By Emman Anumudu
The Orlu Regional Assembly ORAUSA, a socio cultural organisation of indigens of Orlu zone resident in the United States of America, has successfully concluded its Annual Convention and Silver Jubilee Celebration in Tarrytown, New York City, USA from June 25-29,2025.
The Convention, which was attended by over one thousand delegates from their affiliate branches across the United States of America and other countries, including Nigeria, began with visitations to selected sites in New York which included the Statue of Liberty, the BIG APPLE, the Empire State Building and other sites of interest. The city tour culminated outdoors picnic and a grand cultural gala night showcasing the sight and sounds of the rich cultural heritage of Orlu zone.
The House of Delegates deliberated on major programs and projects which included the ORAUSA annual Medical Mission, Homeland Summit, Youth programs, Women’s Programs and the ORA-PAC and unanimously approved to upgrade and continue the programs implementation for the benefit of the people of Orlu zone and beyond.
At the Convention Town Hall Meeting, the issue of the recent unfortunate demolition of the ORAUSA ongoing Multipurpose Hall Project in Orlu came up for review, and the outgoing ORAUSA national president, Dr Uzo Unegbu told the delegates that the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma has fulfilled his promise of donation of a bigger parcel of 5 plots of land along Okporo Road, Orlu which he said they had received the official letter of allocation from the Imo State government. He further announced that Governor Uzodinma also donated the sum of #50 million and promised to do more to assist them in the resumption and completion of the project at the new site.
Hon Canice Nwachukwu delivered the warm felicitations of the governor of Imo State to the convention delegates and stated that Governor Uzodinma regretted his inability to be physically present at the convention due to very pressing state and national assignments. He painted an optimistic future of Imo State and cited some constructed and reconstructed roads in all three zones of the state, pointing out that Governor Hope Uzodinma remains committed to the infrastructural and human development of Orlu zone and Imo State in general.
The highlight of the convention was the transparent election of their new national executive council, which included, Prince Charles U Duru as national president, Sir Finbars Ogoh emerged as national vice president, and Lady Chinwe Nzerem was elected national secretary, same as Chief Chris Okala who became the ORAUSA national treasurer among other elected executive officers.
Other highlights of the convention were the introduction of their newest affiliate, Denver, Colorado, led by Dr. Mrs. Ijeoma Onuoha.
The Silver Jubilee Convention ended with the official passage of the hosting flag from the 2025 host, Ocufe, NY, to the Dallas TX affiliate as the proposed 2026 annual convention host.
It was gathered that the ORAUSA annual Medical Mission would hold in 4 LGA’s of Orlu zone, namely, Orlu LGA, Oru East, Ideato North and Ideato South from December 16 to December 19 at the pre designated venues including the ORAUSA annual Homeland Summit coming up at the Sacred Heart Pastoral Center along the BSC Road, Orlu on December 30, 2025.
