Igbo Community in Atlanta Honors General Ojukwu Report 2

- Written by Prof. Paul Oranika -

Saturday Jan, 28 would always be remembered as a remarkable day in which General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu received the type of hero’s memorial often reserved for kings and noble personalities. Indeed General Ojukwu meets such classification; he earned a General status in the Biafran army and also earned the title “Eze Igbo Gburu Gburu” which simple means “The King of Igboland”. Over the following pages this report will chronicle events which support the central hypothesis that “General Emeka Ojukwu received a hero’s Memorial” from the Igbo Community in Atlanta.

Following the Interdenominational Requiem mass celebrated by about 8 Pastors, and Reverend fathers, the highlight  and climax of the day’s activities was about to begin.

The President of Igbo Union Atlanta, USA Inc, Sir Victor Anyanwu along with the entire  Igbo Community leaders (more than thirty community associations) in Atlanta left no stone unturned to make sure that Ojukwu Memorial activities in Atlanta does not belong to any one town or Group. Our brothers and sisters from Nnewi, Ikemba’s hometown, under the able leadership of Atty Onyi Ekwegbalu, clearly understood that point and provided significant assistance and support to the planning and execution of the arrangements.

Eight of some of the best Nigerian DJs in Atlanta, some were non Igbos were in the house, and the DJ stage was also equipped with musical instruments from Omega live Band. The Ojukwu Memorial Activities was simulcast live to the World by David Ugorji of The Same Day Video Productions and Digital Photos. (www.thesamddayvideo.com) . By 11 pm the Igbo Community Building was full to capacity. There were so many people standing outside in the Atlanta chilly night, temperature was perhaps in the thirties. A decision was made by Igbo Union officials to open the Igbo Union phase two building to allow hundreds of people standing outside to come inside instead of standing outside in the cold. It worked and the teeming crowd joyfully came inside the building.

All other participants including dancers have all taking their positions, and a delightful aroma of Nigerian delicacies was stimulating the appetite of many people. Igbo war dancers and masquerades were preparing for their dance in honor of General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Masquerades are treated differently in Igboland you remember, they are generally treated as non humans, and people generally keep their distance from them, but not children born in the Diaspora, they followed the masquerade behind perhaps thinking it was a clown, the closest character they see in the movies and TV.

Soon the event was declared open, and the MCs for the event were introduced, they were Dan Ikpechukwu, Eddy Okwaraoha and Attorney Charles Onyirimba. Special Guests were seated. In an emotional encounter, Biafra war veterans including Biafran Nurses and the members of the Biafran Red Cross were called to their reserved seats, while the Biafran National Anthem was played as the background music.

The traditional Igbo ceremony of breaking of kola nuts was performed. In this ceremony Igbo culture and heritage generally remember the Igbo ancestors and welcome them to share in the cola nuts. The oldest titled person present is generally invited to break the kola nut. There are also other situations that may be taken into consideration prior to the selection of the right person to break the kola nuts. Once the person is chosen it now becomes their responsibility to pray over the cola nut, in the end, God the Almighty is invited and asked to bless the kola nut so it may nourish everyone who eats it.

The President of Igbo Union Atlanta, Sir Victor Anyanwu was invited to deliver the president’s message and the Chairman of the Ojukwu Memorial Planning Committee Nze Joe Eto was also invited in that order to deliver his speech. Once these speeches were made, attention now shifted in the direction of the men and women Veterans of the Biafran Army, Nurses and Red Cross. Each one of the veterans about Eighty in number was called up to line up near the Music stage to take the final salutation to their Biafran Army General Emeka Ojukwu whose enlarged photo was conspicuously decorated and placed in the center of the stage. In a moving and emotional display of affection the Biafran National anthem and Igbo traditional music could be heard playing in the background, these gallant men and women marched one person at a time to the stage where General Ojukwu’s enlarged photo of a Biafran Army General was displayed throwing away that army salute, each person in their own unique salutation style.

