DRAFT
Minutes of the 2007 Boston, MA Convention of C.K.C. Onitsha AAA
Held at Lombardo Conference Center, Randolph (Boston) MA, 20-22 July 2007
Executive Session Friday 20 July 2007
Summary
1. General: The pre-convention of Executive Session of CKC-AAA was hosted by Prof. & Mrs. NT Izuchi 62A Garfield Avenue, Boston, residence on Friday 20 July 2007 from 9.00 p.m. to 12 midnight. Fourteen (14) members were in attendance. Francis Asokwu Sea called in by phone from Nairobi. There were some observers and friends of CKC Onitsha in attendance for the dinner portion of the session. These included Mrs. Izuchi, Chief and Mrs. Chike Momah, Mr. Jerry Nwosu (co-MC for the Convention banquet), Dr. Ofunne Obaze and several others.
2. Prof. NT Izuchi presided over the session. In welcoming the attendees, the New England Chapter President Mr. Charles Belonwu gave a briefing on the status of preparations for the convention. The Mass and Plenary would be at the Lombardo Conference Center behind the hotel. Lunch would be at his house, 14 Hall Street that was about a five minutes walk for the convention venue. Subsequently, issues discussed included the Convention Speakers, Convention Moderator, Master of Ceremony, and 2007 ESA Nominations.
3. Keynote Speakers: Mr. Obaze introduced the guest keynote speaker Chief Chike Momah, describing him and “an avid and dedicated friend of CKC”. President Izuchi confirmed that the alumni keynote speaker Prof. Patrick Utomi was scheduled to arrive from London at 2pm the next day and would speak at the plenary session to speak and again at the evening banquet.
4. Moderator & MC: Mr. Fidelis Atuegbu was selected as Moderator for the convention and Mr. Larry Ozoh and Mr. Jerry Nwosu as the Co-MCs for the Banquet.
5. ESA Award: President Izuchi announced that the 2007 ESA nomination process was incomplete. The ballots had not gone out on time to meet voting criteria. The ballots were, however, available and could be voted on by the Convention. The issue was referred to Convention for a decision.
6. Alumni Mass: In place of Rev. Fr. Ugo Arinze, Rev Fr. Jude Onuchukwu (NE Chapter) would officiate at the mass. The mass would start promptly at 9.00 a.m.
7. Goals of 2007 CKC-AAA Convention: The Open Forum discussed the plenary session format and issues germane to CKC and the work of the association. President Izuchi said the focus was on those issues that would facilitate the 2008 Diamond Jubilee celebration. CKC-AAA also had to address some vital issues ahead of the NEC scheduled for the weekend of 27-29 July 2008 in Awka. First, to designate CKC-AAA liaison with the Steering Committer for the Diamond Jubilee of CKC Onitsha. In the end it was agreed that Prof. NT Izuchi, Prof. Alex Acholonu and Mr. Oseloka Obaze should represent CKC-AAA. Second, was to endorse the MOU prepared by the CKC Old Boys on the school handover to the mission. Finally, Mr. Obaze proposed “Pride and Ownership” as the theme of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. The ExCom endorsed the proposal.
8. Conclusions: The Executive Committee approved the above proposals and referred them to the Convention Plenary for ratification as is, or with further amendments.
9. Vote of Thanks/Adjournment: Mr. Onubogu and Mr. Nwokeji moved for adjournment. With prayers by Fr. Onuchukwu and vote of thanks to the Izuchis, the 2007 Executive Session adjourned at 12 midnight.
Plenary Session, Saturday 21 July 2007
Alumni Convention Mass
10. Rev. Fr. Jude Onuchukwu celebrated the mass in the Convention Hall from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. In reference to the first reading, St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (4:1-2, 5-7), he said that CKC-AAA was “a ministry of salvation” and that part of its mission was “open declaration of the truth”; to provide a conducive atmosphere; to do good so that the future would be better and to help other without losing courage” he said that in generosity, nothing was too much to give and that the best gift is that which is exacting and therefore, “painful”. He told a personal story of his fellow student in Rome, a lady who gave her last money for lunch and coffee to a beggar thus depriving herself of both and how she was rewarded weeks later with a huge lottery winning. He recalled also the CKC patron Jesus Christ gave himself for our salvation. Drawing of the parable of the seeds, he said that CKC students represented the seeds that fell of the fertile soil. He urged CKC-AAA members not to relent or lose hope; to “let light shine out of darkness” through their exemplary work and “to preach love, to help one another, and to help our juniors.” He concluded by noting that CKC alumni reflected and should always reflect the passage in the Bible, which states, “by their fruits you shall know them.”
