IKA ASSOCIATION BERLIN E.V CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 1: WHO WE ARE
1.1 The Name of the Association:
The Union is called …IKA ASSOCIATION BERLIN E.V. Ika ASSOCIATION Berlin is a non-profit organization, whose objective is to unite the sons and daughters of Ika speaking regions of Nigeria. This organization was founded on the 15th Nov. 2009 by sons and daughters of Ika who saw the need to promote love and unity in Ika land. The motto of the association is love and unity.
1.2 -- Greeting:
The greeting of the union shall be, “IKA RI MA” and the Response shall be “ORINI EYIN LE”
1.3 – Description of Ika as a people and land:
For the purpose of this union, The Ika people are a group found in Delta and Edo states in southern Nigeria. The Ika people speak the Ika language. They share borders linguistically in the west with the Edo speakers, in the north with the Ishan speakers, in the East with the Aniocha language speakers and in the south with the Ukwuani speakers.
The Ika people are specifically located in the North-West of Delta State but some like Igbanke, Inyelen and Ekpon are presently located in Edo State. Ika communities mostly comprise the following: Agbor, Owa, Umunede, Mbiri, Abavo, Orogodo, Otolokpo, Igbodo, Ute-Okpu, Ute-Ugbeje, Idumuesah, Akumazi, Ekpon (Edo State), Igbanke (Edo State), Inyelen Edo State). Other Ika communities found in Edo State are Owanikeke, Owa-Riuzo Idu and Igbogili.
ARTICLE 2: OUR AIM AND OBJECTIVE
The objectives for which the union is established are:-
2.1 -- To care for the welfare of her members and to promote unity, love and mutual understanding among all Ika indigenes in Berlin and its environs.
2.2 -- To enable all Ika people in Berlin and its environs to have a forum where they could meet to discuss issues affecting them
2.3 -- To work, maintain and foster unity and understanding among Ika indigenes in particular with a view of projecting the Nigerian identity in Berlin as a whole.
2.4 --To seek ways of improving education, technology, socio- economic, cultural values and understanding between Ika community in Berlin and Nigeria.
2.5 -- To facilitate the effective integration of Ika people in Berlin into the German society
2.6 – To work fervently towards the attainment of a dynamic, purposeful and sustainable development in Ika Land where and when necessary.
2.7 -- To enable Ika people in Berlin to promote their culture, values and language.
2.8-- To be actively involved in Ika indigene’s activities in Berlin.
2.9 -- To device ways and means of bringing all Ika people in Berlin together.
2.10 -- This constitution defines the fact that this Union is not a political party or organization therefore, neither shall it become one someday, but a welfare association. However, the Association will update members with events in Nigeria and react to such events as necessary.
ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP
Any indigene of Ika as defined thereto in Article 1 section 3, interested in the objectives of the association may become a member or remain so provided that:-
3.1.1 The applicant for membership must be of good and unquestionable character
Accordingly, this association reserves the right to vetting before admission.
3.1.2 A member shall upon registration, pay a required fee as may be deemed necessary by the association from time to time.
3.1.3 Membership is confirmed only after six (6) months of joining the association.
SECTION 3.2: ACTIVE MEMBERSHIPS
An "active" member is one:-
3.2.1 Who abides by the rules and regulations of the Association.
3.2.2 Who is registered as a member of the Association.
3.2.3 Who is financially up-to-date, i.e. a person who does not owe the union
in monthly dues or 3 months absence consecutively without a genuine reason.
SECTION 3.3: DISTANT MEMBERSHIP
A “Distant member” is a member who resides outside Berlin for reasons of Distance could not attend meeting regularly. Therefore, distant membership is subject to the approval of the association and attracts a distant membership fee.
SECTION 3.4: REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP
Where a former member wishes to be reinstated, a committee shall be set up to look into the circumstances and recommend to the general house before reinstatement.
ARTICLE 4: BENEFITS
SECTION 4.1: CRITERIA FOR BENEFIT
4.1.1 Must be an active member as defined in section 3.2.3
4.1.2 Members shall be eligible to receive benefits after six (6) months of registration, i.e, any member who is bereaved within six (6) months of registration shall receive his /her entitlement at the completion of six months prior to registration
4.1.3 Any member who continues to maintain residency in Berlin but wish to leave the Association voluntarily is free to leave, Provided he / she is ready to forfeit all entitlement and benefits. The member who resigns shall pay up his /her debts owed to the Association before resignation , or declared debtor to the Association even when he / she is no longer a member.
