Ehime United Citizens of New York Inc (EUNIC), USA, 2009

Children's Education Launching and 10th Year Anniversary , 2009

New York: The Ehime Community in New York recently launched its Children's Educational and Cultural Foundation and celebrated its 10th year anniversary in New York. The organization also used the opportunity to recognize the works of some of its members through the years by presenting them with honorary plaques. Our staff was there to bring you exclusive photo-coverage.

Domnic Ekeigwe - EUNIC Chairman delivers his remark:

"...We have collaborated with Ehime world congress...and renovated fifteen community primary schools at home, and just last December 2008, we gave one year scholarship to 28 undergraduate students from 28 village community in Ehime local Government Area..." >>>Read Full Text of Chairman's Speech

Queen mothers of the evening at the event

HOW IT HAPPENED: The event started with the arrival of guests, friends, and relatives, and indigenes of Ehime residing in New York and other states in US. After some distinguished guests were invited to the high table by the MC, Frank Ekeigwe, opening prayer was led by Reverend Emeka Iwuanyanwu. This was followed by the Kola nut presentation ceremony which highlighted the reverence given to Igbo culture even by those residing abroad (in Diaspora). The symbolic importance of the kola nut and the flamboyant ceremony surrounding its presentation saw the Kola traveling from hand to hand as all respects were accorded to all titled individuals in the audience (SEE VIDEO). A few speeches were made to formally open the launching event. EUNIC Chairman, Dominic Ekeigwe briefly presented the case of EUNIC and the motivation/purpose behind the launching (SEE CHAIRMAN'S REMARK and VIDEO). Dinner was served and the launching took off. After which the floor was opened for free style dancing with DJ Paul proving the music. The Mbano women entertained the audience with their traditional dance before the party continued till early hours of the morning with more music and dancing.

SEE MORE VIDEOS (COMING SOON):
1. Journey of the Kola - Watch the ceremony of presenting kola nut in an Igbo community as well as the fanciful protocol and reverence involved.
2. Excerpt from Chairman's Speech
3. Attendees dancing away