ASA Finland Chairman Mr Onwutalobi welcome guests at the ASA Europe Convention
ASA Finland Chairman Mr Onwutalobi welcome guests at the ASA Europe Convention
Anambra State Association (ASA) Finland in conjunction with ASA Europe held the first “ASA Europe Convention” In Helsinki, Finland. The two days Business Conference and Cultural Carnival were filled with pomp and pageantry as Ndi Anambra in Finland came out en masse to celebrate their rich and enviable culture with their brothers and sisters from other parts of Europe.
This is the first of it’s kind and the Nordic nation of Finland was lucky to host it. Anambra State Association Europe is the Umbrella organization that represents the Apex National Anambra State Associations in the various countries of Europe. For now, ASA member countries cut across Turkey, Ireland, UK, France, Spain, Netherlands, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Italy, and Sweden. ASA Europe is affiliated with the Anambra State Association(ASA) world, as the umbrella organization worldwide.
The colourful event was graced by Anambra bigwigs in Europe and other dignitaries amongst whom are Mr Adeyemi Oyetade, Head of Chancery, Nigeria Embassy Sweden who represented the Ambassador. Mr Jaakko Niinistö, the deputy mayor of Vantaa, and Rev Arto Antturi, the priest of Pitajanmaen church.
The chairman of the occasion is Mr Michael Nwakile, a successful businessman based in Norway. The top dignitaries on the high table are Chief Christian Onuorah (Enyi Anam) President of Anambra State Association Europe, Vice President ASA Worldwide, Chief Barrister & Lolo Chris Offordile (Oke Nwa Ichi) CEO Ravelstone Group, Chairman Board of Trustees, ASA Europe. Also on the high table are Engr & Mrs Anthony -Claret onwutalobi ( Ikpemalu Eziokwu) Chairman ASA Finland, Chief Bonaventure Okeke (Afunwa) Vice Chairman ASA Finland, Mr Edwin Nzewi (Owala Nnewi), Patron ASA Finland.
Other notable dignitaries who graced the occasion are Chief Barrister Simon Ikpa, Igbo Union Chairman in Finland, Chief John Enwere (Obata obulu Uzo) traditional prime minister Igbo Union Finland, Lady Theodore Ayagwu, President of ASA Ireland & chairwomen & Children and Barrister Joel Azubuko Uda Deputy Inspector General of Police.
Some associations, unions and organizations in Finland were also in attendance like the Enugu State Union, Ndi Umunna( Old Imo and Abia), Edo Union, Delta State Association, Ghana Association, and they all supported ASA Finland during the launch of the ASA brochure.
The event was characterized by the cultural display from different groups of ASA Finland and guests were equally entertained by the son of late Igbo high-life music maestro “Oliver de Coque” the masquerade dance which is a symbolic cultural identity of Ndi Anambra.
In his speech, Mr Adeyemi Oyetade who represented the Nigeria Ambassador in Sweden admonished Nigerians on the need to think home. In his words, he said he loves the Igbo people not because he is married from there but because of their doggedness and resilience in life.
The climax of the cultural carnival was the launching of the Association’s 2018 brochure. Chief Christian Onuorah (Enyi Anam) President Anambra State Association Europe, Vice President ASA Worldwide on behalf of ASA Europe launched the brochure for €1000. Also, the Chairman of the occasion Mr Michael Nwakile gave €300 in support while multi-millionaire Ireland-trained Barrister, Chief Sir Chris Offordile (Oke Nwa Ichi) got a copy of the brochure for €500. Other dignitaries, too many to mention also bought a copy of the brochure with a good sum of money.
The chairman of Anambra State Association (ASA) Finland, Engr Claret-Anthony Onwutalobi thanked everyone for the role they played in making the Anambra Business Conference and Cultural Carnival a huge success.
