Before delving into the formation of Obosi People’s Association (OPA) or the need at the point in time for a union of Obosi indigenes in Atlanta, it is important to define what makes NdiObosi unique wherever they are. NdiObosi is proud to say that what separates us from most communities is our strong sense of self and of each other, our solid sense of oneness (brotherhood), and our ever present sense of pride in our common ancestry.
Normally, we address each other as “Bros” or “Bro” as a common form of acknowledgement, greeting or felicitation of each other at any meeting or contact. The use of this affectionate acknowledgement of each flows naturally especially, among NdiObosi males. Females exchange salutation with each other by exclaiming “Ada anyi” (our daughter). Some may use the traditional greeting of every female (nwa-ada) descendant of our great town by the specific welcoming reverence tied to each clan and kindred – Abadagu, Onowu, Ationu, Onweluego, Nwalor, Akpaka, Nweshi, Akudenu, Olinma, Okenwafor, Ojiazu, Asiliugo, and Anamuluonye.
OPA was inaugurated in the mid-eighties. OPA remains one of the earliest and to date, the strongest town union in Atlanta metro area. The dream and move to come together as an organization began soon after some of us attended a brother’s wedding. An awakening which was uncommon among Igbos in
Atlanta area during that period was kindled by the ever present sense of celebration of our kinship. We met and continue to meet in each other’s home. This practice has strengthened our union and provided a sense of belonging to a place called Obosi.
In 1994, OPA began preparation and successfully hosted the Inaugural National Convention of Obosi Development Association (ODA) in July, 1995 and thus, became its National Headquarters. The first ODA Convention brought together NdiObosi from all over US to Atlanta to begin a historic march toward
the strongest NdiObosi union in diaspora. OPA hosted another National Convention of Obosi Development Association in 2003 and plans are underway for 2012 ODA National Convention in Atlanta. ODA, which was nurtured by members of OPA-Atlanta and other NdiObosi unions spread across USA, has emerged as an influential voice of reason in the affairs of Obosi, a beacon of hope and optimism among
the youths of Obosi, and a source of generosity to the underprivileged.
OPA is independently awarding educational scholarships to gifted students and repairing dilapidated school buildings to shelter elementary school students at Obosi. The financial and human efforts of these
projects are completely borne by members of OPA-Atlanta. OPA members as part of the National body – ODA, have been part of health missions and humanitarian projects at Obosi and in our immediate communities here in Georgia, USA.
OPA membership since its inception remains stable with occasional injection of new members from other parts of USA and Nigeria. Our first generation of Nigerian-Americans of Obosi descent is blossoming into
young men and women and playing an important role in the preservation of our union.
Obosi our hometown, we wouldn’t hail from anywhere else.
Long Live OPA! Long Live Obosi, Nigeria!! Long Live USA!!!
Contributed By Emeka Onuorah-Anuorah, PhD.