Opobo Foundation USA

Building the Future. Restoring Our Heritage.

A socio-cultural Foundation of the sons and daughters of Opobo Kingdom, Rivers State, Nigeria, resident across North America. Founded in 2019 to foster unity, strengthen wellbeing and carry our culture forward.

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Who we are

An umbrella for Opobo indigenesacross North America.

The Opobo Foundation USA (OFUSA) is a socio-cultural organization founded by descendants of Opobo Kingdom of Rivers State, Nigeria, resident in North America.

Founded in 2019, OFUSA serves as an umbrella and supervising organization for all associations of indigenes (by birth, by marriage or by affiliation) of Opobo Kingdom in North America. OFUSA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, charitable organization.

Founded: 2019
Status: 501(c)(3)
Original houses: 14

Community elders and children gathered by a waterside jetty in colourful traditional wrappers

Our promise

“A sense of belonging and a safe haven for every indigene of Opobo Kingdom.”

The Manilla Tree

A relic of ancient glory

An ensign of the rich and free, and the enduring mark of Opobo as a City State since 1870.

The Manilla Tree

A relic of ancient glory. An ensign of the rich and free.

The manilla tree became the symbol of Opobo as a City State in 1870 and has remained so to this day.
These cast iron tree-like objects, in various sizes and heights, were used to display the 'manilla-money', the currency historically used for buying and selling.
The more 'trees' a family displayed, the more wealth, and consequently the more respect, they garnered.
Traders and merchants across the coast came to know Opobo as a people of means, making the Kingdom an economic force to reckon with.

Explore our identity

Also see the fourteen stars, green field, blue waters, and the boat.

Our Vision

To foster unity among the Opobo brothers and sisters, consolidate resources in furtherance of members’ wellbeing, and promote the culture and traditions of the Opobo people in the community to which we now belong.

Our Mission

To give every indigene of Opobo Kingdom in North America a sense of belonging and a safe haven where we can express and celebrate the rich culture of Opobo Kingdom, as we also seek to give back to our community here and at home.

What we do

Our objectives

Six commitments drawn from the Foundation's constitution, guiding everything OFUSA undertakes at home and abroad.

Unity & Community
To foster unity and promote the socio-economic wellbeing of all Opobo people and Opobo Kingdom.
Socio-economic Wellbeing
To assist one another as best possible in socio-economic endeavors and identify available resources in the area to benefit each other.
Cultural Preservation
To serve as a center for dissemination of information regarding Opobo people, and for educating our children on our unique social and cultural heritage.
Advocacy & Education
To promote our collective interest via lobbying, education and advocacy.
Community Connection
To liaise and act in concert with other similar organizations in the Diaspora and Nigeria in furtherance of these goals.
Positive Representation
To promote a positive image of Opobo people in particular and Nigeria in general, in the community to which we now belong and reside.

Explore our heritage symbolism, leadership, and membership pathways that support dues, meetings, and community giving.

Our Heritage Leadership

Membership

Be part of the Opobo family

Membership of the Foundation is open to all Opobo indigenes by birth, marriage and other legal means of citizenship residing in the United States and other countries in North America.

Apply for Membership

Fees are set by the House on the recommendation of the Executive Committee and are subject to yearly review by the Board of Directors. Portal access is shared privately by leadership.

Individual
One-time registration fee of $20, plus $5 monthly dues.
Family unit
One-time registration fee of $20 per family unit (a married couple and their dependents under 25), plus $10 monthly dues per family.
Dependent
Dependents under 25 years of age of registered members, who have not established themselves, are accorded dependent membership status and are exempt from monthly dues.

News & milestones

From the Foundation

Announcements, milestones and heritage stories from Opobo Foundation USA.

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Heritage

Opobo Turns 150!

1870–2020. It was celebration time as the historic kingdom of Opobo rolled out the drums to cheer 150 years of its existence.

Events
Inaugural Convention & Fundraiser
OFUSA's inaugural convention and fundraiser gala: two days of Ibani culture, music, masquerades and a symposium on issues affecting Opobo.
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Foundation
Our Newly Elected Board of Directors
At our monthly meeting on 4/25/2021, five sons and daughters of Opobo were elected to the Board of Directors for a four-year term.
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Foundation
A Big Congratulations to our new Chairman, Board of Directors
The Foundation celebrates the emergence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prof (Dr.) Carey Andrew-Jaja.
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Community
Opobo Foundation USA Pandemic Relief Palliative
OFUSA distributed pandemic relief palliatives back home in Opobo Kingdom: food and essential supplies for families during COVID-19.
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Membership
Membership registration is open
Membership is open to all Opobo indigenes by birth, marriage or other legal means of citizenship residing in the United States and other countries in North America.
Read more