Okija indigenes that came to study in the Unites States in the 1960s were very few. This trend changed in the 1970s, and 1980s which witnessed an upsurge in the number. During these periods, majority of them were in Boston and were able to organize themselves to have an association. With time, many of these left Boston to other States to look for better opportunities, but many still remained in Boston. The OKIJA DAY planned for 1999 in Boston was geared primarily towards the birth of what is now known as OKIJA U. S.A. At that OKIJA DAY in Boston, a Care-taker Committee of the Proposed National Association was set up charged with the responsibility of charting a course for the organization, draw up the constitution, and spread the message - comb every city and state in the United States – for our brothers and sisters to embrace this solidarity movement.

The second National Convention was held in Washington DC in July, 2002. At that Convention the constitution was fully discussed and ratified. Boston, Massachusetts was unanimously adopted as the National Headquarters of the organization. Wisconsin accepted to host the next convention in 2003. The Care-taker Committee was asked to continue and lay a ground work for election in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin convention was a huge success with officers elected to pilot the affairs of the organization. OKIJA U.S.A is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. To date, conventions have been held in various States in America: Florida in 2005, New Jersey in 2006, Boston in 2007, the one scheduled for Okija in 2008 was eventually canceled, Atlanta in 2009, Boston in 2010, New York in 2011, and this year 2012, in Washington DC Metro.

The organization has lived up to her determination to make Education and Health care issues the primary focus. The School Projects in Okija have yielded much fruits. From 2004 to 2010, the organization engaged in massive rehabilitation efforts to restore the glory of two Secondary Schools in Okija. At Okija Grammar School, the organization completely rehabilitated the dilapidated Main School Complex at the cost of Eighty Thousand Dollars ($80,000.00), the imposing Assembly Hall Complex, and the Principal’s Residence at the cost of Sixty-Five Thousand Dollars ($65,000.00). At the Okija Girls’ Secondary School, the organization embarked and completed Water Project at the cost of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000).

The organization has partnered with Anambra State Association of United States of America (ASA-USA) in the areas of Health and Poverty Alleviation Programs. In 2010, the ASA-USA Medical Mission train anchored at Okija. It was a tremendous success. In 2011, OKIJA USA, again participated in the ASA-USA Poverty Alleviation Program. Five women from Okija benefitted from this program. What a difference this will make in their lives! The organization is currently embarking on a massive Books Drive hoping to equip the libraries of the Secondary Schools with the necessary text books, magazines and journal, and other educational materials. In addition, the organization plans to be part of the ASA-USA 2012 Education Mission to Anambra State by sponsoring the Mission to two Secondary Schools in Okija. OKIJA USA has also embarked on other charitable causes in the USA by donating generously to some organizations like St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and New England Center for Veterans, etc.

It will be noted that apart from raising funds from our friends and well –wishers at conventions, members of OKIJA USA have made enormous financial contributions for this organization to embark on her projects. It is gratifying to note that almost every Okija indigene in the United States is a member of this organization. Over seventy (70) families have signed on, and more are still expected until all will be under this umbrella. God bless OKIJA U.S.A.