Onicha Amairi USA Inc, a USA-based non-profit organisation shows its   passion for education and commitment to socio-economic development  of their communities with a ₦50million investment in primary education, Tony Icheku reports 


Living in the United States of America, USA, separated from home by hundreds of kilometres, members of Onicha Amairi USA Inc, a USA-based non-profit organisation remain  passionately tied and committed to the well being of their kits and kin in their communities in Onicha Ezi-East, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA of Imo State.



Even though they are  equally members of the larger, also development oriented Mbaise USA which is a forum for all Mbaise sons and daughters in the USA, the  founders of Onicha Amairi USA Inc believe they could fast-track socio-economic development efforts to  the four Onicha Amairi Autonomous Communities   through their joint efforts 


Lady Theodora Ihejirika 

And so far, they have  matched action to their vision. In nearly three years of its existence, they have executed projects worth over ₦81 million with more  in the pipeline.


Early January, 2025 the Executives and some members of the association were in Umueleagwa Onicha-Amairi for  the commissioning and handing over to government of a N50 million project at St. Dominic's Primary School, Umuelegwa, a primary school that is over 100 years old and whose past pupils reads like a list of who is who in Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA.


The project comprises a headmaster's office and renovated 2000-capacity school hall which was given a complete turn-around and now looks as good as brand new. Portions of the hall have been partitioned into four  fully fitted classrooms. Four-room water cistern toilets - the first in the history of the school - were also  provided for the pupils


Lady Theodora Ihejirika, Chair of Onicha Amairi USA Inc's Project Implementation Committee told THISDAY that the initial vision which motivated the setting up of the association was to rehabilitate all  primary school classrooms or build new ones  in the four autonomous communities of Onicha-Amairi.


"From our findings, we discovered that the infrastructure at public primary schools were gradually and steadily falling into disrepair and no longer conducive as a learning environment for our young children. Secondary schools often witness interventions from their aluminae associations, but not so for primary schools. We therefore took up the challenge to renovate this facilities and also provide additional facilities like toilets which these schools do not have.


"Barely a year of coming into existence, we mobilised funds to the tune of ₦29 million and rehabilitated classrooms at Onicha Combined Primary School, by Ekeoha Market. The association also made a donation of ₦8million  on behalf of the four Onicha Amairi Autonomous 

Communities for Ezi-East Electrification project, and the St. Dominic's Primary School project is our third project", she said.


Speaking during  official hand-over ceremony  of the project, Onicha Amairi USA Inc's President, Hon. Chidi Ahaghotu said they are single-minded about contributing to development of their communities and their commitment have made them the envy of similar associations in Mbaise and elsewhere. 


"We founded Onicha-Amairi USA Inc to enhance the development of our communities which are not progressing in a rapidly changing world. Education is very important and we have chosen to start from the basics - primary schools and it is a thing of joy we are able to successfully complete this project within the stipulated time "


He choosed for special mention, Eze-elect Charles Egbe who though is only an in-law to the community shows 100% support and financial commitment to the projects executed so far.


In the same breath, Ahaghotu appealed to the parents to urge their sons and daughters in the USA to join forces with Onicha-Amairi USA Inc, noting that it's membership is less than half of USA-based Onicha-Amairi sons and daughters.


In her remarks, Mrs E C  Nwaguma, the Education Secretary for Ezinihitte Local Government Educational Authority, applauded the association for "... remembering that education for all is the responsibility for all. The government will continue to welcome similar features from well meaning people of this LGA and State in the future"


Also speaking, the headmaster of the school, Comrade Paul Nwagwu noted that the history of the school will not be complete without the philanthropic, memorable and charitable works of the association which have transformed the school into a centre of excellence


Engr Ohanaga urged the school management and community to maintain the facility and ensure it does not fall into disrepair. He further commended the association for putting the funds mobilised for the project into the purpose it was meant for


THISDAY reports that St. Dominic's Primary School Umuelegwa, Onicha, popularly known as "St Dom", is not just a Primary School, but a worship and sporting center where the entire people of  Ezi-East converge to celebrate religious festivities.


Present at the occasion include Hon Godswill Anthony, Secretary-General of the association; Chief (Mrs) Ngozi Mbaocha; Lady Ngozi Ogu; Hon Francis Obasi, traditional rulers, community leaders and several others.

credit 

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2025/01/29/onicha-amairi-usa-inc-boosts-primary-education-with-n50m-investment/