CONK History
The idea of the association originated from a guy called Obodah Aki from Rivers State. He was then a student at the University of Kentucky in 1975. He initiated it at this time, by inviting some of the Nigerian students at the University of Louisville and the Kentucky State University in Frankfort. The group thrived for a couple of years, but as the students graduated and moved away, the association crumbled. By the way, Obodah Aki passed away on October 16, 2016.
In 1977, Obodah’s cousin, Collin Osuampke and his friend Erondu, attempted to revive the association. But this time, there were more Nigerians attending the University of Louisville. They also invited non-Nigerians, and students from other West African Countries.
This group thrived again for a couple of years until graduation started to affect them. At this time, they got smart and invited the Nigerians at the Southern Baptist Seminary to join them. In 1979, due to the large number of the Seminarians and families, and the availability of space for meeting, the group made Southern Baptist seminary the meeting location. In 2000, the association was named the Community of Nigerians in Kentuckiana (CONK).
The goal of the association was to be each other’s family while we are 6000 miles away from our motherland. The group celebrated each other, supported one another (financially, emotionally and any way possible), linked up singles, and connected children so they have friends that have the same background, the same values etc.
The group did a lot of family oriented activities. There were a lot of weddings, naming ceremonies, some engagements, and unfortunately a couple of funerals.
The list of presidents from the summer of 1981 includes:
· Dr. Uche Enyionha
· Dr. Solomon Abegunde
· Dr. Sola Aworinde
· Ms. Buky Dawudu
· Mr. Festus Babalola
· Engr. Cyprian Okeke
· Dr. Joseph Aina
· Dr. Selwyn Tony Igwe
· Barrister Stanford Obi
· Dr. Emmanuel Otu
· Dr. Raphael Njoku
· Dr. Manson Okafor
· Mrs. Judith Lalude
· Dr. Emmanuel Nwaogu
· Dr. Sunny Ohia
Dr. Emmanuel Udoh
***************** More updates on the history of the community coming soon *****************