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The OGBARU USA ASSOCIATION (NJ/NY CHAPTER) recently donated the sum of half a million naira (N500,000:00) to religious, educational and social welfare institutions in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State Nigeria. The funds were raised on 2 September 2000 when the chapter was inaugurated and hosted the Ogbaru USA National Convention in Orange, New Jersey.

The OGBARU USA ASSOCIATION (NJ/NY CHAPTER), a eighteen-member organization is one of the five chapters that comprise the Ogbaru USA National Association. The other chapters are in Georgia, Texas, Maryland and California. It has been in existence since 1996, but was formally incorporated as a non-profit entity in 2000.

The Association, decided that the best way to assist the communities in the Ogbaru Local Government Area was through self-help especially from Ogbaruans in the Diaspora. In recognition of the role that the churches had and continue to play in Ogbaru towns the Association decided that its first ever charitable donation to the communities would go to the churches, which have been recognized and constructive and effective vehicles for social welfare development, for providing educational and health facilities and for contributing to the moral and civic upbringing of Ogbaru children.

In August 2001, two officers of the Association, the President Mrs. Nkechi Nwafili and the Treasurer, Dr. Ofunne Omo Obaze accompanied by two other members, Messrs Ike Nwafili and Oseloka Obaze traveled to Anambra State, Nigeria where they delivered the donations to churches in five Ogbaru communities. The funds were channeled through Songhai Charities, Inc. A New Jersey-based charitable organization. Four of the five communities each received one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) towards building a new church, whilst one received a like amount toward the building of a Daycare. The beneficiaries were: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ochuche Umuodu, St. Patrick’s Church Madonna Daycare, Ossomala; St. Patrick’s Church, Odekpe; Holy Trinity Church, Akili Ogidi ; and Christ the King Church, Ogwu-Ikpele.

During the presentation of the donations, the various representative of the churches (See pictures) paid tribute to the Ogbaru USA Association Inc. (NJ/NY) for its selflessness and charitable deeds. The Association plans to hold its next fundraising event in 2002.