CONSTITUTION

OF                                           
Ndoni National Association (USA)

NNA (USA) 2014





PREAMBLE AND OBJECTIVE:

We the Ndoni people of (ONELGA) Rivers States of  Nigeria, residing in the United States of America are aware of the poverty of Ndoni people, the degradation of our natural resources and culture, the lack of infrastructure and enabling environment for development  have formed this Non- Profit Organization to be known as NDONI NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (USA) for the purpose and objectives allowed under section 501( C) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States to achieve the following objective:


  1. To improve the economic, social and general welfare of Ndoni indigenes and associates both at home and in the United States.

  2. To promote, encourage and foster unity at all times among Ndoni indigenes and Associates.

  3. To cooperate with and support bona-fide Nigerian Associations in the United States of America and encourage members of the Association to join Nigerian Associations and participate in promoting the interest of Nigeria both at the homeland and abroad.

  4. To organize and oversee from time to time, unilaterally or jointly with other NNA local chapters when constituted, institutions, corporations or other groups of well meaning individuals and charitable events, workshops, seminars, public lectures for the purpose of creating awareness and growth in education, health, preservation of culture and the general wellbeing of Ndoni people here in the United States and Ndoni.

  5. To engage in such other programs or activities within the realm of the law that promotes and preserves our cultural values, enhance diversity; lift our people from the ills of poverty and advance the objectives of NNA.

  6. To engage in business activity(ies) from which the proceeds are used for charitable purposes.

    NOW THEREFORE, we, the members of NNA willing to abide and be bound hereunder, do hereby confer ourselves for this Constitution and associated By-laws.

    Signed and adopted this 16____ day of ____DECEMBER_____________________,  2014

    ANTHONY  ESUMEI                                          VICTORIA OCHIA-ANISHA

____________________                    _______________________________

Executive President                                                    Treasurer

 

VICTORIA  IFUNANYA                                               FRANK OSSAI

______________________                _______________________________

Financial Secretary                                                     Secretary

 

 

ARTICLE 1

NAME OF THE ASSOCIATION:

  1. The Association shall be known as NDONI NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, USA (otherwise known as NNA) and this name shall be used for the association in all its business transactions, including in its dealings with any or all its members or with any government or other organization.

  1. NNA shall own and maintain exclusive right to the name mentioned above and shall own the trade mark to that name or any logo thereof.

     

  2. NNA shall maintain a website or other electronic platforms in its name for operational necessities, as well as its means of communication and networking; and no member or officials of NNA or any other group shall have the right to appropriate the name, logo trademark, website or other platforms of the Association in whole or in part for personal use.

     

  3. The name, logo trademark, website or other platforms of NNA shall be used only in the interest of NNA, for its purposes, and in accordance with this constitution. NNA members and officials shall be accountable for the use of its name, logo, trademark, websites and other platforms in no less strict a manner than the use of the funds of the Association.

     

  4. The President, Chief Executive of NNA without derogation to any of the foregoing provisions, shall be the principal custodian of the name, logo trademark, website or other platforms of NNA and shall from time to time issue instructions and directives as to the use of these resources, provided that for all intents and purposes, the use of these resources shall be solely in the interest of NNA.

     

  5. Change of the name of the Association shall be treated as a fundamental transaction and shall require 2/3 majority of the members voting at every proceeding connected with the change of name of an Association.

ARTICLE 2

MISSION STATEMENT:

"To foster unity among all people of Ndoni heritage and strengthening our community through the advancement of Education, Culture, Human Services and Healthcare"

ARTICLE 3

PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF BUSINESS

The Headquarter of NNA, otherwise known as its “principal place of business” shall be located in the City of Marietta, in the State of Georgia until a change is warranted in the future.

ARTICLE 4

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

The designation of the County or State of the Association’s Principal Office may be changed by amendment of By-laws.

