NITVA

Most of the Nigerians who came to the Hampton roads area in the late 70's and early 80's came on student visas. Some came with enough money that lasted for few semesters, while others were not so fortunate, so when the funds ran out, the need to find a way to sustain a living and pay their tuition became paramount,consequently these students had to take up any menial jobs they can find, such as dish washing and cab-driving to make ends meet. In the process they were racking up many hours per week oblivious of the fact that working more than twenty hours a week was a violation of their F1 visa status. Back then the INS would storm the classroom and arrest most foreigners, the bulk of whom were Nigerians.
 

When the news would spread around that Nigerian students have been arrested and locked up, the need to find a way to free Nigerian students from the clutches of Immigration cell became top priority. Despite the fact that this group of Nigerians was students at that time, they would taskthemselves to raise enough money to post bond for their “brothers”. In a nutshell, that was how the Nigerian Community Association was born in June 1986 with the election of Mr. Oko Nwogburu as its first president. Although the association has changed its name a couple of times over the years to (a): Association of Nigerian Community of Hampton Roads (ANCOHR) and (b): Nigerians In Tidewater Virginia (NITVA), the spirit that drives this association has never dwindled. So as we celebrate today, let us not forget to thank the founding fathers that have contributed immensely to the success of this organization since it started. These individuals are, Dr. Augustine Okonkwo (Lifetime Patron and staunch Member), Mr. Oko Nwogburu, Chief Sylvanus Madu, Mr. Alexander Nwokoji, Mr. Chima Iwejor, Mr.Olutoba Orenuga, and Mr. Emmanuel Oguike We will also use this opportunity to recognize past and present presidents of this great organization. They are as follows:

 

Oko Nwogburu 1986-1988
Obi Okoronkwo 1988-1990
Godfrey Ochonma 1990-1992
Chima Iwejor 1992-1994
Chinedu Okala 1994-1996
Alex Nwokoji 1996-2000 (Twice)
Dr. Fred Ede 2000-2002
Dominic Ubamadu 2002-2004
Victor Emodi 2004-2008 (Twice)
Dr. Nonso Okafo 2009-2012
Soji Johnson 2013-2017

 Senibo Mel Epelle  2018 to present                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Chronicled By: Oko Nwogburu