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Keynote Address
Ohuhu Development Union
NYC Convention
Maria Uloma Okpara
May 23th, 2026
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Good evening, esteemed Royal High Chiefs, distinguished High Chiefs, honored dignitaries, and cherished members of the Ohuhu Development Union International, New York Chapter. It is a profound honor to stand before you tonight. Many of you know me as Maria Uloma Okpara, daughter-in-law to the esteemed late Dr. M.I. Okpara. However, my connection to Ohuhu runs deeper than my marriage to my late husband, Nnawuihe Asonye Okpara. I am also a proud ‘Nwa nwa’ – a granddaughter – from the esteemed Nwanyidirim family of Okaiuga. This heritage is a source of immense pride, connecting me directly to the heart of our community.”
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“When I received the invitation to speak this evening, my initial reaction was disbelief. Public speaking is not my usual arena, and I’ve spent most of my life dedicated to my work, not the public eye. Yet, the opportunity to address this assembly, this powerful collective representing the spirit of Ohuhu, compelled me to accept. Because tonight, we are not just gathered; we are united by a shared heritage and a common purpose.”
“Ohuhu. The very name evokes a rich tapestry of history, culture, and a vibrant agricultural heartland in the heart of Abia State. It’s a land of over 27 autonomous communities, home to ancient villages like Afugiri, Nkwoegwu, Ofeme, Umuegwu, and my own ancestral Okaiuga. Our ‘Omenala’ – our customs and traditions – are not just relics of the past; they are the living soul of our people, a testament to our enduring spirit. Tonight, even thousands of miles away, we honor that ‘Omenala’ by coming together.” I am seizing this opportunity to acknowledge the leaders who paved the way for people like me and to current Ezes in the autonomous communities
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“And it is in the spirit of ‘Omenala,’ in the spirit of profound progress, that I want to speak to you tonight about something that has been the driving force of my entire career: education. Specifically, education for our children, our future leaders, in our beloved Ohuhu. My professional journey has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children, especially children with special education needs, and a particular focus on those who are disadvantaged. My father-in-law used to tell me that education is manpower development and economic self-reliance. I did not fully understand what was meant by then. I was regularly immersed in social justice conversations with him during mealtimes at our Umuegwu Okpuala residence, where he spoke candidly about the importance of service to others, especially for those who will not be able to repay us. As the years have gone by, I have become keenly aware of what that means. His goal was and has now become mine to create a foundation for workforce development, universal free-education for primary of which I am ecstatic that our governor has implemented. I hold advanced degrees in education, currently working to complete my doctoral degree in transformational leadership, and have had the privilege of serving the state of California, currently as the first and only publicly elected Black school board member in my local school district. This role, which impacts thousands of children daily, is a trust I do not take lightly. I am acutely aware that in this capacity, I represent not just my community, but also, in a broader sense, the values and aspirations of my “Ohuhu”roots.
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“My father-in-law, Dr. M.I. Okpara, understood the profound synergy between education and agriculture – the twin pillars of our community’s prosperity. Tonight, I want to focus on education, on how we can nurture this vital venture and leave an indelible legacy for our youth. This commitment is not new. The Ohuhu Development Union, in its very charter, boldly declares educational advancement as its primary focus. This is a strategic imperative, aimed at unlocking every possible educational opportunity for Ohuhu indigenes.”
The Urgent Need for Support – A Call to Action:
“But even with the best intentions, the reality on the ground is stark. As we gather here tonight, I implore you to look deep into your hearts and your resources. We must create reserves and sponsorships for our brilliant, yet financially disadvantaged, youth. These are the students who face the daunting prospect of dropping out of secondary and tertiary institutions, not due to a lack of intellect, but due to insurmountable financial barriers. While public tuition may seem modest, the cumulative costs of books, uniforms, transportation, and external fees create an almost impossible hurdle for families who rely on agriculture for their very survival.”
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The Numbers That Matter:
“Even with the goodwill of our Abia State Governor in providing free education, this vital initiative does not extend to the fundamental infrastructure our children need to learn. Imagine students sitting in dilapidated classrooms, without functional desks, in environments that are not just adverse, but potentially unsafe. The ‘why’ is undeniable. The urgency is palpable.
Let me paint a clearer picture. For every 50 to 100 students we, in this hall, can currently assist, hundreds more bright, eager children who remain on waiting lists. These figures are fluid, constantly impacted by economic realities:
• Primary School (Ages 6-11): The cost of basic literacy for primary school – PTA contributions, uniforms, footwear, sportswear, books, and stationery – can range from 30,000 to 50,000 Naira per child. This equates to roughly $22 to $37 USD. This burden is immense for families struggling to survive on perhaps 40,000 Naira per year per child. This cost escalates dramatically as they progress through their education.
• The United States Contrast: In the United States, where I have raised my children and continue to serve, the difference is almost unfathomable. Education is funded through taxes, from kindergarten through high school. Community colleges are often tuition-free. The average cost of educating one child per year in the US is $17,619, with California investing upwards of $25,000 per student. Consider this: one child’s education in California can fund the education of 220 to 300 secondary students in Ohuhu.”
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The Fundraising Ask – Making a Tangible Impact:
“Tonight, we have the power to bridge this chasm. We have the opportunity to transform lives. I am not just here to share statistics; I am here to invite you to be a part of the solution.
• A donation of $50 can equip a student with essential books and stationery for an entire academic year.
• A contribution of $100 can provide a student with proper uniforms and footwear, allowing them to attend school with dignity.
• A more significant pledge of $500 can help repair a classroom, providing a safer and more conducive learning environment for dozens of children.
• Consider becoming a sponsor: For approximately $200, you can cover a student’s educational expenses for a full year, ensuring they can focus on their studies and not their financial worries.
These are not just numbers; these are opportunities. Opportunities for a child to learn, to grow, to dream, and ultimately, to contribute to the very community we cherish.”
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Closing: A Vision for the Future:
“Let us rekindle the noble spirit of ‘ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE.’ Our goal should be to restore the peace and security we once knew, to foster an environment where every child can walk to school without fear, where parents can tend their farms with peace of mind. We must reclaim the secure foundations laid by our forebears and build a future of intellectual prosperity for our children.
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Thank you for your time, your attention, and your generosity. I am confident that tonight, we will not only celebrate our heritage but also invest in a brighter, educated future for Ohuhu. Let us make this a continuation of the incredible work already begun by this distinguished organization. Thank you.”
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