By: Ohanele Casca( reporting from USA)
Today, Thursday, July 3, 2014 in New Jersey, United States of America, the 7th National Convention of Mbaise USA with the theme: Oganihu Mbaise (the progress of Mbaise in the contemporary time) kicks off.
Mbaise people living in the USA, sons and daughters of Mbaise Nation from other continents of the world and friends of Mbaise are converging at the Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel New Jersey, for the historic event. Very important sons and daughters of Mbaise from Nigeria have been arriving into USA via JFK International Airport, Liberty International Airport Newark New Jersey and other nearby airport in the states for the convention. The Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha CON, KSC, a frontline gubernatorial aspirant for Imo State under the PDP is expected as the special guest of honour with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Viola Onwuliri. Other politicians like, Sen Chris Anyanwu, Sen Bright Nwanne, Chief Engr Emma Ojinere, Prince Dr Charles Onuoha and some serving and past members of the national and state assemblies, giants of industries, professionals and diplomats are also expected to grace the occasion.
Mbaise USA Inc is the cultural umbrella organization of all Mbaise people in the United States. It is a chapter-based organization with representation from Mbaise associations spanning coast to coast across the United States. It is committed to the objectives of furthering cultural awakening, fostering community identity, forging solidarity as well as promoting development and empowerment of Umu Mbaise in the United States and in Nigeria. Last year’s convention was hosted in North Carolina. This year’s convention with its theme: Oganihu Mbaise, the president of Mbaise USA, Mr Chamberline Nwanne said is aimed at creating a forum for discourse on socio-economic and cultural issues that matter to Mbaise people in USA and at home in order to reinforce the ideals of commonness of purpose, unity and progress within the Mbaise community. He assured that this year’s convention will be exciting as it plans to show case their youths and give them a place in the body of the organization. Mr Nwanne also seek for commitment from well meaning sons and daughters of Mbaise, friends and groups as partners to help realize some of the community oriented programmes of the organization like the medical mission, Micro finance scheme and education initiatives. The president called on all Mbaise people to come together as a unit with a view to shaping their collective destiny and interest.
Meanwhile all the accommodation at the Renaissance Newark hotel, venue of the convention have been fully booked forcing delegates and people coming from Nigeria to seek for alternative hotel spaces at nearby hotels, inns and apartments
Apart from the usual programme of the convention which include: welcome party for attendees, Board of Delegates meeting, Town Hall meeting and Gala night, the 2014 convention will witness high politicking. Many sons and daughters of Mbaise are vying for the governorship of Imo State. The aspirants and their foot soldiers have registered their presence at the convention and will no doubt use the opportunity of the convention to market themselves and canvass for support.
Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha the most popular aspirant for the Imo State governorship who will be the special guest of Honour at the event is expected to address the convention unveiling the numerous projects he has to attract to Mbaise and Imo State in general. It is also expected that the convention may address the governorship aspirants from Mbaise and the Bishop for Ahiara Diocese matter and come up with a position with the aim of forming a synergy.
The Chairman, 2014 National Convention Committee, and the PRO of Mbaise USA. Chief Kelechi Onyegbule,a residence of New Jersey speaking to journalists assured all attendees of the best experience as everything have been put in place to ensure a successful convention. Meanwhile, a cross section of Mbaise people living in the USA are of the opinion that Chief Emeka Ihedioha possesses the charisma, with the competent experience, character, and vision to governor Imo State. They called on other aspirants to rally round and give him support to ensure a better Imo come 2015.
