‘The Forum’, also known as the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, a socio-cultural association with headquarters in Umuahia, Abia State, has held her end of year gala.
The event, which held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at the poolside of the Hotel Royal Damgrete in the city of Umuahia, was a kaleidoscope of fanfare, pomp, pageantry and class with members attending with their spouses in tuxedoes and evening gowns.
It was organized by the association to fete its members, take stock of their activity in the preceding year and set the tone for the new year.
In his welcome address at the event, the President of the Association, Barr. Sam Hart, mni, returned all the glory to God for the successful year the association has had noting that it did not lose any member and updated the gathering on developments in the association including its Members that won elections in the last general elections among whom are Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who emerged Deputy Speaker after winning his election to represent Bende Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives as well as Hon. Emeka Tommy Jacob-Obioma who emerged Chief Whip after winning his election to represent Umuahia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly.
Other highlights of the event included induction of 18 new Members to join the already existing 70 Members of the Association.
Members of the Association as well as guests were treated to choice meals and drinks and had the opportunity to make merry in an atmosphere of camaraderie and conviviality.
The Association, which was formed four years ago as a support group for its Members who were burying their loved ones have since metamorphosed into the most progressive and organized Association in the city of Umuahia holding monthly health walks, paying off hospital bills for indigent members of the society as well as donating relief materials to charity homes in the state.
While giving the financial report for the year under review, the Treasurer of the Association, Mazi Austin Akuma reported that the association raised over 13 million Naira to support its Members who were bereaved in addition to raising over N2M to support a member who had a health challenge within the year.
Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Pastra Arinze Etie briefed the House that the association, going forward, was planning to purchase land in the city of Umuahia to build a befitting association headquarters and recreation house to further cement its place as the pre-eminent social assemblage in Umuahia.
Members of the Association are made up of leaders in the fields of politics, business, the public service and social endeavors as well as members resident in different cities in Nigeria and abroad.
Guests who attended the event include the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa and his wife as well as other top players in the socio-political and business landscape of Abia State and beyond.
The evening ended with members and guests dancing with their spouses in promotion of the association’s strong family-oriented outlook.
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