Once a soldier always a soldier, each Veteran men and women did exceptionally well. Who could ever forget that incredible salute to Emeka by Prof. Martin Okafor? I noticed some tears dripping down from the eyes of some of the attendees; it was indeed a spectacular show of respect, love and admiration to the departed hero of Ndigbo Gburu Gburu. About 10 of Biafra’s war songs used by soldiers as they trained during the war were song by many in the crowd who were old enough to remember the war. One very popular song goes like this:

Enyi Biafra ala la oo!
Enyi Biafra ala la
Chetakwa nu Aguiyi Ironsi
Aguiyi Ironsi bu nwa Biafra
Chetakwa nu Odumegwu Ojukwu
Odumegwu Ojukwu bu nwa Biafra
Enyi oo Enyi oo!
Enyi oo Enyi oo!
Enyi Biafra ala la
Enyi Biafra ala la
Enyi Biafra ala la

Chetakwu nu Major Nzogwu
Major Nzogwu bu nwa Biafra
Chetakwa nu Okigwe sector
Okigwe sector bu ala Biafra
Chetakwa nu Abagana sector
Abagana sector bu ala Biafra
Chetakwa nu Owerri sector
Owerri sector bu ala Biafra
Enyi o! Enyi oo
Enyi oo! Enyioo!
Enyi Biafra ala la
Enyi Biafra ala la

So you get the drift I imagine as the next ceremony for the night which was for the lighting of ten candles representing all the 10 states of Eastern Nigeria that made up the Republic of Biafra which includes in alphabetical Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers State was skipped due to time constraints.

The stage was now open for Cultural Dances, an extravaganza of Igbo cultural dances, performed by both the young and old alike. The Igbo Youth Dance arrived at the stage with their incredible and rousing dance which always captures the interest and enthusiasm of the audience. These are young Igbo girls born in the Diaspora. Their trainers are doing a great job coaching them incredibly well for their cultural dance. One little girl continue to capture great attention from the crowd. She is about four or five years in my estimate, and has added few more inches in height since we saw her during the Igbo Day Celebrations. I now know her parents name, Mr. and Mrs. Ugo Onyemaobi who have done very well by signing their little girl Kaosisochukwu Onyemaobi up with a traditional Igbo Cultural dance group. No doubt on my mind that the sky is the limit for this young celebrity in the making.

Other groups which came to pay their tribute to General Emeka Ojukwu include the St. Faith Anglican Youths who did their dance with great pride. The next group was a masquerade war dance performed by Old Bende Association, a well prepared group accompanied by their huge and scary masquerade; it was a great dance and tribute to Ikemba indeed. Nnewi women’s dance offered a great entertainment opportunity for the crowd, which obviously appreciated the dance. Now is the time for the strong Otu Umunne Cultural organization to pay their own tribute to General Ojukwu. Otu Umunne is perhaps the first Nigerian women Association formed in the United States about 30 years ago. As usual their dance was very entertaining and the crowd showed its appreciation of the group’s efforts. Nnewi men were not left behind, as they joined the crowd to pay tribute to their father and son Emeka Ojukwu. Next to entertain the crowd was the Umu Ada Igbo Association, a relatively new association in Atlanta which has already begun to pull its weight within the Atlanta Community Social Scene. The Umuopuruche group had a good dance and entertainment for guests as well. A spectacular performance was exhibited by the Arondizuogu masquerade dancers, adding its authentic dance to a true array of cultural performances which graced the evening devoted to honoring Gen Emeka Ojukwu.

As soon as the cultural events ended, it was time for dancing and everyone waited patiently for this next event. All through the evening’s programs, some of Atlanta’s best Nigerian DJ had lined up their services to make sure that everything goes according to the plan. The music was good, and the Omega live band was at hand with their music selections. At last the crowd had a great opportunity to dance the night away in celebration of Ikemba’s life of unselfish services to his people. Indeed all these events have demonstrated beyond any doubt that the Atlanta Igbo Community gave Gen Emeka Ojukwu a memorial tribute often reserved for kings and noble personalities. One thing we know for certain is that there are memorial tributes either executed or planned. Of all these, one can reasonable conclude with measurable degrees of certainty that when all is said and done, the Atlanta event would still remain the largest in degree and magnitude. When the attendance for Ojukwu Symposium is added to that of the Interdenominational Requiem Mass in addition to the attendance of the all night wake and party, the total number of people that attended these events to honor General Ojukwu would easily exceed 1,500 people.  The Ojukwu Memorial extravaganza began and ended with pomp and pageantry. The goals and objectives of the Ojukwu Memorial Planning Committee were fully executed and achieved. It is possible that this entire Tribute and pictorials dedicated to the blessed memory of General Ojukwu by the Igbo Community in Atlanta may be archived and stored as an important historical document for Atlanta Igbo Diaspora. 