Call To Order/Adoption of Agenda
11. The 2007 convention plenary was called to order at 11:15 a.m. by President NT Izuchi. Thereafter the moderator, Mr. Fidelis Atuegbu took over the proceedings. He presented the Official consolidated document for the convention and announced that the plenary would follow the 13-point agenda.
¨ Action/Decision: The provisional agenda was adopted without any amendment.
Welcome By Host Chapter and Host City
12. Mr. Charles Belonwu welcomed the attendees on behalf of the LOC. He said it was a great moment for the New England Chapter to play host once again to the Association. He would do a formal welcome during the banquet. He paid tribute to those who worked tirelessly to make Boston 2007 a reality. He said he was very grateful to have all of those who had come from out of state. (Text of his full welcome address is in the 2007 Convention journal and posted on the CKC-AAA website)
¨ Action/Decision: None.
President NT Izuchi’s Opening Remarks
13. President Izuchi thanked the New England chapter for hosting the 2007 convention. He also welcomed those in attendance. He said that the goal of the convention was to make the 2008 Diamond Jubilee of the school a spectacular event. He paid tribute to the keynote speakers Prof pat Utomi – one of us -- and Chief Chike Momah, an eminent and dear friend. Drawing on his formal message, he said that the 2007 Convention theme, “one decade of service” spoke eloquently to the past decade of service and the decade ahead. In closing, he said, “welcome and let’s get it on”. His welcome address is contained in the 2007 Convention journal and posted on the CKC-AAA website )
Roll call
14. The attendees present introduced themselves indicating their chapter affiliation, when they left CKC and present employment. (See attached list of attendees)
Consideration and Ratification of the 2006 San Francisco, CA NJ Convention Minutes
15. The moderator allotted 10 minutes for “individual silent reading” of the 2005, Convention minutes contained on pages 8 to 14 0f the consolidated document. One two editorial amendments were entered; on paragraph 6, 10, and 13 insert “Fr. Edward Inyanwachi” for “Fr. Edward Onyewenechi”. On paragraph16, change “general” to “generation”. There were no other comments or proposed amendments.
¨ Action/Decision: Mr. Emeka Akudinobi moved a motion to adopt the 2006 San Francisco CA Convention minutes as amended. Dr. Uketui seconded the motion. The 2006 San Francisco CA Convention minutes were unanimously adopted as amended.
Alumni Keynote Address
16. The moderator announced that this agenda item would be move to the period allotted for lunch since Prof. Utomi was yet to arrive. The next agenda item would therefore be moved up for consideration.
¨ Action/Decision: Agenda item deferred for later consideration.
Consideration of the Principal’s 2006 State of the School Report
17. The moderator Mr. Atuegbu allotted 15 minutes for the silent reading of the 2006 State of the School Report contained on pages 15 to 24 of the consolidated convention document.
18. During the open consideration of the report, it was observed, “academic performance at the school had dropped.” The analysis was not good and hence this was by no means a “glowing report”. There was a general feeling that the performance reflected in the report was “unacceptable”. The moderator Mr. Atuegbu noted that certain aspects of the report were Principal NE Olisah’s response to concerns expressed earlier by CKC-AAA. The issue of the quality of students and staff as well as the return of the school to the mission was therefore all pertinent. He noted that the issues including, overpopulation and the frequent absence of the principal from the school had been raised by CKC-AAA in its letter of 15 April 2007 to President-General Frank Mbanefo and copied to the college principal. He read the letter out and noted that President-General Frank Mbanefo had replied that letter on 17 June 2007 an indicated that while it was not easy for him to fully comment on all them issues raised he would “deal with them as they accrue” Mr. Obaze noted that the issues had also been raised at the 5 May NAPOC Reconstitution meeting at Onitsha, which he attended.
