About Us
Our Story
Ohafia is a cultural and linguistic group in the northern part of Abia State, South-Eastern Nigeria. It is made up of 26 ancient villages. The
Ohafia people are renowned as warriors, with a history of headhunting (a symbol of valor) and a rich cultural heritage, including the famous Ikpirikpi Ogu (War Dance).
The Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU) Inc.
The OIU's history is deeply intertwined with the socio-political development of the Ohafia people in the 20th century.
The Union began as part of the "improvement union" movement that was common among Igbo and other Nigerian Communities in the early 1900s.
These Unions were formed by educated elites and town folk living in major Nigerian cities (like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Calabar) and later abroad.
The primary motivations were:
- Self-Help and Development: To collectively fund and execute Community development projects (schools, roads, hospitals) that the Colonial Government was not providing.
- Cultural Preservation: To preserve and promote Ohafia culture and traditions in the face of rapid modernization.
- Unity and Advocacy: To serve as a unified voice for the Ohafia people in dealing with governmental authorities and other external entities.
The Union became more formally structured in the years following World War II. Its activities were crucial in the establishment of early infrastructure in Ohafia, including the first Secondary Schools and the push for better roads and
electricity. It played a significant role in the political awakening of the region, advocating for the interests of Ohafia within the wider Nigerian political landscape.
The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) had a devastating impact on the entire Igbo land, including Ohafia.
After the war, the OIU became instrumental in rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, helping to rebuild Communities and infrastructure destroyed during the conflict. With mass migration of Nigerians (and Ohafia people specifically) to Europe and North America for education and economic opportunities, the OIU expanded internationally.
The Union evolved to address contemporary issues: fostering unity among diaspora Ohafia people, attracting investment back home, engaging in political advocacy for the region, and organizing large-scale cultural events to keep the younger generation connected to their roots.
The OIU remains the apex socio-cultural organization for the Ohafia people worldwide.
The OIU has a federated structure, with branches organized geographically across different Cities in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. The "Inc." in its name often signifies its registered, incorporated status in various countries, particularly the United States.
Ohafia Improvement Union (National Headquarters): Based in Ohafia, Abia State. This is the central governing body that coordinates all other branches. Also, the 26 villages have their own Town Unions that operate under the umbrella of the central OIU.
Key Functions and Activities:
- Development Projects: Fundraising and executing projects like building schools, health centers, providing boreholes for clean water, and supporting rural electrification.
- Welfare: Supporting members during times of joy (celebrations) and sorrow (bereavement, illness). This is a core function that strengthens communal bonds.
- Cultural Promotion: Organizing annual conventions (like the famous OIU Annual Convention), cultural days, and teaching the Ohafia language and dances to the youth.
- Conflict Resolution: Acting as an arbiter in disputes within the community back home.
- Advocacy: Representing the interests of Ohafia people to Local, State, and National Governments.
In summary, the Ohafia Improvement Union is much more than a social club; it is the bedrock of socio-economic development and cultural identity for the Ohafia people, connecting its homeland roots to a dynamic and active global diaspora.
Leadership
Michael Stone
Developer
Ava Johnson
Design
Milla Vitch
Project Lead
Arnold Pettis
Finishing
Awards
The future of OIU is in your hands
We create places that
deserve to be called home
Contact us now
E-Mail: info@example.com
Telefon: +12 345 67 89
Adresse: New York , Grahamsville , 3505