About Us
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Our VisionThe Advancement of Health and Education of the Women and Children in our Community.
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Who We Are |
Members of the Association of Enugwu-Ukwu Indigenes in the USA (AEI) are residents of the USA with ancestral lineage to Enugwu-Ukwu--a glorious town located in Anambra State, Nigeria. Enugwu-Ukwu is a part of Umu Nri—the ancestral origin of most of the Igbos. It is, in fact, okpala Nri—the head of Umu Nri, which gives it custodial authority over Ofor Nri—the revered symbol of Igbo unity. Therefore, as Enugwus, we understand that we are the guardians of a great tradition and we must do what we can to protect it.
Members of AEI have traveled thousands of miles—to this great country—and are now a part of its community. But, we remain a part of the World community and consequently, an integral part of our ancestral community. Therefore as an organization, our business begins and ends with one thought, Enugwu-Ukwu. We are ndi-Igbo and we adhere to one of the greatest and most enduring traditions of any culture—that averred belief in continuity. A belief that neither your place of birth nor length of travel can alter your place of origin. Igbo find serenity, in this sometimes unsettling world, in knowing that there is a place we will always call home. For us, that place is Enugwu-Ukwu; it is the home of our ancestors and we gather annually at venues across the USA to acknowledge our love for that home. In 201 the pilgrimage will take us to Houston, Texas. |
Our Purpose |
Since 1997 we have been faithful to our primary focus; unity amongst us here in the USA, and progress for our hometown. We spend three days catching up with friends and family and addressing matters that puts our hometown in good stead.
Membership in AEI comes with certain responsibilities. As a purposeful organization the membership bears a heavy personal and financial load which supports our goals of building a strong and successful organization plus direct, brick by brick, improvement of each village in our hometown. AEI does not presume to be in league with the United Nations or its like; we have no multilateral influence nor can we affect national policy. As a home-town organization, we cannot assume a position of originality, as that concept certainly preexisted at AEI's formation. That being said, we, the members of this association, stand totally united in our determination to fulfill each and every paragraph of our charter. AEI, with its proactive stance, continues to expand its goals and redefine its capacity. Its members understand that an evolving organization is a successful organization. That is why at fifteen years old, AEI will grow and at twenty, it will continue to grow. Our survival will depend on our ability to chart new courses and adapt to uncertain changes. Establishing direct contact, as was begun in December 2005, by operating a day clinic at our local hospital, in Enugwu-Ukwu, was certainly one of many steps in that direction. Our members, excited by this venture, have begun searching and suggesting other ways in which we may better accomplish this and many more goals. As our organization evolves, we will continue to find new ways to achieve our purpose. As we approach the annual convention, we all re-dedicate ourselves to our commitment to ourselves and our hometown. With the Igbo adage "Igwe bu ike" as a guiding principle we convene a meeting of brothers and sisters to unite and show our strength. |
Join Us |
If you are thinking about joining us at our annual convention, Just Do It!
If you are considering joining our association, Just Do It! If you are thinking about serving Enugwu-Ukwu, Just Do It! Remember that "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." ~Aesop. So, whatever measure of participation you deem appropriate, act on it now! Don't wait; Just Do It! Respectfully. Ifeoma N. Obiekwe, ESQ Retired Executive Secretary, AEI – USA. |
