March 30, 1999

Fellow members of United Nigeria Association Tulsa, Inc.,

It's hard to believe that we are now in the 5th year of our existence as a group. We've been through four fun-filled years and I do give glory to God for this marvelous harmony we've come to know.

Let me take a moment to thank our out-going officers for a job well done. A very special thanks to the out-going President, Bashiru Tunde Jimoh, for enduring the Union load while being a good husband to his wife, and a wonderful father to his children. You have exhibited the kind of role model attitude we, as a group, hope to impart to our children and our younger members. Thank you.

I know you couldn't have done it, though without the help of you able officers (Moses Wayer - Vice President , Femi Fassesin - Gen. Secretary, Gina Idahosa - Asst. Secretary, Kolawole Ashafa - Financial Secretary, Victor Aimoyo - CPA, Treasurer, and Crispen Omiyale - Public Relations)

We are very proud of you all.

To the newly elected officer I say, "Be of good cheer, you are in for a ride". Remember those times you felt we are not getting a lot done? Well, now is your chance to put our programs on a "fast-trak". Remember we are all behind you. We are here to give you whatever support you may need, so seek advise and counsel when necessary, and lean not on your own understandings.

Our new President, Moses Wayer, served as my Treasurer in (1995 and 1996). He was also the last Vice-President. Needless to say that we are all, somehow, emotionally attached to Moses.

So, Ol'Boy, you know you can count on us all to get things done. You have able officers, and expectations are high. But don't worry. All will be well.

I want to thank all our corporate sponsors for being there for us again and again. There is no substitute for education.

Anheuser-Bush Company -
Cash & beverages.


Pepsi-Cola Company - Beverages & Pepsi products.

QuikTrip Corporation - Promotions

As we partner with you to educate our community about Nigerian culture, we hope you understand that your comments and input are always welcome.

To those who have been watching from the sidelines I say, "time to step up the plate and bat for Nigeria". You are always invited to be a full member if you or any of your parents can claim Nigerian origin. You can become an honorary member regardless of your skin color, country of origin, or ethnicity. Come check us out. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Finally, I want to express my sincere thanks, love, and admiration for the members who sacrificed a lot to make past administrations a not-too-full-of-pressure one. Words really cannot express how I have come to see each and every one of you. As diverse as we are - Christians, Muslims, and those I just quite can't place, it is our willingness to defy the odds that got us where we are. It will be our sincere desire to always confess the positive that will get us where we need to be. I implore you to give current administration the same level of enthused eagerness that you gave me. We have a great constitution. Make it work for you. If you do not have a copy please contact any of the elected officials and obtain one.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Sincerely,

Clinton Obene