Our history

Ebonyi State Union UK (ESU) is a non-profit community organisation which was established in 1996 immediately after the creation of Ebonyi State in Nigeria.

The organisation operated with an interim executive from 1996 until 2001 during which time the aim, objectives, priorities and the structure were developed. The organisation eventually held its first ever elections in 2001 to usher in a comprehensive executive team led by the founding president, Chief Dr Mark Abani. The main cornerstone of the Union’s purpose was to bring Ebonyians living in the United Kingdom and Ireland together.

What Makes Ebonyi State Union UK Different?

The Union makes a huge difference in the UK by fostering unity among its members and through its contributions to the wider community. The Union’s influence has been significant through positive initiatives back home in Nigeria and around the world, evidenced by selfless service made possible by financial contributions from our members.

The Union also has exemplary leaders who are skilled, leading with passion, commitment, selflessness, trust and decisiveness. Our leaders help carry forward the organisation’s mission and values in their elected roles. Furthermore, a number of its leaders are also arrowheads of a range of Nigerian diaspora organisations. The Union also takes an innovative approach to most of the things it does, taking on board ideas that have never been tried out before.

The former Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency, Dr. Dalhatu Sarki Tafida OFR, CFR, once described Ebonyi State Union UK as “the most innovative organisation in the UK”.

The Union’s Impact

Ebonyi State Union UK strives to make a difference in the lives of its members and the community through various ‘reach-out’ initiatives e.g. Welfare, solidarity visits, conferences, seminars, parties, socio-cultural events etc. Care is taken to ensure that an ‘all for one and one for all’ approach is adopted by being our brother/sister’s keeper.

The Union’s impact starts with its leaders and people who work tirelessly to solve some of our communities’ toughest challenges. Their efforts are supported by the wider Union members through their selfless service, regular meeting attendance and financial contributions which enables the union to deliver its projects.

We have been making effective contributions in the UK community and Nigeria for over 20 years.

Aims and Objectives

Our aims and objectives of the Union are as follows: –

• To promote unity, co-operation and proper understanding among the people of Ebonyi State in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• To encourage, promote or participate in all matters social, economic, political and cultural for the progress of the people of Ebonyi State.
• To encourage the loyalty of the people of Ebonyi State to the powers that be and co-operate with the governments at all levels, missionary and charitable bodies and all other recognised authorities in Nigeria for the improvement of Ebonyi State.
• To revive in the sons and daughters of Ebonyi State a sense of pride in their cultural heritage and an interest in the economic development of Ebonyi State.
• To promote cordial relationship and close co-operation with Local Government Area associations, State and Federal associations and other associations in the UK and elsewhere that have similar aims and objectives.

Membership of the Union

Membership of the Union as defined by our constitution is by individuals who are sons, daughters and/or in-laws of Ebonyi State, including, if they so desire, those born and who have lived in Ebonyi State or have family living in Ebonyi State.

Union Members Financial Commitments

The Union relies on its member’s regular financial contributions to be able to fulfill its responsibilities and also execute its projects.

• Registration Fees:

A one-off sum of £10 shall be paid as registration fees by anyone who wishes to join the Union and meets the criteria set by our constitution.

• Monthly Dues

Each member shall pay £5.00 as monthly dues.

• Scholarship Dues

Each member shall pay a minimum of £20.00 as scholarship dues. We also welcome any free will donations.

Past and Present Leadership

• Chief Dr Mark Abani – Interim President (1996 – 2001)
• Chief Dr Mark Abani – Founding President (2001 – 2005)
• Engr. Oka Kama Ama – President (2005 – 2007)
• Mr. Mike Ndukwe – President (2007 – 2009)
• Mr. Greg Abani – President (2009 – 2013)
• Dr. Nnanna Igwe – President (2013 – 2017)
• Mr. Chima Olugh – President (2017 – Date)

Regular Events

The Union regularly holds various events which includes:

• Iri-ji
• Easter Event
• Family Day Out
• Christmas Party and presentation of Calendar

Meetings

We hold our general meetings every month except in January. Our meeting schedule is being reviewed. Our General Meetings are held at Ashmole Estate Community Hall

Venue: Ashmole Estate Community Hall,
2 Meadow Road,
South Lambeth,
Vauxhall,
South London,
SW8 1QB

The Union organises and holds regional meetings from time to time to enable members who do not live in London attend. Details about regional meetings and events will be posted as required.