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The Mbaise Policy Roundtable (MPR), a non-governmental organization with offices in Owerri Imo State, Nigeria and New York USA, has responded with the fierce urgency of now, alongside His Royal Highness (HRH) B.O. Ikpegbu, the Nachi 1 of Agu na Ebere Autonomous Community, Umunachi Ezeagbogu Ezinihitte LGA, other Mbaise organizations and individuals, at home and globally, to help rehabilitate the Ndiulokwe Imo family of Agu na Ebere autonomous community. This family was portayed to be living in very deplorable condition and in need of help.
The Mbaise global community first became aware of the deplorable living condition of the Imo family, through a viral video, on social media, posted by an Owerri, Imo State based non-governmental organization-Nma Millionaire Heart Foundation (NMHF). Following authentication of the video by an MPR facts finding delegation led by Barrister Maxwell Opara- a renowned Abuja based human rights lawyer, an appeal for donations was launched, to enable rehabilitation of the Imo family.
Beyond the NMHF and MPR, there are several other fundraising channels, that need to be factored in and aligned with, which necessitated the MPR sending a delegation led by its Chief Program Director, Dr Jude Iheoma, to meet and dialogue with the traditional ruler, HRH B.O Ikpegbu, the Agu na Ebere Autonomous Community President General, Chief P.O.P Inyama, and the Imo family, on measures to streamline efforts and avoid duplications in the execution of the rehabilitation projects for the Imo family.
Dr Iheoma while addressing HRH and the palace audience said, “HRH we are greatly honored for the warm reception you and your community have accorded us. We are here today to ensure that the good work of Mbaise citizens, at home and abroad and others, coordinated through the MPR, NMHF and other channels, uplifts both the Imo family and the entire autonomous community, equally. We are aware of the initial embarrassment the public revelation and narrative of the living conditions of the Imo family, may have caused us. Nevertheless, we have no reasons to believe it was done in bad faith. No one is perfect, but with proper coordination and consultation a greater good will be accomplished. Therefore our mission here today is to felicitate with you, conduct needs assessment for the Imo family and your community, and align our resources to achieve more for all concerned.”
In his comment, Chief P.O.P. Inyama welcomed and thanked MPR on behalf of HRH B.O. Ikpegbu and the autonomous community. He commended the MPR for being the only Mbaise organization in the Diaspora that took the time to find out what is the real story behind the viral video of the Imo family. He also noted that MPR by this visit has acted in the true spirit of “Ndi Nwemadu,” by following culture and tradition, in order to protect all interests and sensibilities. He expressed the embarrassment experienced by the extended Imo family who felt underappreciated by the viral video. Despite the mistakes in the rollout of the campaign, he revealed that the extended family and the autonomous community are also actively raising funds to help the Imo family, and appealed to all people of goodwill for continued support. HRH B.O. Ikpegbu and Chief Inyama expressed interest in collaborating and coordinating with MPR to ensure that the immediate and long term interests of the family and the Agu na Ebere autonomous community are accorded highest priority.
Other key community leaders who attended the meeting include, MPR deputy Culture director, Mr Desmond Obani, MPR member and councilor representing Amuzi-Ihenweorie ward at the Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Hon Uche Chris Agomuo, Chief of Staff of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA Chairman, Hon Nzeribe Nwachukwu, and Hon. Emeka Iheoma.
Reacting to the meeting outcome, the MPR Chairman Professor Eddie Oparaoji, said, “we are very delighted to be contributing not just the much needed funds, but also smoothening frayed nerves to ensure that the “Mbaise Onye Aghala Nwanneya (Be our brothers/sisters keeper) spirit does not fizzle out.” Professor Oparaoji commended all benefactors of the Imo family, past and present, particularly recent donors for their generosity and compassion, without which, he said, the ongoing rehabilitation efforts may not have been possible. .
The running list of MPR donors as listed on their whatsapp forum include; Her Excellency Prof. Mrs Viola Onwuliri, Dr. Chris Onwukwe, Prof. Eddie Oparaoji, Dr. John Onyeachonam, Mrs Ngozi Onuoha, Mr Tony Asoluka Emeribe, Atty. Chinedu Iwuji, Atty Paschal Ukpabi, Chief Ejike Enwereuzor, Dr Collins Ugochukwu, Hon. Moe Ogoke, Mr. Felix Onwuegbule, Mr. Andy Eke, High Chief, Sir Peter Nwaigwe, Mr & Mrs Chidozie Onwuliri, Barr Oby Onyeulor, Barr Maxwell Opara, Anonymous, Monsignor Felix Ojimba, Barr Anonymous, Chief Remy & Aky Onuoha, Chief Longinus Nnodim, Chief/Barr Ambrose Ugboaja, Dr. Patricia Anyanwu, Dr. Chiemezie Amadi, Barr Oby Anyikude, Mrs Nnenna. Ibeh, Mr BK Nworgu, Hon. Anonymous, Dr. Law Opara, Chief & Lolo Kevin Abara, Mr. Theo Okonkwo, Mrs Eunice Enyioha, Remigius Nwachukwu, Dr Law Osondu, Chief/Dr Emma Onyekwere, Chief Festus Anaele, Dr Anonymous, Prince & Dr Mrs Ndy Oparaoji, Dr Vitalis Ojiegbe, MADV_Anonymous, Chief George Enyoazu, Mr. Patrick Keke, and Dr Uzoma Elizabeth Ugoagwu
MPR is the premier pre-eminent Mbaise Public Policy and Business Advisory Council in the World, focused entirely on the development of Mbaise and Imo State, through the facilitation of financial and in-kind resources, private investments and private public partnerships.
MPR is situated to liaise, partner, and/or collaborate with international entities, the Imo State Government and agencies, and the private sector to produce and advance policies that will fast track Mbaise and Imo State development to a first world status.
