By Charles Igbo
For the hundreds of Owerri indegenes living in the United States of America, especially, those who are members of the World Owerri Peoples Congress Incorporated, WOPC, the times are depressing.
Their problem is in three-fold. One: They are coping with the Coronavirus ravaging the US, their place of residence. Two: They are, also, thinking of their people back home in Nigeria, a country where the disease is, gradually, but successfully spreading to.
And, now, the effect of the Virus has hit them where it hurts the Congress most.
Their annual convention where they meet to unwind, discuss issues affecting them in the US, as well as problems facing their people in Nigeria, and how to help with developmental projects back home – equipping hospitals and schools, as well as giving scholarships to bright, indigent pupils, secondary school and university students, as well as providing clean drinking water.
They also invite people from back home to brief them on the needs of their people, and, hold governments accountable.
The 2020 Convention had been scheduled to hold in Sugarland, Houston, Texas, beginning from July 16.
But no longer.
The COVID-19, has forced a postponement.
A statement by WOPC’s President, Uzoma Iheanacho, announcing the postponement, said it was a consequent of the ravaging Virus, explaining that in all things, the safety of the people, and obedience to laid down rules are paramount.
A new date, he said, will be announced in due course.
Following, excerpts from Ihenacho’s statement announcing the postponement.
“This is to inform all Owerri sons, daughters and invitees to the 2020 WOPC Convention in Sugarland/Houston, Texas, July 16-19, that the Congress of the World Owerri Peoples Congress, U.S.A Incorporated, has authorized the deferment of the 2020 Convention event till further notice.
“This action is consequent of the recommendations of the Executive council & Board of the WOPC based on the emergent global health threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Executive Council & the Board of directors of the WOPC regret any inconvenience this postponement may cause to our stakeholders and invited guests.
“All should be rest assured that our first and primary concern is the health and wellbeing of our people.
“No gathering will ever be justified if such a gathering constitutes an avoidable public health risk.
“We shall communicate to all when another date is decided upon.
“We use this opportunity enjoin Nde Owerri at home and in the Diaspora to follow all the guidelines by local health authorities to be safe and contain the spread of the virus.
Thank you for keeping faith with the WOPC.”
The WOPC is the apex meeting point of the Owerri People who live in the USA
