WHO WE ARE 
Oko, which literally means “Okosisi” (Iroko Tree), is an adorable town located in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Historically, it was conjunctively believed that the ancestral father of this great Iroko City, Oko, was known as “Ijikala.” Ijikala was a skillful self made human being who believed in hardwork, challenges, dedication, and excellence. This pragmatic genius fathered five children, namely: Ezioko; Eziabo; Okoani; Ihengwu, and Ifite Oko. Today, these five children constitute the five villages in Oko popularly known as “EBENESE.” During his life time, his notable residential place was termed “Ama Ijikala” and remains same to date. Also, as a result of our ancestral heritage, the Igweship in Oko holds and goes by the title, ‘IGWE IJIKALA.” Igweship in Oko is rotational, starting from Ezioko, Eziabo, Okoani, Ihengwu and Ifite. The Igwe cabinet consists of the Ichies from each of the recognized Kinsfolks of the five villages (Ebenese). Oko is surrounded by  Aguluezechukwu, Amaokpala, Awgbu, Ekwulobia, Nanka, Ndiokolo, and Ndiowu. The predominant religion among her people is Christianity.

Not too long back in the history, we had Chief J.K. Nwosu; Ebenezer Otaluka (Ahalinta), and identifiable other community-minded icons that bolstered the historical premise for the socio-physical, economic, and educational development of Oko. A prominent symbol of community camaraderie, the enviable dynamic business concept of Oko Youths Transport Company (OYTC), will forever keep Oko in the historical conscience of Nigerian people and beyond.  The noble deeds of its architects and other community-help-forerunners gave Oko and the world the great and indomitable Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, Ide of Aguata and Orumba.


Oko is the seat of the nationally acclaimed Federal Polytechnic, Oko (Okopoly), and the seat of the “Igbo Political Empire” as of today. In 1979, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, an illustrious son of Oko, made history when he became the first Executive Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Till today, he remains and occupies the highest political rank in Igboland. He also occupies no lesser rank in any noble count of human philanthropic deeds for Oko people and mankind. 

Oko people are generous and self-conscious people who believe that there is nothing like home. As a cultural minded people, they believe that out of sight can never be out of mind. Home is where it all started, and home should and must be where it all would end. They share one common philosophy wherever they are and in whatever they do, which is, “For the well-being of Oko town and Oko people.” Maka Odi Mma Oko! Oko town, in the larger context of Aguata-Orumba local government area, was the last bread basket of the war ravaged Biafra for all surviving Igbos at the time. Since then Oko has come a long way mainly because of the efforts of few good men of old, and sizable number of emerging well-off and good hearted individuals at home and abroad today. 

Once again, we the Oko citizens in the United States of America, in order to promote the general welfare of all Oko citizens both in Nigeria and our host country, U.S.A, organize ourselves as Oko Progressive Union, U.S.A. (a.k.a. “OPU-USA.”). OPU-USA is a functional arm of OPU Home Base. Membership of OPU-USA is open to all sons and daughters of Oko in various fields of human endeavor in foreign land.  For the well being of Oko (Maka Odimma Oko), sons and daughters of Oko gather for a convention every two years. Dance culture proudly imported from home works to root our conventions and other social outings in enthusiastic nostalgia and traditional pomp.  Out of Houston comes the cultural edifices of Okwoli/Idigo Oko masquerade and Igba Eze dance troupe; both repeated champions of the famous Annual Houston IgboFest cultural contests.

OUR PURPOSE
Commitment and dedication to duties tend to support the organizational goals and objectives of OPU-USA; and to building a viable union for the improvement and betterment of all our people both home and abroad. OPU-USA is a visionary organization which calls for all hands to be on the deck. We strongly believe that a tree cannot make a forest. Together we accomplish and achieve more, by the grace of God!  At 20 years of age, OPU-USA has recorded many achievements and continues to work hard to stay on the path of progress and expansion. Although differences abound in any human engagement, but in a wise world differences cannot be allowed to destroy great minds and attainable global achievements. OPU-USA has invested in boreholes; educational entities; security vigilante groups; medical mission and micro finance in collaboration with ASA-USA and erosion control, among others, to ensure the well-being of Oko citizens at home. As we continue to grow, OPU-USA still works strenuously to find some better ways to expand its goals and serve our people more than ever. 

CALL TO ACTION
Annual convention is around the corner. OPU-USA appeals to all its sons and daughters to come out en masse to support our mission to transport our native land to the next level of happiness, love, and unity. Remember, together, we can make a difference! To our honored friends and well wishers, come close and join us ‘because to know us is to love us. 

Credit: This document was drafted by Chief Boniface Ezechukwu and Isi-Ichie Benneth Okpala.

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