è December 17, 1997

Dear Enugu State Citizens ,

At a general meeting of the Enugu State Association, Washington, D.C., the executive was mandated to inform other Enugu State citizens and organizations in the United States of our desire to host the first general meeting of Enugu State citizens and organizations in the U.S. The meeting is scheduled tentatively for Saturday June 20, 1998. The meeting will be followed by a party coined "Enugu Day". For our out of town guests, the planning committee has arranged a special complimentary sight-seeing trip of the capital monuments on that Saturday before the meeting and Enugu Day celebration.

We came to the, albeit obvious, conclusion that Enugu State Organizations In the U.S. speaking with one voice on issues would make the greatest impact. We must become peacefully engaged in the affairs of our state and country. We believe that a regional cooperation will better serve our goal of making Enugu State one of the best, if not the best, in the Union. Let ours be a united voice, no matter how much we struggle inside our Enugu family to reach a consensus. This call is inspired by noteworthy shipments of books and other miscellaneous items to the State University by the Dallas and
Washington Organizations, for example, and by other collective sacrifices to date. Imagine what we could do as a regional body.

As you know, Nigeria in general and Enugu State in particular are confronted with various challenges to which we could lend a collective hand and voice. Given our diverse experiences, and the depth of our human and financial resources, this regional movement, call it the "Conference of Enugu State citizens in America or Enugu State-USA ", is literally guaranteed audience. As with any successful organization, this cooperation will rely on enthusiastic and dedicated participants to get off the ground. The paramount consideration must be whether Enugu Sate and its citizens can benefit from such a regional organization. We believe we can. Please keep in mind that this proposed cooperation does not exist just yet. It has neither a name nor officers, in fact, you are invited to develop its objective. But first, you must respond to this call.

About the proposed meeting itself, the progression of events is being formulated by the Washington Chapter Convention/Planning Committee. We need your input and participation to make the event worthy of the name and state "Enugu". A tentative agenda for the meeting is attached but your topical suggestions are encouraged and definitely welcome. The major events are as follows:

1. Complimentary Sight-Seeing Tour of the National Monuments (6/20/98, @ 9:00 a.m.)
2. The Enugu State Citizens' General Meeting (6/20/98 @ 1:00 a.m.)
3. Enugu Day Party (6/20/98 @ 9:00 p.m.)

Our goal is to facilitate an opportunity for Enugu State citizens to meet, get acquainted, have fun, and discuss the issues facing the state. The primary focus of the June 20, 1998 meeting would be to figure out how best we can participate in the lives of Enugu State citizens and, hopefully, enhance Enugu's image and competitive edge.

The caveat: Please send us your ideas for this gathering. Participation is voluntary. You will be pleased to learn of the number of local members who have volunteered to provide accommodations for you at their homes in the Washington area. The prerequisite; that our out-of-town guests commit reasonably early. After all, our home is yours. Should you prefer a local hotel, we would be honored to coordinate your accommodation at a local hotel of your choice. In addition, compliments of our transportation industry

entrepreneurs, the sight-seeing tour will be provided at no cost to you. How about that for an inducement? Better yet, the airline industry has extended the neck-breaking fare-wars indefinitely. Call your travel agent today. You see, we've thrown in everything at our disposal to spend time with you.

We are excited about the opportunity to host this proposed gathering of Enugu State citizens. We look forward to hearing and/or reading from you soon and ultimately seeing you here at the nation's capital. Call or write to pledge your participation in the formulation of the framework. Please respond with your ideas, list of attendees, and preferred accommodation plan, as soon as you can but by January 30, 1998. God bless Enugu State.

God bless you.

Yours Truly,
Chris O. Chukwu - President;
Josephat Offor - Vice President;
Comfort Anigboh - General Secretary
Enugu State Association, Washington, D.C., Metro Area.

ENUGU STATE-USA-CONVENTION

Date: June 20, 1998
Place: Comfort Inn - College Park, MD
Time:9:00 A.M. Prompt

TENTATIVE MEETING AGENDA

1. 1:00 P.M. - Call to Order
2. Opening Prayer
3. Welcome address by host organization
4. Formulation of the framework and name
5. Affairs of Enugu State and how to respond as a Regional Interest Group.
6. Selection of committee to resolve local chapter squabbles?
7. Politics: Participate or not, if you must, how, to what extent, etc.
8. Annual convention? A spin-off from this meeting (Annual, Bi-annual)
9. Election of officers
10. Fundraising strategies and ideas
11. Adjournment
Closing Prayer.

Ps: As you know, this appeal is informal, just an attempt to pull together the resources necessary to start a regional movement, it would be delightful if you would call me or send me the names and addresses of other Enugu State Organizations in the U.S. Please review the appeal, make necessary modifications, add your own thoughts, suggestions, recommendations, etc.