Most Nigerians in the United States have lived here for an average of 25 years and are at an average age of 56. Those individuals who have been here for 25 years or more are now eager to go back to Nigeria to spend their final years. But the dream of going back to live the rest of their lives in Nigeria is becoming stunningly elusive with each passing day and the thought of dying here is seemingly dreadful. With the dimming hope of relocating to Nigeria, what has flourished recently is the proliferation of social clubs and organizations.

In the Dallas metropolitan area alone, we have Umunna Bu Ike Social Club of Nigeria, Enyimba Social Club, Peoples Club, Coal City Social Club, Igwebuike Social Club, just to name a few. Thus, Nigerian community in every major city is inundated every weekend with various activities ranging from Christening and wake keeping to fundraisers and inductions. In fact, people seem to shuttle from one activity to another to fulfill what is perceived as a community obligation aided by the emerging clubs and social organizations.
Well, with many people scurrying to join these social clubs or organizations for selfish interests, thereby boosting memberships of these clubs, so also are fissures within them. Large membership exposes to the forefront what was once an internal crevice simmering within. As a result, there have been numerous lawsuits in various cities and states in the United States relating to some of these clubs.

Recently, Peoples Club International has been embroiled in lawsuits and other shenanigans that resulted in the suspension of many branches from the fold.  Also, other older clubs are experiencing tumultuous activities signaling that depravity is not content in staying outside these clubs; therefore, new ones are emerging across the United States. The new social clubs should beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. The same people who are leaving to form new clubs are the ones who helped create problems in the old associations.
In any case, to attend to the needs of these clubs is tasking to members and nonmembers, especially when some people are actively participating in more than two clubs at a time. The quality of participation becomes a different matter since time is inelastic.
However, I attended a club event a couple of weeks ago, on Saturday, October 5, 2013 to be precise, and found something uniquely different about Privilege Club International that had its second induction ceremony. The uniqueness of Privilege International Club is not about its name—that rareness could be found in other areas. For instance, the membership exemplifies quality and character, but to a certain degree, class. Membership is comprised of all tribal groups, who have distinctively carved out their own niche to work together to uplift members and their families. The Club reflects Nigeria at its best in a nonpolitical manner. Privilege is the only club so far that has invested heavily in Nigerian real estate market.

The club purchased plots of land in Lekki, Lagos and it’s making plans to purchase more.
In his speech during the induction, the founding president, Sir Iyke Ginigeme began, “it is my honor to welcome you to this memorable second induction of the club to grace our new member’s induction ceremony.” “I thank you immensely for honoring our invitation and I hope that we would make this day memorable for you; it’s my wish to ensure that your time with us this evening will be an indelible reminder of the viability of our club,” he continued.
‘Privilege Club is founded in 2008 by people who have common interest with a defined unity of purpose,” he shared. “We deliberately made it a nonpolitical club with business investment tinge,” Ginigeme commented.  Since the inception of the club, it has been under a steady, capable, and transformational leadership,” he proudly told the large audience.
Continuing with his speech, Ginigeme said, “On this our second induction occasion, you will see that this is the only club that is benefiting members through solid investments. We have purchased 65 plots of land in Lekki area in Lagos, which is called Privilege Estate. So far we have exhibited an impressive leadership in our young history to achieve dividends for our members.”
“As one of the founding members and president of Privilege Club International, Inc. we have made some giant strides. As we reel in our ability to purchase plots of land in Nigeria, we have mapped out plans to expand the club throughout United States.  Next year we will be inaugurating branches in El Paso, Houston, and California. The following year other branches will follow suit. We have advised the potential branches that they must eschew politics and focus on investments that will benefit individual members and not corporate headquarters that do not make any contributions to local branches,” he concluded.
In the same vein, Umunna Bu Ike Social Club of Nigeria, USA which had its inaugural gala in 2006, had another induction some months ago. The mantra of Umunna Bu Ike Social Club is ‘Family Values.” The club seems to portray the image of oneness, but more importantly, it appears to reflect family values—the sacred unity of families—as a unique characteristic that seemingly captivates most people.
In an environment of family violence, alleged marital infidelity, and other family issues among African marriages in the Diaspora, Umunna Bu Ike Social Club of Nigeria may be the panacea that would help bring families together. At least, on the surface its structure seemed to suggest so.
Apparently, what sets Umunna Bu Ike Social Club of Nigeria, USA apart from other emerging social clubs is its mantra of strict adherence to family values. Membership to the club is by family. The club focuses on reinforcing the healthy maintenance of family unit. Members are required to be married and respect the institution of marriage. Singles are not accepted as members; divorce is discouraged and divorced members are dropped from membership. “Membership is by family; when a member family goes through a divorce, both husband and wife will be dropped from membership of Umunna Bu Ike Social Club,” a member of the club, Atty. Austin Uke volunteered during the inaugural gala.
Interestingly, when some marriages that do not have discernible problems oftentimes explode to the total bewilderment of folks, the club may serve as a conduit that would dislodge the simmering fuse that would eventually trigger or detonate marital implosive. I urge all clubs to uphold their social responsibilities to the letter and spirit. They all have a role to play in the Nigerian community in the United States.

Posted by admin on Oct 19 2013. Filed under American Politics, Headlines. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry