. Ruby Nnadi, Mrs. Eucharia Ekwenugo, Mr. Eric Ekwenugo, Mr. Isaac Emefo, Mr. Ben Nnadozie, Dr. Chris Asuzu, and Mr. Fredrick Ezeokoli, among others.  If some names are omitted, please it is an honest mistake.

Hon. Nze Sir Dr. Daniel Onyeagba (Ukpaka na agba na udu mmiri). Ezechinyelu Ugo I Oko

Founding President Emeritus, ASA–Atlanta (2001-2008); and Founding PRO, ASA-USA

Preamble

We, the people of Anambra State of Nigeria residing in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia U.S.A, being proud of our geographical and cultural entity, do assemble to form an organization to promote the social, economic and general development of Anambra state.

Article I.

Name & Legal Status

1. Name

The Organization shall be known and addressed as “Anambra State Association, Atlanta (ASA-ATL.)”.

1. Legal Status

The Organization shall be non- profit.

Article II

Objectives

1. To use our resources to bring about positive changes in Anambra State and identify with all Anambra State indigenes in metro Atlanta.
2. Promote the cultural and general development of Anambra state.
3. Promote good governance; develop awareness of opportunities among Anambra State indigenes.
4. To serve as communication link between the people and Government of Anambra State, the Federal and other state Governments and people of Nigeria, and Anambra state community in metropolitan Atlanta.
5. To enhance understanding between the local community and members of the Organization.
6. To provide members accurate and comprehensive information for business opportunities to interested parties in Anambra State and U.S.A.
7. As appropriate, cooperate with other community organizations and institutions on projects and activities of mutual interest, which will clearly enhance the benefits to ASA-ATL.

The Foundation was created on May 18, 2015 and was granted Tax-Exempt Status by IRS.

Anambra State Association, Atlanta, Georgia Foundation, Inc.

(A Georgia Non-Profit Corporation)

  By-Laws

Article I

Name

The name of this Corporation is Anambra State Association, Atlanta, Georgia Foundation, Inc.

Article II

Offices

Section 1.  Principal Office. The principal office for the transaction of the activities and affairs of the Corporation is located in the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Section 2.  Other Offices.  The Corporation may have such other offices within metropolitan Atlanta as the Executive Council may, from time to time, designate, and as the business and affairs of the Corporation may require.

Section 3.  Registered Office.  The Corporation shall continuously maintain in the State of Georgia a registered office that may be the same as its principal office, and a registered agent as required by Georgia Non-profit Corporation Act.  The address of the registered office may be changed from time to time by the Executive Council.

Article III

Purposes and Limitations

Anambra State Association, Atlanta, Georgia Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit Corporation formed under State of Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Code (O.C.G.A 14-3-1001), which is organized and shall be operated in accordance with the meaning and provisions of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations issued thereunder.

Anambra State Association, Atlanta, Georgia Foundation, Inc. is organized for the purposes and limitations set forth in its Articles of Incorporation which are filed with the State of Georgia.

Section 1.  Purposes.  The purposes for which the Corporation is organized and operated are to engage exclusively in such activities as to enable it to qualify for exemption from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code (hereafter referred to as the “Code”).  More specifically, such purposes include but are not limited to, the following:

1. To engage in charitable, educational, cultural, and Scientific (R & D) activities within the meaning of Section 501 (c) (3) of the Code;
2. To engage in any and all activities necessary or appropriate to raise funds for the purpose of the Corporation including the solicitation of contributions from public and private sources wherever located; and
3. To do any and all lawful acts that may be necessary, useful, suitable, or proper for the furtherance or accomplishment of the purposes of the Corporation.

In furtherance of the above and other related purposes, the Corporation shall have

the power to exercise all power and authority granted to it under the State of Georgia Nonprofit Corporation Act, or otherwise, including, but not limited to, the power to (i) accept donations of money or property, whether real or personal, or any interest therein, wherever situated, (ii) maintain control and discretion over the use of funds received by the Corporation, and (iii) monitor the use of funds made available by the Corporation to assure that the funds are used in conformity with the intended purposes.

