Okam United Forum’s 5th National President, Ekere Anthony Outlines Vision for brighter future

The newly sworn-in National President of Orokam United Forum (OUF), Comr. Ekere Anthony Abah, has pledged to provide focused, transparent, and accountable leadership aimed at transforming the fortunes of the Forum and the Orokam community.

Speaking during his inaugural address, Comr. Abah expressed gratitude to the members for the trust reposed in him and the newly elected National Executive, emphasizing that their administration is committed to redefining OUF’s core vision and delivering impactful results.

The Chairman and members of the OUF Board of Trustees, members of the National Executive, Chairmen of all branches and units, Chairman and members of the electoral committee, members of OUF, ladies and gentlemen, special greetings to you all.

I am deeply honoured to be elected and sworn in as the fifth National President of Orokam United Forum (OUF). This was made possible by the grace of God and your political will expressed in the last national election. I am speaking here today in my capacity as the national president and on behalf of all other elected members of the National Executive. We  deeply appreciate the trust bestowed on us. Like the saying goes, “to whom much is given, much is expected”. We have gone through the record, the job is tough but we are ready to do it. We believe that no platform or leadership position is small, for the strength and influence of a platform depends on the style of leadership. We are ready to offer focused, sincere, transparent and accountable leadership.

The immediate past administration under the leadership of Chief Daniel Ojile recorded a significant breakthrough, the administration registered the Forum with the Corporate Affairs Commission ( CAC). To us, this is a tremendous achievement among others. We want to specially use this opportunity to thank Chief Ojile and his team.

We want to specially thank the Chairman of the Electoral Committee and his team. We cannot say it was perfect but it is okay given the limitations. In future, we do all we can to organise the election year annual general meeting.

Handed over to us is the Fidelity bank account statement of the Forum which contains transactions from April 1st, 2022 to December 18th, 2024.
A total sum of one hundred and seventy four thousand., two hundred and six naira, twelve kobo (₦174,206.12)  is the balance reflected in the account statement. However, there was an explanation that fifty thousand naira (₦50,000) was withdrawn after the statement was printed to cover the election expenses, printing of certificates and other documents.

Also worthy of note is that the new elected National Executive and some members donated ₦70,000 for refreshments on the very day of inauguration. We specifically demanded that no money should be pulled out of the OUF account for refreshment.

Also handed over to us is the stamp of the Forum, printed copy of the CAC certificate, the constitution and other documents containing past resolutions. Looking at the foregoing,  especially the financial status of the Forum one might be discouraged but with a culture of transparency, accountability, unity and sincerity of purpose, we will change the fortune of the Forum for the best.

We will follow our manifesto with all senses of commitment, we are ready to change the narrative. However, nothing can be achieved without your support.

Sometimes, when the question of what is the core vision of OUF is asked, it is difficult to answer this critical question. Difficult to answer not because we don’t know but because past administrations allowed themselves to be distracted. We are not only ready to define the core value or vision but also put it to practice. Our goal is to contribute to the amelioration of our people’s living conditions as soon as possible.

Our major area of interest is education. Our administration strongly believes that quality education is the answer to Orokam developmental problems. If we are able to assist in educating an Orokam child today, we have successfully assisted the education of Orokam future generation.

To demonstrate our commitment towards achieving this lofty idea, our administration has “hit the ground running”. Ladies and gentlemen, please permit me to announce to you our first project titled “EDUCATE AN OROKAM CHILD TODAY and SAVE A FUTURE GENERATION”.
This programme will come  in two stages. The first stage will focus on paying school fees for at least one hundred (100) indigent students of Orokam descent that are schooling in Orokam. The second stage will focus on providing school materials such as uniforms, sandals, bags and writing materials for such students. Value reorientation will be an ever present element in both stages.

The first stage of the programme which is to pay a session school fees for at least one hundred indigent students starts immediately, at the level of National Executive, we have kickstarted the first stage. Members are already making widow’s mite donations. We hope that when it is put to the public, you will all key in. It is on your support that we hope to succeed in achieving this goal. This stage of the programme is estimated to cost three million Naira.(₦3,000,000) The estimated school fees of a student in Orokam ranges from  six thousand, five hundred naira (#6,500) to nine thousand , five hundred naira (₦9,500) depending on the school. A committee will be set up to guide us on the criteria and mode of selecting the students. The template will be published this weekend.

Caveat; every fund raising in respect of this project and any other issue concerning OUF should be paid directly to the forum’s account: Number: 5700025233
Account Name: Orokam United Forum (OUF) National
Bank: Fidelity Bank.
This is to ensure transparency and accountability.

We have already reached out to our aggrieved members and the response is positive. Hopefully we will have most of them on board as soon as possible.

We have created a National Executive Committee (NEC) that comprises all the branches and units chairman, it will be expanded to include all branch secretary and all national elected officials. This is to ensure inclusive governance.

We also know that some branches and units are not happy with the national body, we advise such branches and units to present comprehensive details of their grievance to this new administration. We will give it the necessary attention.

Let me at this juncture recognise the spirit of sportsmanship displayed by my dear brother, Apeh John and his Vice Presidential candidate, thank you.

To all the newly elected executives, my faith in your capacity and competence  is the reason for this audacity. Let us get the job done. There is no room for blame games. The past is gone, lessons are learnt, let us focus on today and the future.

To the entire members of OUF, if you are angry for what happened in the past, give us the chance to right the wrongs. If we are going astray, call our attention. Give us your support and together we will make the difference.