OROKO CULTURAL ASSOCIATION – USA
2505 Greenes Lane
Powder Springs
GA 30127
01/19/2020
Minutes for Executive Meeting
The Executive meeting was chaired by the National President Iya Dr. Clementine Ebenye Nanje. The meeting began at 7.37 p.m with opening prayer by Tata Emmanuel Ikoe. This was followed by opening remarks by the National President. She began the meeting by drawing our attention to the theme of the 2019 National Convention in Atlanta, which was aimed at helping the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Oroko land, and that we have to do something before the upcoming national convention to be hosted by the greater Washington DC chapter. She continued by saying that we have to evaluate our budget first before we can know what to do. She mentioned that we also need to look into our membership drive, because most of the people who supposed to be registered at the national are registered only at their local chapters. She said it is the responsibility of chapter presidents to encourage their chapter members to register also at the national level.
She moved on with issues regarding the upcoming National Convention. At this time she drew the attention of the executive again with respect to bringing an Oroko artist to our upcoming convention. She said if we agree on doing that, then the process should start now. She also mentioned that in case we are planning to carry out any project for the future, the project must be feasible and achievable.
The PRO, Tata Victor Nanje weighed in to suggest that, in terms of helping the IDPs back home, we can create an NGO in Cameroon responsible for the catering of these IDPs.
In the same light, the Vice President Tata Mosongo Nanje also weighed in by saying that we can as well reach out to the IDPs and ask them their needs in order to give us a sense of what we will be doing for them.
On that note, the Executive Adviser Tata Efilo Ngoe weighed in to say that, it will be difficult to locate most of the IDPs, but he has spoken to an NGO called Reach Out Cameroon, which can help our children with some kind of education. He said we can prioritize what we want our children to be taught.
Tata Victor Nanje mentioned that he was in contact with another NGO in Nigeria that helps our people ( Cameroonians) on things like farming and recreational programs to better their lives in these difficult times.
So, the conclusion was that rather for us creating another NGO, it will be a good idea if with can partner with these NGO s already on the ground to help carter for our Oroko IDPs.
On her part, the National Treasurer Iya Naomi Ebile weighed in to say that, we can contact some Oroko groups in Cameroon in order to get access to these NGOs since people in Cameroon can have a better understanding of how these NGOs operate.
On convention matters, the Vice President Tata Mosongo Nanje mentioned that, they have secured a hall with the Vikings and they are making hotel reservations with hotels which are in close proximity to the hall. For the Sunday barbecue, he said it was suggested to be held at the Mukete’s residence. With regards to his chapter he went on to say that, they have about 21 registered members who are dedicated to make the convention a success. He said, Iya Michelin Ewang is planning to organize a cultural event before the cultural night if time will permit.
With respect to inviting a musician for the 2020 national convention, the Executive agreed to bring Tata Betondi James as a guest artist. However, the National Treasurer, Iya Naomi Ebile was neutral in her position with her grounds being that, since Iya Michelin Ewang is already here and who also performed well in our last convention, we can use this occasion to encourage her to be a stronger member of the OCA-USA community.
On his part, Tata Paddy Ndole who serves like an Ambassador of the Houston chapter to the national, brought in some good news which was focused on their new executive. He said he has encouraged the new executive of Houston chapter to register and be part of the national.
The PRO Tata Victor Nanje also brought to the attention of the executive an endeavor to incorporate the Toronto chapter to be part of Oroko USA.
On financial matters, the Financial Secretary Iya Caroline Pufong mentioned that we have spent a lot in the just ended national convention in Atlanta. She said so far the total amount raised is $51,714. The expenses incurred were a sum of $20,003.59 and other expenses incurred were a sum of $10,664.50. So, the total expenses incurred was $30,668.17
Due to the complexity of harmonizing the cashflow from registration which passed via many hands, it was agreed that moving forward our registrations should be done either by using our PayPal account or by paying directly to the Financial Secretary and theNational Treasurer via CashApp or other means suitable, so that they can keep track of the cashflow in order to reduce discrepancies. The National Treasurer Iya Naomi Ebile also added that it is also easy to make your national registration through your chapter. She added that going forward we should be having our quarterly financial report to make our financial records more transparent.
On matters arising, Tata Paddy Ndole mentioned that, the 40-60 ratio after the convention helps to reduce the national’s budget in carrying out projects.
The Dallas President Tata Wintson Okole mentioned that their chapter is still waiting for their $500 winning prize for the 2019 convention in Atlanta.
The meeting was adjourned at 9.12 p.m ET
Those who attended this meeting include,
Iya Dr. Clementine Nanje – National President
Tata Mosongo Nanje – National Vice President
Iya Naomi Ebile – National Treasurer
Tata Victor Nanje- Public Relations Officer
Iya Caroline Pufong – Financial Secretary
Tata Charles Mokwe – President California Chapter.
Tata Paddy Ndole – Representative Houston Chapter
Tata Winston Okole – President Dallas Chapter
Tata Blessed E. Ngoe – Executive Adviser
Tata Emmanuel Ikoe – Secretary General.
Done by:
Emmanuel Ikoe
Secretary General
OCA-USA
