 I
am delighted to send this goodwill message to the members of Arondizuogu
Patriotic Union, New Jersey, a New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation (“APU-NJ”),
on the recent inauguration of this chapter of APU. The formation of this
chapter is the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work and
dedication by all members who contributed in several different ways to
the realization of our common dream.
By way of
introduction to the general public, Arondizuogu Patriotic Union is the
principal umbrella organization that represents all the persons of
Arondizuogu descent. Arondizuogu is stretched across three local
government areas: Ideato North, Onu Imo and Okikwe Local Government
Areas of Imo State, Nigeria.
As a cultural association of Arondizuogu people in New Jersey, APU-NJ is
dedicated towards achieving the following core objectives:
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To
provide a convenient forum for all persons of Arondizuogu descent
and their offspring residing in New Jersey to discuss matters of
common interest, associate with each other and seek ways to
contribute to the upliftment of Arondizuogu.
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To
facilitate the transfer of our rich cultural heritage as “Aro”
people to our children and young adults growing up in the Unites
States.
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To foster the
ideals of good citizenship as residents and citizens of the US and
the Great State of New Jersey and act as a reference point for the
promotion of understanding between the two cultures of our native
land and the US.
APU-NJ plans to organize several activities during the course of each
year that would highlight its cultural, social, educational and other
objectives that are detailed in our Constitution and Bylaws. We will
also hold regularly scheduled general meetings at convenient locations
in New Jersey where issues of common concern to members would be
discussed. These activities and meetings will serve to provide
opportunities for constant interaction between our members residing all
over the Great Garden State and for projecting our views and influence
to other persons of Arondizuogu origin residing in neighboring states
and other regions of the US and beyond.
We will seek to encourage vigorous but realistic participation and
contribution of our members in whatever way possible that would benefit
APU-NJ and the people of Arondizuogu. But above all we intend to use
this association as a tool to inculcate and reinforce in our young
people the great enrichments of Aro cultural ideals such as hard work,
excellence, respect for elders and abstinence from common societal
decadence including alcohol and drug abuse. As children and young adults
growing up in the US, our offspring, no doubt have enormous
opportunities to develop into successful members of the society, and all
the available evidence shows that the vast majority of them will excel
in many aspects of American life. However we also recognize that in the
unique nature of this great country, the abundance of opportunities for
temptation also presents considerable dilemma for our young people.
Accordingly APU-NJ will focus its activities and resources like a laser
beam towards assisting members to steer our young ones to those unique
aspects of Aro culture that has served generations exceptionally well.
Finally, we intend to implement a very proactive communication and
scheme that will serve not only the members of APU-NJ but also all
Arondizuogu people wherever they may be. In that regard, we will
frequently feature on this website (www.apunj.com
or
www.apunj.org) a variety of materials designed to inform, educate
and entertain a cross-section of our members and non-members alike.
Please come back often to be part of this community.
Mazi
Ijeoma David Osunkwo
President,
APUNJ 2004-2006
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