ARTICLE 5

CHAPTER

  1. NNA chapters will be organized in future when the conditions are feasible.

  2. NNA is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and scientific purposes, including the making of distributions to organization under section 501C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

  3. No part of the net earnings of NNA shall incur to the benefit of, or be distributable to its member, trustees, directors, or other private persons, except that NNA shall be authorized to reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payment and distributions to further its purposes set forth in its purpose clause. No part of NNA activities shall be disseminating propaganda, or attempt to influence legislation or legislative agenda. NNA shall not participate nor intervene (including the publishing and or distribution of statement) in any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.  NNA shall not engage in any activity not permitted to be carried on (a) by an association exempt from federal income tax under 501C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or (b) an association, contributions which are deductible under section (170C (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the Corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

  4. Under dissolution, NNA assets shall be distributable for one or two more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501C (3) of the Internal Revenue Code or the corresponding section of any future Federal Tax Code or shall be distributable to the Federal government, or state or local government for a public purpose. Any asset not liquidated shall be disposed of by the court of common pleas of the county in which the principal office of NNA is located.


ARTICLE 6

PURPOSE.

The purpose of NNA shall be:

  1. To combine the resources of the various Ndoni Association for addressing and solving common problems effectively and efficiently.

  2. To work to eliminate the cycle of desperation and poverty, bringing hope and dignity to every member of our community.

  3. To promote understanding between communities through cultural inclusiveness and diversity.

  4. To make sure that members of a chapter (when constituted) and NNA officials abide by NNA Constitution and Byelaws.

  5. Promote events/ activities that will encourage the growth of our children’s knowledge, recognizing our culture and its preservation.

  6. Provide a platform that will use the resources of her membership to enhance growth in education, culture, healthcare and human services in building a stronger community.

  7. Support schools and non-profits organizations that work daily to end the cycle of poverty and desperation, and to bring hope to every member of our community.

  8. Build stronger communities with each neighborhood we support.


ARTICLE 7

  1. MEMBERSHIP DEFINITION

Membership of the Association shall be open to all sons and daughters of Ndoni as well as others who have relationships with Ndoni regardless of their creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, and education, political or economic status.  Regular membership shall not be limited in number, and shall consist of those persons who are of Ndoni origin or who have Ndoni fathers or mothers or who are married to Ndoni persons. Each regular membership shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote at all meetings of members of the organization.                                                

(b) MEMBERSHIP ENROLMENT FEE

         All members shall pay ONE HUNDRED Dollars ($100.00) enrolment fee. This is subject to change upon approval of the Board of Directors where such exists or the general body of the Association.

(c) MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION

Every member shall make a monthly financial subscription of twenty dollars ($20.00) or a one-time annual payment of $240 dollars. This is subject to change upon approval of the Board of Directors where such exists or the general body of the Association.

(d) REACTIVATION OF MEMBERSHIP

A member shall be declared inactive upon failure to pay membership dues at the end of the year. An inactive member shall not be entitled to any membership benefits and an inactive member may reactivate membership by payment of all past dues plus a Fifteen Dollar ($15.00) fine, which does not include the month of reactivation.


ARTICLE 8

LEVY

 Members shall be called upon to pay a levy whenever the need arises and the amount shall be fixed at the Monthly General Conference meeting.

ARTICLE 9

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Section 1

The following officers shall be elected to serve the association –

  1. The President

  2. The Vice President

  3. The Secretary

  4. The Assistant Secretary

  5. The Treasurer

  6. The Financial Secretary

  7. Provost

  8. PRO – Public Relations Officer

Section 2

More officers may be created as the need arises.

Section 3

Election of officers shall be by open ballot.

Section 4

The tenure of officers shall be three (3) calendar years and any officer may be re-elected.

Section 5

Any officer found wanting in the performance of his/her duties shall be relieved of his/her office at any time by the association.

Section 6

             Where any of the officer’s position shall become vacant by reason of death, resignation or expulsion, such office shall be filled by a By-Election.


ARTICLE 9

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1

The President shall preside over all the meetings of the Association and shall direct its activities.

Section 2

The Vice President shall carry out the duties of the President in the absence of the latter. He/she shall also carry out any other duties assigned to him/her by the President or the Association.

