To My Fellow Umuahians,
With a full heart, a tired body, and an unshaken spirit, I write these words: We did it.
This past weekend, we concluded the 25th Annual GCUOBA-USA Convention in Maryland, a gathering that tested our unity, stretched our leadership, and once again revealed the indomitable spirit that lives in every Umuahian. It was a convention where grace met grit… and grace prevailed. It was a Convention Marked by Challenge and Triumph. Let me be candid: this was not an easy convention.
We walked into Maryland under the cloud of a parallel, unconstitutional FEDT board, created without consensus, transparency, or constitutional authority. And as if by design, a mischievously timed letter was released during the convention, a clear and despicable attempt to divide us, distract us, and derail our convention. But you showed up. You came, you gave, you stood firm. We deliberated. We defended the truth. And we reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to the legally constituted FEDT board, led with integrity by Uche Orji, a board born out of constitutional process and peaceful transition.
We chose frameworks over factions.
Order over ego.
Legacy over confusion.
Structure over sentiment.
And in just 43 minutes, we raised nearly ₦80 million.
That is not just fundraising.
That is faith in motion.
That is GCUOBA-USA, focused, mature, and unbought.
Let’s be clear: GCUOBA-USA has never sought power or control. In the last FEDT board, we had just one member, Onyema Nkele. The other eight were based in Nigeria. We didn’t complain. We didn’t conspire. We simply went to work, understanding what it would take to rebuild GCU….and we started doing it. So, this idea that “we (Diaspora) think we have money” is both false and unfortunate. Truth be told, our brothers in Nigeria have far greater financial firepower than we do here in the diaspora. What’s missing is not capacity, but the trust, creativity and hard work necessary to harness and galvanize…. That’s the gap. That’s the mission. That’s also the opportunity.
A Journey of Renewal & Progress
Our convention theme was not chosen lightly: “A Journey of Renewal & Progress.” This weekend embodied that theme in every sense. In our plenary sessions, we shared vision, made bold decisions, and recommitted to a cause that is larger than any one person or group. We highlighted how this executive team has brought operational maturity, fiscal discipline, and strategic focus to the forefront of our mission.
We celebrated the nearly completed restoration of Erekosima House of which we have already committed N250M….a symbol of what is possible when faith meets action.
That is renewal.
That is progress.
That is the Umuahian magic.
And Yes, We Had Great Fun Too!
From the moment the weekend began, Maryland rolled out the red carpet:
Thursday Night: Dr. G.O. Okoji opened his home with a banquet of Nigerian delicacies, perfectly paired with wine, spirits, and of course, tombo. It was a night to remember.
Friday Morning: A brave band of six Umuahians shook off Thursday night’s indulgence for 18 holes of golf.
Friday Evening: We gathered at the home of FOG Chuke Nwachukwu, where laughter, food, and camaraderie flowed freely.
Friday Night: The Maryland Chapter’s welcome reception was a vibrant celebration of culture and brotherhood.
Saturday (8am–5pm): We got down to serious business.
Thank you to Reginald Momah and Sebastian Ibezim, who stood for hours, answering hard questions with grace and clarity. And to Uche Orji, our new FEDT Chairman….your candor and clarity were both timely and necessary.
Saturday Night Gala: We inaugurated four new Patrons….stalwarts of our mission:
o Dr. Dennis Umeh
o Gr. Obiora Ogbuawa
o Dr. Martin Nwankwo
o Dr. Bato Amu
Gentlemen, we thank you. We salute you. We follow your lead. We also heard from our keynote speaker, Dr. Ihenacho Emeruwa, who stirred our spirits with wisdom and vision and backed it up with a $10,000 pledge. May his example light the path for many more.
Sunday Brunch: Dr. Anyi Elekwachi hosted an exquisite send-off. I regret not attending….my soul needed a moment to rest, reflect, and recharge. But I heard the food (and the fellowship) were both divine.
Gratitude Beyond Measure
To the Maryland Chapter: You pulled off a convention under pressure, and you did it with style and strength. You executed. You endured. And you elevated the standard. You know who you are. May your efforts be remembered and richly rewarded.
To all who traveled, gave, asked questions, stood up for what’s right, and lifted this mission …..I salute you.
And to my EXCO team: You are the wind beneath my wings. I am proud to serve with you.
As We Look Ahead…
Let this convention be remembered as the turning point.
Let it be the moment we said:
• We will not be distracted.
• We will not be divided.
• We will finish what we started.
• We will rebuild Government College Umuahia….brick by brick, child by child, generation by generation.
We may be weary….but we are not tired.
We may be tested….but we are not shaken.
We are Umuahians….and we shine as one.
In Unum Luceant.
May God bless our mission, our alma mater, and our brotherhood.
With deep gratitude and firm resolve,
Ed Ukaonu
President, GCUOBA-USA
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