On behalf of our executives, I will like to say Happy New Year to you and your families. I am certain this message will reach everybody in good health. We thank the Almighty God for His blessings in the past year 2004. Though, the past year was a difficult year to some of us and our families but we survived it to see the New Year 2005. To many that were bereaved or grieved in one way or another, we say NDONU and let go. We thank our Almighty God for journey mercy, brought back safe our brothers and sisters that traveled far and near during the last holiday. Over the past seven months, I've gotten to know many of you close and I am proud to say Nwanne Di Uso.

I have to apologize for my silence since Mid-November 2004 to date. It was due to circumstances beyond my control. I thank many of you that called to enquire about my condition. Also, I will like to thank many of you for the support you've given and have continued to give to me and my families. God in His infinite wisdom will bless each and every one and your families in multiple folds. I am very happy to reassure everybody that our God is in control and I am improving greatly.

At this time, I want to beckon on everybody to rise up and assume responsibility for the future of our people. We have lots of work ahead of us including the preparation for our 8th Annual National Convention scheduled for the first week of July in Washington D.C./Maryland. I am in constant contact with the chapter leadership following the progress of their preparation, and, I am glad to report that all hands are on deck towards making the convention a success. I will like to implore every Son and Daughter of Ogbaru, for the love of our people, to support Washington D.C./Maryland Chapter in making this year convention a success. In my previous remarks, I stated that pointing fingers, criticizing, finding faults in the leadership, standing on the sideline without joining hands to make valuable contribution will not earn us anything. If Ogbaru fails, we all failed collectively. Constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement will always be welcomed. Every one must answer to his/her conscience. I am happier giving and rendering service to humanity. We should not relent in our effort to make Ogbaru a better place for us and for our children.

I will like to use this opportunity to thank Chief Sule Ugboma of Osamala for grading Ogbaru road which enabled our people to move freely without much difficulty during last December to date. We have many like Chief Ugboma in Ogbaru but we must step up and support them because collectively, we can do better. Brothers and Sisters, show your love for Ogbaru, join hands with us to build a vibrant Ogbaru and not tear it down. Do it for yourself, for our people present and for our future generation and not for Joseph Odunze or the Executives. Where there's love you will definitely find peace. Please, do not let little disputes to come between a great relationship. If you recognize that you made a mistake, correct it and learn from it. And, in your disagreements, deal with the current situation, don't bring the past.

During our travel to Nigeria last December, we were in company of Chief Dimka Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu and Bianca his lovely wife. During our conversation, he made an emphatic statement as Nwadiani, that made me proud. He stated that Ogbaru has a wealth of human intellectuals and is a God blessed land. He further stated that our people live longer because of our feeling of content and solitude. Why are we still in the dark? There's a job for you and I, come together, reach out to one another and love as Christ loves us.

Udo Dili Unu and God bless.