for self-help and bringing a modicum of service or relief to our people in the mother country. We sincerely appreciate your company and patronage. Thanks. "Dalu nu." Relax, have fun and use your envelopes.

Ogbaru USA Association (NJ/NY Chapter) is one of the five chapters that comprise of the Ogbaru National Association in the United States. While our association is an integral part of the larger body, we cherish our independence and undertake unilateral assistance projects aimed at promoting the Ogbaru culture, bettering the welfare of the people in Ogbaru and filling the gap where they exist in the socio-economic, social welfare and educational needs. We do this either directly or through religious missions, which we recognize have long given succor to our people. We are able to achieve these goals through your relentless generosity and support.

The mission of Ogbaru USA is to unite all Ogbaruans in the tri-state area who share the Association’s goals. We say to all Ogbaruans that the Association’s door is open. We invite and encourage you to join us. A commitment to the Association is a huge commitment to our Ogbaru home community. No one says it is easy, but everyone can agree that with commitment, comes time, will and interest. Membership has its privileges and also its obligations. Join us today to work towards our common interest – enrichment of our community. We hope to say "Welcome Home" in the near future.

Having been in existence since 1996, two years ago, we formally inaugurated and incorporated Ogbaru USA Association (NJ/NY Chapter) as a non-profit entity. We were able to raise some funds to support social welfare institutions in Ogbaru. Specifically, we gave financial support to five churches in the Ogbaru Local Government area to the tune of half a million naira. While most of the funding went towards building new churches and their ancillary social welfare support entities, in one specific case at Ossomala, it went directly towards building a nursery/daycare center. The goal was to allow rural Ogbaru women continue their subsistence farming, but at the same time not have to worry about childcare and education of their infants while at work. We also extended our hands to the 9-11 victims, by contributing our widow’s mite in support of the victim of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

We realize that the problems faced by the largely agrarian Ogbaru people are legion: they range from, limited access to better roads, portable water, healthcare, improved school, library facilities and related basic infrastructure. Being a farming community, Ogbaruans can feed themselves, but they also need to be able to transport their perishable food to the city centers and markets. We as Ogbaru people lay great emphasis on education. However, reliance on Government to provide all educational amenities has left our community at a disadvantage, hence our resort to self-help. It is for this reason that we targeted this year’s fundraising towards providing assistance to support Ogbaru public and school libraries and also embark on the provision of pipe borne water to our community. We, will of course, continue to pursue and support other social welfare institutions in Ogbaru within the limits of our resources and ability. These goals may seem out of reach, but with your help they may become a reality. You can be sure that when we meet again in the future we will update you on the progress and difference your generosity has made to the people of Ogbaru.

To the Ogbaru National Association and our sister chapters, we in the NJ/NY Chapter remain firm in our commitment to hope to partnership with you in defining and implementing targeted projects in Ogbaru. The NJ/NY Chapter would like to see the next two years unfold with quantifiable projects in Ogbaru. Our people need us. Let’s unite and serve our people. On a personal level, I wish to thank all the Ogbaru individuals and chapters who have supported our chapter in the past and hope that you will continue to support our missions.

Our Chapter though small and young is very proactive. Our members are very democratic, full of ideas, vision and very vocal in their pursuit of our common objective. Few as we are, our Chapter takes pride in the active participation of its members. I commend all nineteen men and women in our Chapter for their commitments, devotion and dedication to the Association. To my colleagues on the Executive Board I say thank you for all your support and management of the Chapter. Let’s continue on the path that has worked for us.

In thanking you for honoring our invitation, we ask you to give generously to our cause. We realize that with many hands on deck a lot can be accomplished and hope that the humble support we have individually and collectively given to other Nigerian community-based organizations will be generously reciprocated. I thank you all in advance, ask the good Lord to replenish your gifts a thousand fold and wish you God’s speed, His abundant blessings and safe return to your respective homes.
                                                  

                                       Long Live Ogbaru Associations!