About Udi Progressive Association (UPA)
Udi Progressive Association Houston is an organization instituted to unite the people of Udi local government area of Enugu State, foster mutual exchange of healthy ideas, enhance professional growth, promote the welfare and enhance opportunities among UPA members in Houston. In addition, the association seeks to promote, appreciate and preserve the unique culture of Udi people of Enugu State Nigeria in diaspora.
Our mission
To promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Udi people in the diaspora.To promote professional development ,social responsibility,and self-help.
How We Started
Our journey to America started at various times in various waves, pursuant to different goals. While some of us were seeking a better education, others were seeking a better life. And a handful of us were seeking adventure in a newfound land.
Whatever our reason was for coming, we all believed that America was a shining city on the hill and our beacon of hope. America was our best chance at success.
Moreover, we all left Nigeria carrying the dreams, aspirations, and prayers of our parents, our families and our communities. They knew that our successes meant their success. And our failures meant their failure. Many of us were aware of our shared destiny, so failure was not an option. To foster our success further, we decided to model a granular family meeting like other communities had in America.
So, on that beautiful summer day in 2009, like-minded Udi people came together in Houston to endorse a meeting. The maiden meeting was held at the residence of Chief Goddy Onyia. During the meeting, the feeling of nostalgia and brotherly love was unleashed.
Members agreed that the group shall be called Udi Progressive Association Houston, meetings shall be held on every first Saturday of the month, and the group shall benefit our members, our Houston community, and our communities back in Nigeria. It was also agreed that membership shall be open to every Nigerian living in Houston and its nearby cities who came from the Udi local government area in Nigeria. The second meeting was held at the residence of , while the third meeting was held at the residence of Chief Dozie Elonu who was made the interim President.