PREAMBLE

The descendants of Egba in Houston, Texas and suburbs desiring to promote the interest and welfare of one another; to unite towards protecting our heritage; to coordinate and intensify efforts in ensuring effective dialogue for the promotion of humanitarian objectives; to foster the cultural, economic, social welfare and educational·

Progress for all descendants of Egbaresiding abroad as well as positively impacting the life's of indigene living at geographical locations within the boundaries of Egba land.

We hereby constitute, resolve and agree to form a not-for-profit Association with a great sense of unity and honesty to be known as "LISABI ELITE ASSOCIATION OF HOUSTON, Inc.

Amended Constitution Adopted on October 26, 2014

ARTICLE 1: ARTICLE OF INCORPORATION

We, the undersigned and natural persons, at least two who are citizens of the STATE OF TEXAS, and who are of the age of 18 years or more, acting as incorporators of a corporation under the TEXAS NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION ACT, do hereby adopt the following ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION for such corporation:

ARTICLE 2: NAME, NATURE AND ADDRESS

• SECTION 1:

The name of the organization shall be "Lisabi Elite Association of Houston, “Incorporation.

• SECTION 2:

The Lisabi Elite Association of Houston, Inc. shall be duly registered -as a non- profit Membership Corporation in accordance with the appropriate laws of Texas.

• SECTION 3: :

The Permanent and mailing address of "The LISABI ELITE ASSOCIATION OF HOUSTON, Inc." shall be P.O BOX 2156 ALIEF, TX 77411

ARTICLE 3: MOTTO, ANTHEM AND LOGO

• SECTION 1:

The MOTTO of the Lisabi Elite Association of Houston, Inc. shall be:
"LOVE, UNITY AND PROGRESS"

• SECTION 2:

The ANTHEM of the Lisabi Elite Association of Houston, Inc. Shall be:
“The Egba Anthem:”
"LORI OKE ATI PETELE" by late Rev. I.0. Ransome-Kuti.

• SECTION 3:

The LOGO/EMBLEM OF LISABI ELITE ASSOCIATION OF HOUSTON, Inc. shall be: "0LUMO ROCK".

• SECTION 4

1. To promote family atmosphere and unity among Egba Descendants.
2. To help in the development and growth of the Egba Homeland.
3. To promote cultural and social values of Egba traditions.
4. To improve and uphold the image of the Egba people and to protect our q
5. To promote economic well-being of members as well as their families.
6. To love each other regardless of economic or financial status.
7. To organize from time to time social and cultural events in line with the rules and regulation of the State of Texas as well as United States.
8. To be non-partisan and nonpolitical at any level.

ARTICLE 4: MEMBERSHIP

Members shall be Egba descendants. Members holding membership shall fulfill all obligations and dues including financial contributions, donations of fees, when necessary, as constituted by this constitution, and as may be stipulated from time to time by the membership of this Association. Any Member of the club can not join another club in the Egba National Association in the Same city. Membership fees are not refundable.

ARTICLE 5: MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATION

• Members shall be a descendant of Egba, that is, either parent must be a direct descendant of Egba.
• Members shall not be under eighteen years (18 YEARS) of age.
• Any prospective member shall demonstrate commitment and dedication to the values, integrity, and advancement of Lisabi Elite Association of Houston, Inc.
• Any prospective member shall conduct his/herself in a way that will not tarnish the image or reputation of Lisabi Elite Association of Houston, Inc.
• All new members of Lisabi Association of Houston, Inc., are required by this constitution to pay a non-refundable fee of Five Hundred Dollars ($250.00)

ARTICLE 6: WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBERSHIP

A member who wishes to withdraw his/her membership shall send a written notice thirty days (30) in advance to the Secretary who will inform/read it at the general meeting.

ARTICLE 7: DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

• Section 1: GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION

Member(s) who engage in public disturbance such as public fighting and conduct unbecoming of any member shall be suspended from the association pending investigation. Disciplinary action will be taken by the then constituted Disciplinary Committee on a case by case basis. All members shall abide by the decision of the disciplinary committee.