Section 2.  Limitations on Activity.  At all times, notwithstanding merger, consolidation, reorganization, termination, dissolution, or winding up of the Corporation, voluntary or involuntary of by operation of law, and not withstanding any other provision of these Articles:

1. The Corporation shall not possess or exercise any power or authority, or

engage directly or indirectly in any activity, that might prevent it at any time from qualifying and continuing to qualify as a corporation described in Code Sections 501 (c) (3) and 170 (c) (2), contributions to which are deductible for deferral income tax purposes under Code Section 170 (a) (1);

1. No part of the assets or net earnings of the Corporation shall ever be used, nor

shall the Corporation ever be organized or operated, for purposes that are not exclusively charitable, educational, cultural, and scientific within the meaning of Code Section 501 (c) (3);

1. Pursuant to the prohibition contained in Code Section 501 (c) (3), no part of

the net earnings of the Corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, Directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article III, Section 1 of these By-Laws; and

1. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the Corporation:

• Shall not engage in any act of self-dealing as defined in Code Section 4941;
• Shall distribute its income for each taxable year at such time and in such manner as not to subject the Corporation to the tax on undistributed income imposed by Code Section 4942;
• Shall not retain any excess business holdings as defined in Code Section 4943;
• Shall not make any investments in such a manner as to subject the Corporation to tax under Code Section 4944; and

Shall not make any taxable expenditure as defined in Code Section 4945.

Since the inception of ASA-Atlanta, many honorable individuals had selflessly piloted the affairs of the Organization.

Founding Executives (2001-2008)

The founding executives of Anambra State Association, Atlanta, Inc., included: Hon. Nze Sir Dr. Daniel Onyeagba (President Emeritus), Chief Olisa Oraelosi (Vice-President), Prince Ogo Orizu (1^st Term Secretary), Dr. Ike Ezeabasili (2^nd Term Secretary), Chief Samuel Okonkwo (1^st Treasurer), Wilson Ide Azih (2^nd Treasurer, 2005), Late Bessie Okafor (Financial Secretary), Mr. Ifeanyi Achugbu (Publicity Secretary), Dr. Francis Bosah (2^nd Publicity Secretary 2004 and Convention Photographer), and Chief Victor Odogwu (Whip).

Major Contributions and Achievements

Dr. Daniel Onyeagba was creative, ready to cooperate with people, never liked to be betrayed, and readily reached out to people who were sick or those who needed help.  Achievements included:

• Transformation of Organization of Anambra State Citizens in Atlanta Georgia (OASCAG) and other primordial organizations of Anambra indigens in Atlanta to what is known today as, Anambra State Association Atlanta, Inc. (ASA-Atlanta, Inc.)
• Launched Joint Action on Development (JAD) in 2001
• Official Inaugural Launching Ceremony of ASA-Atlanta on August 23, 2003
• Joined ASA-USA as full registered pioneer member in 2003
• Established an Outreach program to visit different Anambra Parochial Organizations in Atlanta to be part and parcel of ASA-Atlanta
• ASA-Atlanta Youth Program; and successful Anambra Day on August 27, 2005.
• Hosted ASA-USA National Convention (2006)
• Published the 1^st ASA-Atlanta Almanac, 2007-2008 Almanac

2007-2010 Executives

Olisa Oraelosi (President), Chuma Okeke-Ekpe (1^st Vice President), Dr. Felix Kamuche (2^nd Vice President 2009), Dr. Ike Ezeabasili (1^st Secretary), Dr. Daniel Onyeagba (2^nd Secretary), Wilson Azih (Treasurer), Ruby Nnadi (Financial Secretary)

Major Contributions and Achievements

• Reached out to sick people and those that needed help
• Entrenched ASA-ATL fully into ASA-USA
• Pulled ASA-ATL into the recurrent annual medical missions to Anambra State
• The President, Olisa Oraelosi, became ASA-USA Treasurer in 2011

2011-2012 Interregnum

During this time, there was a pause between two successive regimes.

