“Akah Sigmite Klub didn’t break up.” Chief Uzoma Ahemefula.
5 min read
The interim president of the newly resurrected Akah Sigmite Klub, Chief Uzoma Ahamefula spoke to Umuaka Times correspondent in United Kingdom on why the club bounced back and what to expect from the club henceforth.
Excerpts:
Tell us your name and where you live.
Am Chief Uzoma Ahamefula, a native of Ugbele, Umuaka, I reside in London, United kingdom.
Umuaka Times learnt that you have a chieftaincy title, what is your chieftaincy title?
Yes, my title is Afo Anu Mba 111 of Umuaka.
Please what is the meaning?
Afo Anu Mba is someone who has the capacity to cater for mass group of people adequately without recourse to shortage.
Ok it is interesting that you are the III. Tell us who were the first and the second.
Yes, am Afo Anu Mba 111,, my grandfather Nze/ Chief Ahamefula Oguanabi was the first, my father Chief Ferdinand Ahamefula was Afo Anu Mba 11 and am the 111. It is a family heritage.
You live in the UK, is there any organization uniting Umuaka people in UK?
Regards to apex Umuaka organization in United kingdom, we have that in the name of Umuaka Welfare and Development Association.
How strong is the organization?
Umuaka Welfare and Development Association, the umbrella body of Umuaka people in UK has stood the test of time and remains strong and formidable in her advocacy for unity of Umuaka people as one people.
Now, chief Ahamefula, Akah Sigmite Klub just bounced back after it went under, close to three decades ago, why did you people decide to come back after being away for a very long time?
It’s only natural that we reunite. We share a lot in common, Akah Sigmite Klub didn’t break up, rather a lot of our members migrated out of the country in the 90s, and that affected our dynamics.
Whose idea was it that you people would come back?
It was a collective idea, it’s not merely one person’s idea. Around 2010, I tried the reunion through y
the Yahoogroup email forum but internet network was not widespread at that time, so it didn’t materialize. For some time now, members have been talking about organizing our reunion, finally on 10th May 2020 we achieved that with the aid of WhatsApp.
How long now have you guys come back?
Just one month now, but you can bear us witness that our reunion has already caused a noticeable wave in our community and maybe some other clubs might follow suit.
What was the feeling of members, when they were informed that the club has bounced back?
The feeling of our members was awesome, all members are happy that we have reconnected with one another and reunited, we are back together again.
How many of you now in the club?
We have been able to get about 30 people on board so far, we are making efforts to get everyone on board soon.
Do you intend to be taking new members?
Yes, we will take new members in no distant time, we just need little time to organize few things before we admit new members.
Please Chief Ahamefula, why was Akah Sigmite Klub formed?
We were a group of friends, school mates, comrades and well wishers who shared similar inclinations, whenever we were together, we always exhibited mutual understanding and respect to each and everyone, so Akah Sigmite Klub came in as a form of social structure that gives us a definitive perspective.
Do you think it achieved any of its objectives before it went under? If yes can you tell us some of those achievements?
Yes, we had wonderful years together, we supported each other’s welfare, shared some motivating and inspiring ideas that helped and shaped who we are today.
What will Akahlites expect from your club now that everything has changed?
Everything has not changed for Sigmite Klub. We are now mature people, and we aim to create an atmosphere for more dynamic social impact in the society.
Will you be going into charity works and assistance to the poor in Umuaka?
Individually, most of us do a lot in assisting the less privileged in Umuaka and beyond, Sigmite Klub members are people with compassion, so we will participate in compassionate services to humanity.
What about the award of scholarships and promotion of education?
We are a committed partner to social, economic and educational developments of our people and the society, so in due time, am confident we will make provision for such.
Will you be registering with Corporate Affairs Commission?
Akah Sigmite Klub was fully registered with Umuaka Council of Clubs and the local government, so we will ensure that our club is duly registered with all the relevant authorities.
You just remembered some of your members who died when the club was under, why the remembrance?
One of our members passed away in the 80s when our club was in full flow and we gave him a decent farewell, we remembered him too, we remembered all our fallen members because they were our brothers, friends and lovely people, we cannot forget them, we shared a lot of memorable moments with them, our thoughts and prayers are always with their families, once again may their souls rest in peace.
What will Umuaka expect from Akah Sigmite Klub during Christmas period of 2020. Inauguration or a get-together party?
We are waiting for more information relating to restrictions caused by the Covid19 pandemic lockdown before we can confirm that.
If somebody is a member of Akah Sigmite Klub, does it stop the fellow from being a member of another social club in Umuaka?
No, I am a member of Umuaka Youths Crusade myself, every member owns the club a duty and all the club will ask is for her members to fulfill those duties to the club with utmost good faith.
Thank you very much for your time sir, Umuaka Times congratulates you and your members for this great re-union after 30 years.
Thank you. We are also happy with Umuaka Times.
