1. Founding of a Nigerian Group: My Experience *S. A. Isiorho, PhD Dept. of Geosciences Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) Fort Wayne, IN 46805 isiorho@ipfw.edu phone: 260-481-6254 and E. O. Isiorho, R.N, M.S.Ed. Allen County Juvenile Center Fort Wayne, IN 46808

2. Talk Outline  Introduction  The Country Nigeria –Facts –People –Land of Contrasts –Problems  Fort Wayne  Group –In the beginning –Feedback –Name –Missions/objectives –Activities  Lessons  Conclusions

3. Introduction  World  America

4. Introduction  Africa http://www.infoplease.com/atlas/africa.html

5. Nigeria http://www.ancd.org/map.htm. Accessed Dec. 16http://www.ancd.org/map.htm. Accessed Dec. 16, 2004

6. Some facts about Nigeria  Nigeria is a country of 150 Million People.

7. Some facts about Nigeria http://www.ethnologue.com/show_map.asp?name=Nigeria&seq=1  Oba of Benin Nigeria is a country of 150 Million People with more than 250 Languages

8. People http://www.akwaibomstate.com/Pics/emeh.jpg Daily Times Nov. 2003

9. People: Men’s head caps

10. Nigeria, a land of contrasts

12. Nigeria Problems  “After lurching from one military coup to another, Nigeria now has an elected leadership. But it faces the growing challenge of preventing Africa's most populous country from breaking apart along ethnic and religious lines.” Last Updated: Tuesday, 9 November, 2004, 15:55 GMT (BBC News UK Edition) http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1064557.stm Accessed Nov. 22, 2004 Emphasizes are mine http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1064557.stm

13. The Anambra State Saga Continues  “Again, Ngige, Uba embrace, assure on peace From John-Abba Ogbodo, Abuja HOPE for the return of lasting peace to Anambra State was raised by the principal actors to the dispute in Abuja yesterday.  After a meeting of the Presidential Committee on the Resolution of the Crisis, Governor Chris Ngige and his estranged political sponsor, Mr. Chris Uba pledged to forget their differences in the interest of the state.  While Ngige pledged to make more sacrifices to engender peace in the state, Uba said that Anambra would never be turned to a war theatre again.  The duo proceeded to embrace each other, the second time since the fresh hostility began.”

14. Is it settled?

15. Things Fall Part

16. More cartoons (Nigerian Guardian, Dec. 30, 2004)

17. “Envoy resolves rift among Nigerians in Canada”  “THEY came as 'combatants' but left for their homes as compatriots. The two-year- old feud, which polarised Nigerian leaders in Canada, gave way to celebrations and pledges by the parties to work as a team. After a few hours of peace talks, initiated by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the country, Mr. Olufemi George, the actors agreed to sheathe their sword.” From Adeolu Durotoye, Toronto, Canada http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/news/article03 Nov 16 Accessed Nov. 16, 2004 http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/news/article03 Nov 16 http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/news/article03 Nov 16

18. Fort Wayne, Indiana

19. The Group: In the beginning

20. Feed-Back  “Thanks for everything, it is great.”  “It was a worthwhile event and we should keep it up.”  “I hope people can be committed. Commitment is the key to success.”  “I really loved the idea of us Nigerians coming together, it is so great. Thank you and God bless.”  “Let’s forge a Nigerian unity.”  “Organize group of people to come up with purpose of the meetings.”  “Thank you for opening your house to all of us. May God bless you and your family  Also thank you for bringing us together and I pray that the enthusiasm is still there many months to come.”

21. What’s in a Name?  Name identifies you  Problems with names in Nigerian settings  The community of Nigerians in Ft. Wayne  The Association of Nigerians in Ft. Wayne  From Nigerian Guardian Dec. 16, 2004

22. Objectives –Promote and facilitate awareness and interaction among Nigerians in Fort Wayne –Promote the general welfare of members –Foster unity, understanding, and respect of the diversity for our ancestral homeland Nigeria, for the United States of America, and for humanity –Promote and coordinate social, cultural, and economic programs aimed at enriching the lives of members, the people in the community, and in Nigeria

23. Activities  Constitution  Independence Day  End of year get-together  Visitation  Baby shower/naming ceremony  Wedding  Community service  Involving children  Visiting President Obasanjo

24. Activities I

25. Activities II

26. Lessons Learned  Uneasy is the head that wears the crown  Sacrifice  And more sacrifice  A forum established

27. Conclusion  It’s good to see brethren dwelling together