Oliver Nwabude chaired the electoral process between Dr. Felix Kamuche and Dr. Daniel Onyeagba as presidential contenders in February 2011.  Chief Nwabude was assisted by Dame Adagoe Ezeokeke (Nwanyikaibeya), and Patrick Okpala as members of the Electoral Commission, as the Constitution stipulated.

The election was cancelled because some eligible voters were not included on the list, which caused a great deal of confusion and postponement of scheduled election.

Dr. Osita Aka made a major motion which was accepted by the general membership that members of the Electoral Commission should continue as Caretaker Committee for the next one year during which a new election should be conducted.

A few people were appointed to assist Oliver Nwabude’s Electoral Commission that included, Chuks Okoye (Acting Secretary), Chimex Okoye (Acting Provost), and Mrs. Bessy Okafor (Acting Financial Secretary).

2012-2016 Executives

  A new election was conducted in 2012 as scheduled, which ushered in a new Executive that was headed by Chief Oliver Nwabude (President), Nnaemeka Chukka (Vice President), Chuks Okoye (Secretary), Mrs. Rita Udechukwu (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Osita Aka (2^nd Term Unofficial Secretary), Chris Nzeluaka Okafor (Financial Secretary),  Ben Okeke (2^nd Term Assistant Financial Secretary), Wilson Azih (1^st Term Treasurer), Dame Adagoe “Nwanyikaibeya” Ezeokeke (2^nd Term Treasurer), Isaac Emefo (PRO—Public Relations Officer), Stanley “Otentic” Nweke (Social Diretcor), Chimex Okoye (1^st Provost), and Uchenna Isikala (2^nd Provost).

Major Contributions and Achievements

Chief Oliver Nwabude’s leadership was all-inclusive, peaceful, and foresighted.  He was a unifier, very assiduous in the pursuit of ASA-Atlanta’s progress, limelight, and public interests.  Achievements included:

• Peace, tranquility, and stability returned to ASA-ATL.  The Association was seen once more as a comfortable place to be without rancor, acrimony, and friction.
• First amnesty to members not financially update (Annual Dues and Levies) in 2013.
• Reinforced and boosted general membership averaging 72.
• Benefits were once more paid to eligible members due to enhanced financial standing of the Association.
• Expense cap instituted in representing ASA-ATL as President.
• Annual dues started to be prorated based on when one registers.
• Successful Anambra Day in 2013 (Akpokuedike Obiano attended but not as Governor).
• Further exposing ASA-ATL as key player among ASA-USA affiliates, the fulcrum, and pivotal in the affairs of ASA-USA.  Held ASA-USA from the brinks of down for several years.
• Major interest of ASA-ATL in Medical, Education, and other ASA-USA Missions to Anambra State made possible by functionaries such as Oliver Nwabude (National President), Emma Eziakor, Sr, (National Vice President and Missions Controller), Isaac Emefo (National Chief Information Officer), and such constants like Olisa Oraelosi (National Treasurer), Dr. Felix Kamuche (Research and Development), and Dr. Osita Aka (Education).
• Created ASA-Atlanta, Georgia Foundation and secured the necessary Tax-Exempt Status under 501 C (3) IRS Code (May 18, 2015).  Nevertheless, mention is due to Dr. Osita Aka for his indefatigable efforts to make it happen.
• Successful Annual National Convention in 2015.
• Added the positions of Assistant Financial Secretary and Social Director to the Organizational Structure of the Association through Constitutional Amendments.
•  Outstanding Member Award to Dr. Ike Ezeabasili in 2014 for his onerous contribution to ASA-ATL, especially his willingness to help whenever requested.