19. As regards the school’s overpopulation, Mr. Agbimson asked if the school indeed had any control over students’ intake. Some attendees felt that the school had become a victim of its own success and wellbeing, but that changes were possible. Dr. Uketui observed that the intake problems could also be a direct result of actions by various teachers.
20. Turning to the school’s poor examination results, especially in the sciences, Mr. Eke Okeke said such dismal performances were unacceptable now — there could be no excuses. Fr Onuchukwu, felt that the lax supervision of teachers might be a contributing factor. He proposed that the CKC Alumni should engage Archbishop Valerian Okeke, with a view to finding a priest, possible an old boy, to run the school given the possible handover.
21. The moderator, Mr. Atuegbu flagged the consistent absence of the school principal, as a distractive and contributing factor, and called it “problematic”. Other attendees echoed the sentiment and some suggest the “need for a dialogue” with the principal, while most stressed the need to convey to him and the NEC, the collective displeasure of the alumni over the slacking academic and disciplinary standards. Generally, it was suggested, that if they no longer existed, the functions of Dean of Academics” and “Dean of Discipline” should be reintroduced.
22. Mr. Obaze urged caution and stressed the need to dovetail CKC-AAA concerns and reactions with that of other CKC alumni on the ground in Nigeria, since they were more familiar with the goings on there. Mr. Nwokeji endorsed the suggestion stressing the need for collective action.
23. Continuing, The moderator, Mr. Atuegbu read out the MOU proposed by CKC Onitsha National Association on the return of the school to the Catholic mission. He also read out the news report on President Obasanjo’s remarks about unity schools and the role of alumni in running their schools. Mr. Onubogu joined with Mr. Obaze and others in calling for an unqualified support for the MOU. The MOU was endorsed unanimously by vote. Mr. Ozoh moved a motion to acknowledge the 2006 State of the School Report, with the understanding that the school principal will take into account concerns expressed by CKC-AAA, and see to it that the plaques on Blocks “C” and “D” were changed to reflect CKC-AAA’s contributions toward their rehabilitation.
¨ Action/Decision: The Assembly acknowledged the Principal’s 2007 State of the School Report, but expressed displeasure over the slacking academic and disciplinary standards.
¨ The Assembly endorsed the MOU to be signed between CKC national Old Boys and Anambra states on the return of the School to the Catholic Mission.
¨ The Assembly requested the School authorities to rectify the mistakes on the plaques on Blocks “C” and “D” in order to reflect CKC-AAA’s contributions toward their rehabilitation.
Consideration of the Report of the State of CKC-AAA
24. The moderator Mr. Atuegbu allotted 15 minutes for the silent reading of the State of the Association Report contained on pages 25 to 34 of the consolidated convention document.
25. Before throwing the floor open for discussion, Mr. Atuegbu noted that Part I of the report, namely paragraphs 1- 19 were self-explanatory and reflected customary activities and day-today running of the Association. He declared that the State of the Association was strong. Several attendees concurred with that assessment.
Financial Reports/IRS Form 990
26. The Assembly, however, took specific note of paragraphs 15 to 18 relating to compliance with IRS statutes, the state of the Association’s finances and the approved budget for 2007. The Assembly also noted that Financial-Secretary Agbimson, had filed and extension for the Association’s Non-profit report as required by law.
27. The Assembly went on to consider the report paragraph by paragraph. Turning to Part II of the report, Mr. Obaze pointed out that it was a tribute to CKC-AAA, that its MOU on NAPOC was adopted to henceforth all alumni funded projects on the CKC campus. The attended also welcomed the reconstitution of NAPOC as propitious.
28. On the clarifications on CKC-AAA funded NAPOC projects, (para 22), there was unanimity in accepting the explanations contained in the Principal’s State of the School report pertinent to the issue. Mr. Ozoh observed that with the clarifications, CKC-AAA was now in a position to release outstanding funds approved in 2006 for the projects.