Nigerian Journal #8

What a historic day! The community of Achi, Mbieri got free clean running water for the first time since the civil war (between the rest of Nigeria and Biafra – which was this area) that began in 1968 and ended in 1970. So you can imagine the celebration! So great it was that the Rotary District Governor drove 200 miles to attend the function. The community pulled out all the stops, with speeches and dances, and crowned it with making Dean and myself “Chiefs,” and the giving of a goat to the DG. The day ended in the village with “masquerades” – the same like “john canoe/jonkunnu” in Jamaica.

Tonight we attended the Rotary Club of Central Owerri, who were our partners in the matching grant for the project. I made a presentation about Walla Walla and our Noon club. They are a small club with only 25 members; but are quite involved in a number of service projects. They raised over US $200.00 in fines, as well as through “happy and sad bucks.” I should mention a couple of other Rotary things from today: The Rotary DG said that this was the first matching grant water project ever commissioned in this south/southwest district of Nigeria. I told you that our club made history! Also today 3 persons became Paul Harris Fellows by either paying the $1000.00 or having a club member pay for them. One of the persons was the engineer of the project, who is planning to become a member next year. The other was the Village Chief, whose Rotarian son-in-law paid for him. There was also a special pinning ceremony for a former District Governor who was earning his 4^th pin. He was the only “benefactor” among the Rotarians. He was DG way back in the days when Nigeria was one Rotary district! Rotary has grown by leaps and bounds in this country and is making a significant impact on national life. I’m happy to be part of it.