2016-2020 Executives

Chief Nnaemeka Chukka (President), Dame Adagoe “Nwanyikaibeya” Ezeokeke (Vice President), Dr. Osita Aka (Secretary), Mrs. Njideka Ezeudu (1^st Term Assistant Secretary), Mrs. Grace Ogbuji (2^nd Term Assistant Secretary), Ben Okeke (1^st Term Financial Secretary), Dr. Felix Kamuche (1^st Term Assistant Financial Secretary, and 2^nd Term Financial Secretary), Simeon Odihe (2^nd Term Assistant Financial Secretary), Vincent Orizu (1^st Term Treasurer), Dr. Osita Aka (Nominated 2^nd Term Treasurer), Isaac Emefo (1^st Term PRO), Mrs. Njideka Ezeudu (2^nd Term PRO), Mrs. Uzoamaka Onyeka (Social Director), Stanley Nweke (1^st Term Provost), and Victor Odogwu (2^nd Term Provost).

Major Contributions and Achievements

Chief Nnaemeka Chukka, as the President, was pragmatic, forward looking, and a no-nonsense leader, with more constitutional Amendments under his cloak. 

• ASA-ATL became a place of escape created for brothers and sisters (members) to meet and enjoy with each other bimonthly.
• General membership increased astronomically, such that during the waning years (2019 and early 2020) of the administration, membership hit all time high to 110 individuals.
• Created, ratified, and adopted Couple Membership (Family Membership Option) for a couple legally married.
• Membership application payment of forty dollars ($40.00) for single membership, and sixty dollars ($60.00) for couple membership.
• Single membership is still obligated to pay annual due of $120.00, while the newly created couple membership (Family Membership) is obligated to pay annual due of $200.00.
• All annual dues are now to be paid by the end of April each year, with no exception clause attached.
• Youth membership for an eligible person shifted to 21 years instead of 18 years.
• For member privileges and benefits eligibilities, a member must be in good financial standing (current on dues and levies), shall be a member for at least 12 months; and Single Member must have attended three (3) meetings the previous year of membership, and Couple Member must have attended five (5) meetings the previous year of membership.
• A member’s death benefit is now $2,000.00 instead of the previous $1,000.00.
• A very robust and successful Anambra Cultural Day Events in 2018 which raised enormous amount of money for the Association.
• Engaged in Charity Donations to non-profit organizations in Metro Atlanta.
• Establishment of ASA-ATL and ASA-ATL Executives WhatsApp Groups with the gates manned by Mrs. Uzoamaka Onyeka and Mrs. Njideka Ezeudu as Administrators.
• Enhanced Youth’s Programs, with graduation recognitions and gifts for different academic levels, such as High School, Bachelor, and Graduate Programs.
• Left substantial amount of money for the incoming administration.

2020-2024 Executives

Chief Isaac Emefo (President), Dr. Osita Aka (Vice President), Mrs. Njideka Ezeudu (Secretary), Mrs.  Emmanuela Igbokwe (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Felix Kamuche (Financial Secretary), Austin Akabeze (Assistant Financial Secretary), Simeon Odihe (Treasurer), Stanley “Otentic” Nweke (PRO), Mrs. Uzoamaka Onyeka (Social Director), and Sir Victor Odogwu (Provost).

Major Contributions and Achievements

The present administration is under the tutelage of Chief Isaac Emefo who is dynamic, progressive, and innovative.

Despite the current COVID-19 Pandemic that greeted the administration at its inception in February 2020, it has taken some positive strides in the direction of what to come.  The harbinger included:

• Being empathic of the devastation caused by COVID -19 Pandemic, thus the administration removed the burden of annual dues for members for 2020.
• Distribution of Relief Funds to hospitals and food banks in Atlanta and the environs.
• Revamping of the existing Standing Committees readying them for the enormous tasks ahead.
• Rejuvenation of the Association’s moribund website for better communications.

It is a forgone conclusion that, despite the COVID-19 menace, the present administration is poised for greater achievements and contributions, which should undoubtedly catapult the Association to a new enviable height over time.