NDI IGBO NA DORSET. It’s been another busy year. And as the year 2022 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect briefly on what we’ve achieved in 2022. From the implementation of ICD projects to bringing ICD awareness to the Dorset County grassroots. We all contributed and played an active part in achieving this and I am incredibly proud of all we have done.
It’s been a year of change, but as a community, we have risen to the challenges brilliantly by continuing to deliver our projects in often challenging environments and moving to post pandemic period.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
In ICD we have taken significant strides to become an increasingly the most disciplined and organised community group in the southwest of England, both in the way we handle our public relations, our financial transparency, and welcome new members. ICD creates a home away from home for new members arriving in this coastal area of southwest of England. This is important because it means that we are making sure opportunities to become ICD members are open to everyone regardless of where they live.
If I think back to the year 2017 when ICD was formed by few members and where we are now with over 120 registered members, it is a fantastic achievement and represents a sizeable increase on the same period in the last 5 years. And it is the result of enormous dedication, hardwork, and teamwork among ICD members. It’s really not that long as we are talking about 5 years ago. We struggled to secure a good and accessible meeting venue. Today we have one. Some of us were not really sure if ICD will stand for more than a year since it is a voluntary organisation not profit making and down to the members for its funding. Today we are doing well. Time is very precious in this part of the world, nobody likes to give it out freely without financial justification. But we gave it out with large heart.
The point here is that, things change very quickly and will continue to change. The pace of change is definitely not slowing. That is why we have been developing a future focused community strategy for ICD by setting out:
ICD Language Class
Annual New Yam/Cultural Festival
Youth Empowerment Group
Education Department
Cultural Dance Groups
Members Birthday Celebrations
First Ever Ada Igbo in Dorset
Upcoming ICD Journal
The strategy of how we treat each other, the activities we do and our local community, financial & non-financial benefits ICD offers, learning and building of skills, the way we work together, are based to build and maintain a voluntary organisation that reflects the community we serve and make ICD a great place for everyone.
Fostering a sense of togetherness and community among members is something I’m also really passionate about. The August 2022 New Yam/Cultural festival recorded a huge success with 4 Mayors and Chairman BCP Council in attendance. We have already sent letters of appreciation to these dignitaries and ICD token gifts (Akupe) local fans with inscription of their names and offices on these local fans.. The gifts was well received with huge thanks to ICD. We must not fail to appreciate all those that made cash donations to support the event on that day. Special thanks to our able Patron Dr Emma Udezue and his wife Mrs Chika Udezue, Dr Isioma Nwokolo, Aunty Rose Kaye, Dr Bernard Obika, Chief Patrick Mmokwe (Chairman of the occasion). Thank you all for your kind gesture. Also big thanks to the organising committee with Prince Ogbuji as the chairman, all those that helped to set up the chairs and tables, cleaning of the hall, sharing of foods and drinks, the men and women cultural dance groups. Bravo! Posterity will surely remember you all. Also kudos to our beautiful girls for proudly contesting in our first ever beauty pageant to select the Ada Igbo in Dorset and the winner Miss Stephanie Ogbuji. ICD is very proud of you all. Very grateful to our Igbo teachers and ICD children for their brilliant performances on that day. Many thanks to others for supporting ICD events in one way or the other.
ICD EXECUTIVES
We’ve accomplished a great deal working together as a formidable team to deliver on all of ICD projects and priorities to move the community higher. Thanks to all of you for giving out your precious time to serve our noble group. We are all Pacesetters!!!
I am so proud of what ICD have accomplished since its formation. Once again, thank you for your commitment and support. Long live Igbo Community in Dorset! Long live the Dorset County!! Long live ndi Igbo gburugburu!!!
Merry Christmas and wishing you all a very happy and prosperous new year 2023.
Tony Agwagah
President-Igbo Community in Dorset (December 2022).
