About the Association
Run by our members, for our members
The Wakirike Association of Great Britain and Ireland is an Ijaw community association for Wakirike (Okrika) people and their families living in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. We meet every month for fellowship, support one another through life’s big moments, and keep our culture alive wherever we have settled.
Who we are
A home away from home
Our purpose is to build unity among people of Wakirike heritage living in Great Britain and Ireland, whether permanently or for a while, and to keep a channel of communication open with Kirike Se at home.
Our badge brings both homes together: a family paddling a canoe on the river, with London’s landmarks behind them, the shamrock, thistle and daffodil of these islands, and coral-red manillas in the water.
Our heritage
Where we come from
Where we come from
The Wakirike (Okrika) people are of Ijaw origin, from the Okrika area of Rivers State in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Okrika town stands on Okrika Island, north of the Bonny River, and Okrika Local Government Area is one of the ten Ijaw local government areas of Rivers State.
Kirike and the kingdom
Kirike Town is the historical centre and the political and cultural seat of the Okrika Kingdom, which is led by its Amanyanabo, the traditional ruler, with a council of chiefs.
Our language
Okrika (Okirika) is our language. It is close to Kalabari and Ibani, and speakers of the three can understand one another.
Houses and families
Wakirike society has long been organised into War-Canoe Houses, each led by a chief, which are made up of smaller family units.
Sources: Okrika, Wikipedia · History of the Wakirike People, Wakirike Association USA
Aims and objectives
What we are here to do
Our aims are set out in Section 3 of the Constitution, last reviewed in 2021.
01
Unity
Build unity and good relations among Wakirike people living in the UK and Ireland.
02
Link with home
Keep a channel of communication open with Kirike Se.
03
Well-being
Support the cultural, economic, social and educational well-being of our members.
04
Enriching Britain and Ireland
Contribute to the cultural life of the UK and Ireland.
05
Racial harmony
Promote harmony among the communities of the UK and Ireland.
06
Charity
Take part in charitable activities.
07
Partnership
Work with other bodies that share our aims.
How we are governed
Accountable to every member
An elected executive committee runs the day-to-day work, three trustees hold the Association’s assets, and two auditors check the accounts. All of them answer to the general membership at our monthly meetings.
Leadership
Your Executive
All roles are elected at the AGM and answer to the general membership. Trustees hold the Association’s assets and auditors check the accounts each year.
President
Bryan Worika
Chairs community and executive meetings.
Vice-President
Mrs Lovinnah Ebenezer-Ogbodo
Deputises for the President.
General Secretary
Mrs Gloria Abam
Convenes meetings, keeps the minutes and the register, and is the first contact for enquiries.
Treasurer
Dr Abiye Hector-Goma (Ama Opu Senibo of Ogoloma Kingdom)
Looks after the Association’s funds and accounts.
Financial Secretary
Mr John Opuogulaya
Collects and records members’ dues.
Youth Officer
Ms Frances Oruene-Harris
Handles publicity and social events.
Welfare Officer
Mrs Linnah Oruene-Harris
Supports members and handles welfare matters.