Isuochi Progressive Union, USA (IPU) is the umbrella organization of all Isuochi organizations in the USA.  The organization has its headquarters in New York and a field office in Nkwoagu, Isuochi. The association is dedicated to implementing programs that would improve the lives of Isuochi people. The IPU was born in Southern California in 1997 but has since established chapters in Baltimore/Washington DC, Dallas, Houston, Miami, New York/New Jersey and Northern California.
Isuochi is the largest and most populous of the three towns that constitute Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia state, Nigeria. The other towns are Nneato and Umuchieze. Abia state is located in south eastern Nigeria. According to the most recent census figures, the population of Umunneochi is approximately 150,000.

Based on the frequent travels of its members to Isuochi, the IPU has become aware of the sufferings of Isuochi people. It is sad to note that in this Twenty First Century and despite Nigeria’s vast oil resources, essential life sustaining amenities such as basic healthcare services, clean water, roads to move goods and electricity are luxuries in Isuochi.  Furthermore, the schools are dilapidated (elementary and secondary); there is no library in Isuochi and in the entire Umunneochi Local Government Area. Worse still, roads and homes are frequently washed away by erosion, thereby rendering some residents homeless.

To study how the IPU can assist in ameliorating these dire conditions, the General Assembly of the IPU constituted several committees. The committees are:

• Healthcare
• Women Affairs
• Youth Affairs
• Fundraising
• Website
• Electricity
• Outreach

After reviewing the action plans of the committees and many deliberations on the immediate needs of the community, the IPU in 2003 selected the improvement of healthcare services in Isuochi as its pivotal project.  Within this program we chose to upgrade the General Hospital at Nkwoagu to a functional community hospital. Since 2004, the IPU has achieved the following successes regarding the hospital project:

• Donated equipment valued at more than $20,000.00 to the hospital.
• Conducted two successful medical missions (2006 and 2007) and treated more than 2000 patients.
• Dispensed drugs valued at more than $70,000.00 during the medical missions.
• Sunk a borehole at the hospital(2007).
• Instituted a stipend for the Chief physician at the General Hospital, Nkwoagu to ensure adequate and dependable coverage.

In addition, the IPU has completed plans to:

• Build a nurses’ quarter at the hospital

To become a fully functional community hospital, the IPU hopes to initiate and complete the following additional projects:

• Equip the clinical laboratory.  Currently, patients cross state lines to obtain basic diagnostic tests.
• Install a water purification system and distribute water from the borehole throughout the hospital.
• Continue medical missions to Isuochi, including surgeries.

When we complete the hospital project, the IPU hopes to partner with other philanthropic organizations and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) on other improvement projects, such as building a library in Isuochi, providing clean and fresh drinking water to the community, providing micro loans to indigent families and establishing cottage industries which would create jobs in the community.

All our projects and activities have been financed through levy of IPU members and by donations of friends. To meet the needs of the Isuochi community, we need your help. We invite you to explore the opportunities to help IPU meet the complex needs of Isuochi. Any assistance you provide will go into achieving the objectives discussed above.  No amount is too small. Here are eleven ways you can help:

• Make a one-time donation
• Make a monthly contribution
• Sponsor a project, such as water purification
• Donate equipment, such as electric generator, medical device, and diagnostic tool.
• Become a corporate sponsor of IPU
• Make a gift of stock to IPU
• Give your time and talent through one of the committees or speaking at an IPU event
• Attend our Annual Conventions and Gala Fundraiser
• Reach out to Isuochi Youth
• Make a planned gift that will help for years to come
• Spread the word-Tell your friends and co-workers about IPU

We will use your gift in the most efficient and responsible way possible. The IPU does not have paid staff. All activities are organized and executed by volunteers.  We apply more than 99% of our resources to programs that help people in need. Our complete financial statement is available upon request at any time.  We will honor your confidence in our fundraising and program operations.

In conclusion, on behalf of the IPU and the people that we assist, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to you for your belief in our humanitarian work and your ongoing support in helping us change Isuochi. You may contribute online. Or you may send a check or money order to Isuochi Progressive Union, Address. Check should be made out to Isuochi Progressive Union and must be drawn on a US bank.

Thank you,
 
Onyeloha Chukwumerije, Ph.D.
National President
Isuochi Progressive Union, USA.