MARCH 2007

Warri Branch, although quite young, is very vibrant and productive. Many of our 25 members (hailing from 22 countries) have lived in Nigeria for decades—even since 1958. The oldest member was born in 1932, the youngest in 1968. Collectively they have produced 87 Nigerian children and numerous grandchildren.

Under the leadership of Past National President/Trustee, Mrs. Alice Mbanefo, the Warri Branch was inaugurated in April 2000. Since then the Association has played an active role in members' lives (bereavements, marriages of children, illness and financial problems). Monthly meetings are lively and interesting addressing various topics such as women's health, foreign language; and with demonstrations of floral arrangements, gymnastics, fashion, yoga, etc.

Money for charitable projects is raised once a year by a bazaar, dinner dance, or other activities. Warri Branch donated a wheelchair to the Government Hospital, new clothes, and food to the Old People's Home and sent a handicapped child to the Orthopedic Hospital for treatment. In addition, we take part in the National Association's Braille Project.
Every year we host a big Christmas Feast for our members and their immediate families.

Branch President: Gratia Amadasun
Meeting: 3rd Saturday every month, at 3.00 PM
Venue: Rotational in members' houses
More Information through our e-mail address: nwwarri@yahoo.co.uk

WARRI AND ITS ENVIRONS
Warri lies along the Warri River at sea level. It is moderately hot with high humidity throughout the year. Warm clothing is not needed except on cold nights during the harmattan season in December. Even then, the days are warm with hot, dry, dust-laden wind blowing down from the Sahara Desert. The rainy season is from June to October with a short break in August.

The neighbouring towns are Effurun, Enerhen, Ekpan, Udu, Ijala, Ubeji and others. The three major ethnic groups living here are the Urhobos, the Itsekiris, and the Ijaws. There is a long history of intermarriages taking place among these communities, and it is not uncommon to find people speaking all the three major dialects.

'Wafies' or 'Warfarians' is what people from Warri are called in their lingua franca -- which is pidgin English. Pidgin English is commonly used in markets, shops, hospitals etc. In fact, if you speak 'the Queen's English' you may not be properly understood, if at all.

Warri town is rich in crude oil (Black Gold) which is sold on the international market. Many foreign companies in partnership with Nigerians are located in Warri because of oil. We have a government-operated refinery, a port, and a steel manufacturing company.
People from other parts of Nigeria, and the world at large, come to Warri to seek their fortunes-- either working directly with the oil companies, refinery, port, or providing support services.

Although there are not many supermarkets, almost anything is available either in the open market or in selective shops. Several markets selling foodstuff, meat, fresh vegetables and fruits abound--but one must be prepared to bargain. You must learn the art of bargaining because prices are usually not indicated on the items-- neither in the open market nor in the shops. Shopping is like buying in a Bazaar.

Many private clinics provide specialized medical services. Some of our Nigerwives are medical practitioners and run their own clinics. Private schools co-exist with government schools.

Warri has a few comfortable, medium-sized hotels providing first class services, with swimming pools etc. Perhaps you may wish to visit Abraka, a few kilometers from Warri, and swim in a clear river with a sandy beach and beautiful scenery; or cool down in the Abraka River Motel. Private clubs provide tennis courts, golf courses and swimming pools.

Churches are many, and of different denominations. It is easy to find a church that appeals to one's heart and soul and mind. Most church services are fully packed—and the church hall enhanced with lively music.

Several intercity buses and private cars travel between Warri and different cities--Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Onitsha etc. Private airlines provide daily flights to and from Lagos. You may drive to nearby Benin City (one and a half hours from Warri) and fly from Benin to Lagos, Port Harcourt or Abuja.

Warri is small compared to cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt but what we most enjoy is 'no traffic'. The hustle and bustle, and the getting up early to rush to work does not exist in Warri… Warri is 'cool'