Special appreciation to these fine Men and Women who actualized the Program

Let me begin with an apology to anyone whose name may be omitted from this comprehensive list of individuals who worked tirelessly towards the achievement and implementation of the Ojukwu Memorial program. If any name was omitted I can assure you it was unintended. Expanded list of the Planning Committee members are already published in the brochure.

This event is the result of the call of Igbo Union Atlanta, USA Inc (IUA) under the able leadership of Sir Victor Anyanwu and others which rallied the entire community of Ndigbo in Georgia and surrounding States to support the Ojukwu Memorial Tribute both morally and materially. The wife of the President, Lady Ogechi Anyanwu, (Bekee) Igbo Atlanta’s first Lady deserves special thanks for standing behind the President in support of the project.

The Chairman of the Ojukwu Memorial Planning Committee Nze Joe Eto deserves special thanks and appreciation for his efforts in Planning and Implementation of this event. The President of Nnewi Association in Atlanta Attorney Onyi Ekwegbalu along with the Nnewi Community in Atlanta provided lots of support and encouragement throughout the planning of this event.

Mazi Michael Brian Odiakosa, the Ojukwu Memorial PRO proved his dependability and resourcefulness by facilitating the planning, coordination and implementation of the developed plans. Professor Martin Okafor, the Chair of the Sub Symposium Committee devoted countless hours and energy in organizing the Ojukwu Symposium working with all the committee members. Attorney Charles Onyirimba (Co-Chair of the event) was a key facilitator for the success of this event, working in many capacities, including moderation of the Symposium and as well MC capacity, his wife Mrs. Nkemdi Onyirimba was a member of the Planning Committee.

Attorney Mike Okeke played a key role towards the success of the event. As a member of the Planning Committee, and the Symposium Committee he contributed important ideas in both capacities. He also presented a paper at the Symposium. Mazi Paul Okechukwu Oranika, was a member of the Planning Committee and the Symposium Committee also did his small part to help actualize this event. His wife Nkiru Oranika (Hollywood) played significant role towards the success of this event. She not only designed and decorated the stage where General Ojukwu’s picture was placed, she was the very first person to arrive at the hall early to arrange the sitting before others came. She also assisted in many other ways which facilitated the general flow of things. Special thanks to KC of Omega live Band for rallying all the DJs in town for the event.

Lady Nkiru Umeibe, the President of Otu Umunne Cultural Group left no stone unturned to make sure that Otu Umunne members took active role in planning and execution of this event. Special thanks to Umu Ada Igbo of Atlanta and their President Mrs Nneka Eto for their efforts. Ms. Chioma Ogueri (Busoma) worked tirelessly in several capacities towards the success of the event. She was a member of the Ojukwu Planning Committee, and was in charge of food, and also assisted in the general flow of things.

Attorney C.T Nwosu has once again proved his reliability in assisting in many phases of the Planning and Implementation of this event. He was a member of the Planning Committee, and helped in Hall arrangement along with Chris Anyaegbunam, and James Ujah. Attorney Nwosu was also in charge of the Bar, working with key members Sam Adim, Sir Chima Njoku, Sly Ajoruah, Sir Stanley Chukwuezi, and Dr. Ejem Ahanotu. These gentlemen ensured orderliness in beverage and drinks service. Great effort by the MCs of the event including Dan Ikpechukwu, Eddy Okwaraoha and Attorney Charles Onyirimba in making sure things flowed as planned. Mrs. Grace Clark assisted in the Symposium Committee, and helped in other capacities during the Symposium.

