“ORA Houston is clearly meeting up with her mission.”Dr. Albert Okunwa.

High profile Akalite Dr. Albert Okunwa who is also known as Ugo Iwuofor was on Sunday November 16, 2025 elected to lead the prestigious Orlu Regional Assembly Houston Texas affiliate. He shares his dreams and blueprint as the president of the association with Umuaka Times correspondents in America.

Excerpts:

Congratulations sir on your new elevation as the President of Orlu Regional Assembly (Houston Texas). Please which day were you elected?

Thank you very much Umuaka Times. I was elected on Sunday November 16, 2025 for a 2-year first term.

When will the first term begin sir?

It will begin in January 2026 and end in December 2027.

Is there a possibility of a second term?

There’s a good possibility of a second 2-year term thereafter that will end in December 2029.

Who did you take over from? I mean your predecessor?

I will be taking over from Chief Longinus Chidi Nwameme (Ezeaneche) a native of Mgbele in Oguta LGA Imo State.

Please tell us a little about the mission of ORA-USA (Houston branch) and other relevant details.

ORA Houston is made up of “4 pillars” including former Isu, Oru, Orsu and Ideato County Councils. ORA Houston, popularly known as “Ishi Mmiri” started what metamorphosed into what is ORA-USA today comprising of 21 affiliates all over the 50 states of USA.

That is absolutely amazing. What about the mission?

Our mission includes the promotion of both Orlu and Igbo cultural heritage amongst all affiliates and our youths; to provide the necessary climate for interstate cooperation with other affiliates of ORA-USA; conduct medical missions to our communities in Orlu Senatorial Zone through our parent association, organize and participate in ORA-USA annual national conventions.

What again do you do outside what you have disclosed?

We also support the development of various local communities in Orlu and work with the government in power in Imo State to promote good governance and more.

Your missions are quite interesting sir. Can you unequivocally say that ORA-USA and its affiliates are meeting up with her mission in terms of fulfillments?

Yes indeed. ORA Houston is clearly meeting up with her mission.

Any instance?

Last Sunday, for instance, we raised a huge amount of funds to support the 2025 ORA-USA medical mission to some communities in Orlu Senatorial zone.

Ok. Umuaka Times would like to know those elected alongside with you.

Oh that is great. We were elected in this order; 1. President: High Dr. Ugo Iwuofor. 2. Vice President: Hon. Franklin Ezendiokwere. 3. Secretary- General:  Mazi Sunny Obiakor. 4. Assistant Secretary- General:  Sir Chris Odume. 5. Secretary of Finance: Mazi Emmanuel Orusakwe.6. Assistant Secretary of Finance:   Chief Felix Ekwem.7. Treasurer: Sir Charles Anumnu.  8. Public Relations Officer (PRO): Chief Casmir Omeire. 9. Assistant PRO: Nze Gilbert Anunobi. 10. Provost: Nze Ikenna Anyikam.

Dr Iwuofor, please tell us what led you into seeking for the office of the president of ORA-USA Houston branch.

Honestly, I did not really seek to lead ORA Houston per se.

So what happened then?

I was approached and recruited by some political heavyweights and “King- makers” from old Isu clan who believed that I should go and represent our clan (Isu) in ORA Houston to showcase my talents and dexterity which I had earlier displayed as emeritus president of Isu Commonwealth.

What did they tell you when they met you?

They convinced me to use my God-given wisdom and knowledge to serve as president for the progress of our association.

I can see that ORA USA is indeed making a lot of waves both in the United States and back home in Nigeria; what are the challenges facing the organization, especially ORA Houston?

Like any other parochial association, ORA Houston has faced a few challenges in terms of who gets what position, which pillar should control what happens in the organization, etc.

What does that really mean?

That explains why the elections are usually heavily contested. But we are generally a relatively peaceful community. Our overriding philosophy is unity, brotherhood and progress.

So what should the people you represent and the world expect from you in the next two years? I am talking about your blueprint.

My blueprint will include following the constitution and by-laws of our association.

Explain exactly what you mean by that.

The constitution shall guide my actions as I would not subscribe to anything that is unconstitutional, illegal or otherwise unlawful.

 Will you be what Nigerians call “a listening president”?

Sure! I will listen to the yearnings and aspirations of the members. I will not be autocratic, biased or behave like a dictator. A good leader is one who promotes peace, fairness and justice.

Who are the people you would like to extend your appreciation to in view of your new position?

First, I want to thank God who gave me the opportunity and courage to run for the election and win.

Also I thank the members of Umuaka Family Union Houston (Under the distinguished leadership of High Chief Golden Nwaka),  the members of Isu Commonwealth Inc., (led by Chief Darlington Caje Ofoefule), and a host of ORA Houston members  led by Chief Longinus Chidi Nwameme), who came out massively to make my electoral victory possible.

What is your final note?

Finally, I want to specially thank my beautiful wife, Lolo FideliaC hioma Okunwa Iwuofor who worked tirelessly with me during my campaign. Her support, dedication and prayers propelled me to this moment of victory and celebration.

Thank you very much Dr Iwuofor and we wish you success in your tenure.

Thanks for coming. We are impressed with Umuaka Times.