Section 3

The Secretary shall be responsible for all secretarial duties of the Association and shall record proceedings of all meetings.

Section 4

The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary and carry out the Secretary’s duties in the absence of the latter. He/she shall also carry out any other assignment on the mandate of the Association.

Section 5

The Financial Secretary shall collect and record all moneys accruing to the Association and shall promptly pay same over to the Treasurer.

Section 6

The Treasurer  shall take custody of the Association’s money in the prescribed manner and keep a clear record of the income and expenses of the Association. To acquaint the Association with its financial stand, the treasurer shall produce the Association’s Bank passbook and other financial records at all general meetings. Such records shall be submitted for audit before any fresh election.

Section 7

The Provost  ensures that all members maintain Law and Order. He/she also collects fines at the meetings and submits to the Treasurer.

Section 8

The PRO shall be responsible for the Public Relations efforts of the Association.

ARTICLE 10

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section 1

The Executive Committee of the Association shall comprise all the officers in addition to the elected officers; three (3) members shall be elected for that purpose.

Section 2

Executive Committee meetings may be held when the need arises and five (5) persons shall constitute a quorum for this purpose.

ARTICLE 11

GENERAL MEETINGS

Section 1

The monthly general meeting of the Association shall be held by teleconference on the last Sunday of every month at 8:00 p.m. EST prompt.

Section 2

The venue for all general meetings shall be done on the phone until local chapters are constituted.

Section 3

Five members shall constitute a quorum at every general meeting.

Section 4

There shall be a roll call at every general meeting.

Section 5

The Association may send a fact-finding delegation to a member who, in the absence of any information, does not turn up at three (3) consecutive general meetings.

ARTICLE 12.


 CUSTODY OF THE COMMUNITY’S FUND

Section 1

The Association’s fund shall be deposited in a savings bank account in the Associations name.

Section 2

Signatories to the said account shall be the President, the Secretary and the Treasurer, provided that the President and any one of the aforementioned officers can sign and effect withdrawals from the account at all times.

Section 3

In the event that the President is indisposed, the Secretary and the Treasurer can sign and effect withdrawals from the account.
 

ARTICLE 13.

BENEFITS

  1.  Death of a Member

Section 1

The Association will support the deceased member’s family to bury the deceased.
 
Section 2

The Association shall levy the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) to each member of the Association as a way of raising a condolence fund to assist the next of kin of the deceased with the burial expenses. Bereavement levies are due upon the announcement of death.

Section 3

All members living in close proximity to the deceased are encouraged to attend the wake keeping and burial ceremony. Such events shall not be imposed on members and shall be at the discretion and convenience of the bereaved member.

Section 4

The executive of the Association shall send a condolence message, in addition to the condolence assistance fund to the family of the deceased.

(B)    Death of a Member’s Close Relation

Section 1

On the death of a member’s close relation in the United States, the Association shall render moral assistance in the burial of the deceased.


Section 2

Members are encouraged to contribute generously according to their means, to assist the bereaved member in the burial of the dead.

Section 3

All members living in close proximity to the deceased are encouraged to attend the wake keeping and burial ceremony.


ARTICLE 14. 

QUALIFICATION FOR BENEFITS

Section 1

No member who is not financially up-to-date with their dues shall be entitled to any of the benefits enumerated in clause 13 of this constitution.

Section 2


A member is financially up-to-date, only if he does not owe beyond three months arrears of monthly subscription and not more than one levy imposed by the Association.

Section 3

As a mark of leniency and love, benefits rights may be re-instated if a defaulting member settles all the outstanding dues and levies.

ARTICLE 15.

THE UNCONCERNED INDIGENE

Section 1

On the death of an Ndoni indigene in the United States who knew about the existence of the Association but chose not to participate in the affairs of the Association; the Association as a body has no financial obligations to the burial of the individual.

Section 2

Nevertheless, members are encouraged to follow the dictates of their conscience in honoring the dead and assisting the family of our deceased brother or sister.