Indigenes of Anioma ethnic group of Delta State in Nigeria under the auspices of Anioma Progressive Union, Austria (APUA) has concluded arrangements to officially launch their body on the 1st September, 2018 in Vienna, Austria.
Speaking on their preparedness, President of the association, Mr Anthony Ijeh said the chosen date is the best time to inaugurate the body, having existed informally for over a decade.
Ijeh said that with the official inauguration, members of APUA will begin to renew efforts in their commitment to further strengthen the union’s mission and vision statements.
Assuring that they will provide equal opportunities for Anioma people in execution of projects using equitable and deliberative processes, the President emphasised that APUA will also continue to promote socio-cultural awareness among Anioma people in Austria by identifying, motivating, suggesting or participating in progressive programs and policies in the interest of Anioma community.
On their impact on their communities in Nigeria, Ijeh said “let me quickly inform you that we have made inroads in a lot of projects, which have become a reference point for others. Anioma Progressive Union, Austria, over the years has embarked on various programs/projects but with special emphasis on education.
“Some of our projects include working with all ethnic Nigerian groups for a better Nigeria, building our culture and tradition and providing legal assistance for our people here in Austria when the need arises. Also we have plans to distribute books and educational materials to schools in the Anioma area of Delta State in Nigeria”.
He said their positive impacts to the lives of their members and that of Anioma community back home in Nigeria have significantly changed the thinking of their people about people living abroad.
“Our people now recognize our efforts in the general development of our country”, Ijeh said.
According to the president, his experience in a recent Anioma convention hosted in the United States of America has made him to realise that Anioma people all over the world need to come closer for their common good and also for the betterment of our host countries.
“My advice is that there is a growing need for more collaboration, togetherness and love among us. By imbibing this, we the Anioma people will be able to build APUA so that the union will become a truly great association, accomplishing great things in the years ahead”, he said.
Also speaking was the Chairman, Organising Committee, Richmond Martins who assured that everything is in place to host Anioma people, not only in Austria but all over Europe.
Dignitaries expected at the inauguration, according to Martins, include: Her Excellency, Mrs. Vivian Okeke, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Austria, Eminent Nigerians in Austria and Anioma monarchs including:His Royal Highness, Ezeagwu Ezenwali I, Obi and the Agadagidi of Umunede; Obi of Nsukwa H.R.M. Obi Kenneth Ezegbunem 1; Obi Emmanuel Offor, the Obi Of Adonte and others.