SECTION 4.2: BENEFITS
4.2.1 -- BIRTH OF A NEW BABY
Any new born baby to a member shall receive a total gift of 200 Euros.
4.2.2 -- MARRIAGE
Where the Association is invited to the marriage ceremony of a member, all members shall endeavor to attend and a cash gift of 300 Euros shall be given to the member.
4.2.3 -- SICK MEMBER
If a member is sick, 20 Euros will be used to buy beverages to visit such member and two or three members will be appointed to visit the sick member.
4.2.4 -- DEATH OF A MEMBER'S PARENT
The Association shall give the sum of 300 Euros, to any member who lost a parent as a gesture of our condolence.
4.2.5 -- ONE CHANCE LAW
This law is only binding on those who before joining the association already lost both parents in death. These ones shall receive JUST ONCE the benefit started in article 4.2.4 in case where he / she loses his/her non biological parent
4.2.6 ---Death of member:
Ika Union agreed conclusively to support member family who by means of death suddenly passed away. It is the responsibility of Ika Union to act upon the request of the family to fulfill the wish of the deceased member. e.g if such member choose to be buried here or transported back to his or her original place of birth. In line with this, Ika Union will delegate member or two to accompany the deceased member to his or her final lying in state destination.
4.2.7 ---. Ika Union will assist any member who has problem with the law / authorities only when the case has nothing to do with Drugs, Human Trafficking, Child Trafficking, or Rape.
4.2.8 ---Any other invitation: The nature of invitation shall determine what gift that befits such occasion. Where the invitation is ordinary in nature, then the Executives may decide on written response, Members presence or any other action.
SECTION 4.3 --- FORFEITURE OF BENEFITS:-
4.3.1. If a member ceases to reside in Berlin and confirms his decision to withdraw his membership, the member shall be accorded a befitting send-off party. For the purpose of determining benefit due to such member, the Executive shall constitute a committee to advise the association on the gift or cash grant to be presented to the member. However, without prejudice to the forgoing, such member must have been a member for a period not less than twelve (12) months and must be up to date in his attendance and/ or financial contributions to the association.
4.3.2. A member who fails to pay his or her monthly dues for six (6) meetings shall ceases to be a member and will loss his or her financial and any other benefits
ARTICLE 5 OFFICE AND DUTIES
This association shall be based and run on the principles of democracy and social order. The participation of members and the administration of the association shall be tailored towards the spirit of cooperation, discipline and unity amongst its members. In order that this rule of law is sustained, this association shall be run and managed by the Executives and Committee members.
The structure of such Executives and Committee shall be made up of the following:-
CHAIRMAN
ASSISTANCE CHAIRMAN
FATHER OF THE DAY
PATRON (External Member)
TREASURER AND ASSISTANT
SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT
FIN SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT
PROVOST MARSHAL
MEDIA MANAGEMENT
WELFARE COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS
COMMITTEE AND MEMBERS
KITCHEN ASSISTANCE
Office of the Father of the meeting: To be appointed by the executives. The duties of the father of the meeting shall be to play a fatherly/Motherly role and be prepared to offer advice from time to time when needed.
The office of the Patron: the patron is to be appointed and must be an external person. He/she has an advisory role and to give moral support and guidance
SECTION 5.1: DUTY OF THE EXECUTIVE
5.1.1 -- The management of the Association shall be vested on the Executives.
5.1.2 The tenure of every Executives and committee members shall last for two years And they shall be eligible for re-election for another two years.
5.1.3 Any vacant post shall be filled at the earliest convenience.
5.1.4 The Executives shall have all powers necessary for the full and efficient conduct of the affairs of the Association, and for that purpose may do any act or thing which they deem appropriate for the fulfillment of the objectives of the Association.
5.1.5 The Executives or the House may appoint Committees as may be considered appropriate, and shall determine their respective terms of reference, powers, tenure of office and composition. All acts and proceedings of such committees shall be reported back to the Executives or the House with the time frame.
SECTION 5.2: DUTY OF THE CHAIRMAN
5.2.1 Chairman shall be the Chairperson of the Association.
5.2.2 He or She shall instruct the Secretary to summon the Association’s meeting.
5.2.3 He or She shall co-ordinate the activities of the Association
5.2.4 He or she shall preside over the Association meetings.
5.2.5 Where necessary he or she shall have veto powers.
5.2.6 He shall exercise a casting vote where there is a tie in voting.
5.2.7 Shall be one of the signatories to the Association account
