This is a century-old organization that has played a vital role in the lives of Onitsha indigenes. Initially established as a welfare organization for Onitsha residents in Lagos, the OIU expanded to create a home branch in 1925, which became the mother organization for branches across Nigeria and abroad ¹.

The OIU actively participated in Nigeria’s pre-independence politics and has continued to evolve, taking on various responsibilities such as:

• Community Security: Providing vigilante services to ensure safety and security within the community.
• Education and Development: Promoting educational initiatives and development projects that benefit the community.
• Community Mobilization: Organizing community members for voter registration, national census, public health initiatives, and advocacy efforts.
• Advocacy: Representing the community’s interests and advocating for their rights.

As a member of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), the OIU collaborates with other organizations to advance the interests of Onitsha indigenes. Today, the OIU boasts 27 branches across Nigeria and abroad, solidifying its position as a prominent organization in the Onitsha community