The Chair for the sub-committee for entertainment Mr. Charles Okebalama, did spectacular job in providing the high class entertainment for the event. The following ladies and gentlemen worked under this sub-committee, Chris Anyaegbunam, Attorney Onyi Ekwegbalu, Chief Tony Okpala, Dr. and Mrs Uche Anikpe, Mrs Nkiru Oranika, Ms. Chioma Ogueri, Neife Ukabam, Attorney C.T. Nwosu, Dr. Dan Onyeagba, Mrs Ada Ngoddy, Dan Ikpechukwu and Eddy Okwaraoha. Special thanks to Ide Nna Dr. Boniface Otor for his contributions through the Planning Committee as well as in the Requiem Mass.

The following groups worked with Mrs Ada Ngoddy, V.P Igbo Union Atlanta for food service; Nnewi Union Atlanta Women Inc, Otu Umunne led by their President, Lady Nkiru Umeibe, Otu Umuokpu, Umu Ada Igbo, and  Enugu State Union led by Uche Chioke.
The following Igbo Community Associations of metro Atlanta jointly sponsored this event along with numerous individuals too many to list here.

1.                          Igbo Union Atlanta, USA Inc.
2.                          Otu Umunne Cultural Organization, Inc 
3.                          Nnewi Union
4.                          Umu Ada Igbo Nigeria USA 
5.                          Ikwuano Umuahia Association   
6.                          Oguta Develepment Association, Atlanta branch 
7.                          Isiekenesi Improvement Union Atlanta USA, Inc 
8.                          Ogbaru United Club of Atlanta USA Inc 
9.                          Nnobi Union Atlanta, Georgia 
10.                        Old Bende Association Atlanta Chapter, Inc
11.                        Imo State Congress of America Atlanta Chapter, Inc (ISCA Atlanta) 
12.                        Mbieri Association 
13.                        Arondizuogu Patriotic Union ATL 
14.                        Nibo Association USA Atlanta 
15.                        Isuikwuato Progressive Union Atl 
16.                        Enugu State Women Organization of Atlanta, Georgia 
17.                        The Holy Sabbath Ministries, Inc
18.                        Orlu Regional Union Atlanta, Inc (Umu Opuruiche)
19.                        Mbano Peoples Association (MPA) Atlanta
20.                        Favour Travels
21.                        People Club of Nigeria International Atlanta
22.                        Anambra State Association Atlanta
23.                        Ngwa National Association, Atlanta
24.                        Umuopara Development Union of Georgia & South- South States
25.                        Oraifite Community in USA 
26.                        Abagana Welfare Union in the Americas , GA branch  (AWUGA) Inc.

The Photographers and Videographers, David Ugorji of The Same Day Videos provided full coverage for the event which was relayed live to the World on the internet. Many thanks to Obi Okezie for his stage design suggestions, video work and incredible photo coverage of the event.

Conclusion – In ending let me say that the Ojukwu Memorial tribute in Atlanta Georgia was a great success story and honor to Gen. Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Many Nigerians in the Atlanta area came out to support this event, including the President of all Nigerian Umbrella Organization in Georgia, (ANOG), Mr. Titus Olowokere. There were attendees from Urhobo and Ijaw ethnic groups as well and others. Special thanks to many who travelled from other states to support this event including Prof. Obi Nwakanma who was the keynote speaker at the Symposium. The President of Igbo Union Atlanta Sir Victor Anyanwu and Igbo Community leaders in Atlanta thank them all for attending. Ladies and Gentlemen this brings us to the end of this incredible story, it was my pleasure to tell this story, I certainly hope you had fun reading it.

Signed
Sir Victor Anyanwu
President Igbo Union Atlanta, USA Inc

Nze Joe Eto
Chairman Ojukwu Planning Committee
Mazi Michael Brian Odiakosa
Ojukwu Memorial PRO

Mazi Paul Okechukwu Oranika (Author of this Report)
Member Ojukwu Memorial Planning Committee