About ZUMUNTA

Formed in 1991 in New York , Zumunta Association USA Inc., is a tax-exempt 501(c), progressive, fast-growing, non-profit and non-political organization of Northern Nigerians based in the United States. With solid, down-to-the-earth objectives, Zumunta aspires to help develop the North technologically, socially, and economically; cater for its members, preserve the rich and diverse culture of Nigeria, and improve the image of the country in the global arena. Toward this end, the organization has, in its short life span, undertaken several projects at chapter, national and international levels.

In September 1996, Zumunta shipped and donated more than 160 pieces of computers and several printers, books, and other gadgets to Northern universities and polytechnics to enhance computer literacy in the North. Earlier, in May 1996, we reached an agreement with the universities of Sokoto, Kano, Maiduguri, Jos and Bauchi to work together in the implementation of our mutual social and academic programs.

Our next big project is the Zumunta Scholarship Initiative under which the organization will sponsor one student from each of the Northern states to pursue a 4-year degree program in science, medicine, engineering and vocational education in selected Nigerian universities, beginning from the 1998/99 academic session. The launching of the scholarship fund is slated for July 1997 in Washington DC. Other major activities of Zumunta include conference, symposia, and seminars to educate Americans and other about the positives sides of Nigeria, as well as the establishment of several committees at chapter levels to organize social and educational programs and projects including acquisition of supplies and materials for donation to various Nigerian schools, hospitals and other non-profit, charitable agencies.

Realizing the need for Nigerians in the U.S. to work together to improve their country's tattered image abroad, Zumunta, along with the ONP and other groups, has spearheaded and effort to form a "National Leadership Forum" which periodically brings executives of leaders of various Nigerian organizations on the same forum to discuss issues related to Nigeria. The forum has met at least thrice since 1994 in Memphis, New Orleans, and Nashville to brainstorm on how to make Nigeria look better in the eyes of the world. Zumunta will soon set up a similar groups within its chapters nationwide to work towards similar goals. At the international level, Zumunta has been a gracious host to numerous dignitaries, intellectuals, governors, mayors and diplomats, and business executives from Nigeria, the United States and elsewhere with whom economic, technical, cultural, and social avenues have been sought to further our mutual goals. Working closely with our compatriots in Britain and Canada, Zumunta has also organized several public, private, oral and written appearances to solicit for peaceful resolution to various political and social issues in Nigeria.

As an effective vehicle for enhancing social relationships, the organization is there when ever any of its registered members marries, has a baby, graduates, comes or departs - or dies. To date we have played active roles in the funerals of four comrades from Kano, Plateau, Kaduna and Kebbi states who died in the U. S. by either burying them here or having their remains taken back to Nigeria. With chapters in many U.S. states, Zumunta continues to play visible and crucial roles in improving the welfare of the U.S. communities in which our members live and work. Similarly, we continue to work with Nigerian, African, American, Caribbean, and other groups in the U.S. and around the world towards establishing a greater understanding and dialogue for the benefit of our country, Nigeria, and those who work with us to achieve these objectives.

Aliyu Mustapha