Section 2: GROUNDS FOR DISMISSALOF MEMBERS

Member (s) who engage in criminal activities or conduct that will tarnish the image or reputation of the Lisabi Elite Association of Houston shall be subjected to immediate suspension from all activities of the association pending investigation of the Disciplinary Committee. The Executive Members will then make a decision based on the recommendation of the disciplinary committee. These criminal activities shall include but not limited to the following:

• 1. Credit Card Fraud
  2. Public Intoxication
  3. Murder
  4. Forgery.
  5. Buying, Selling, using and possession of controlled substances Rape.

ARTICLE 8: MEMBERSHIP STATUS:

• Active Member: A member, who attends regular monthly Meetings, pays dues and fines regularly and participates in the activities of the Association whether voluntary or assigned.
• In-Active member: A member who is not able to attend regular monthly meetings, and with proper notification and approval by the house but pays his dues regularly and keeps up with the affairs of the Association.
• New Member: A new member shall remain active for a period of at least 12 months before becoming eligible for inactive status.
• In the events of unforeseen circumstances, a maximum of three (3) absences shall be allowed to members in a year. Absences more than three (3) will incur a subsequent $30 fine each month that a member is absent. This means members shall attend AT LEAST Nine (9) regular monthly meetings within a calendar year.

ARTICLE 9: BENEFITS

• New members shall have one year (l yr.) of waiting period before qualifying for any benefits.
• Members shall not be entitled to more than two hundred dollars ($200) gift in a twelve-month period (not within a fiscal year but within a twelve-month period).
• A member blessed with a newborn baby or adopted child/children shall be presented with a gift not to exceed hundred dollars ($100.00) from the Association.
• In the event of a member landmark birthdays, for example, 21st, 40th, 50th, 60th, a member shall be given a present not to exceed hundred dollars ($100.00).
• In the events of a wedding celebration of a member or member's child, the Association shall present a gift not to exceed one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) to the member.
• The Association shall present a gift certificate of fifty ($50.00) to any child of a member who have graduated from High School, and a gift certificate of one hundred dollars ($100.00) to member or any child of a member who have graduated with a 1st degree from four-year college or university.
• In the event of a member's immediate family's death, a sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall be given to the member as financial assistance by the Association. Immediate family includes member's spouse and member’s parents.

ARTICLE 10: LISABI ELITE OBLIGATIONS TO OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

• Lisabi Association shall contribute a sum of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) toward fundraising of another non-profit organization events subject to the approval of the house.
• Lisabi Association, for the benefit of expanding its presence in the community, may place an advertisement of not more than one hundred dollars ($100) in another non-profit organization’s brochure which shall be regarded as expenditure for Lisabi.
• Lisabi Elite Association shall pay levies or dues to other non-profit organization it may affiliate or partner with for non-profit activities.

ARTICLE 11: MEETING

• There shall be e three main types of meeting of the general membership of the Association:
  1. Monthly General Meeting
  2. Emergency General Meeting
  3. Executive Meeting
• Monthly General meeting shall be held on the last Sunday of every month, meeting starts at exactly 5.00 p.m. and ends at 8.00 p.m. Motion to extend the meeting beyond 8.00 p.m. May be moved and approved by the house.
• A member who arrives at the meeting after a grace period of fifteen minutes, i.e.5: 15p.m. shall be considered late. A fine of Ten dollars ($10) late fee shall be imposed on such member.
• D. Emergency General Meeting: The Secretary in consultation with the President shall summon emergency general meeting for any of the following reasons:

• • Urgent matter(s) affecting the affairs of the Association and/or its members that required the attention of the general membership, such that, it has to be resolved before the next general meeting
  • If for any reason no general meeting was held as scheduled, an emergency meeting can be summoned
• The protocol for conducting general, Executive or emergency meeting shall be as follows:
  • The President shall call the meeting to order.
  • The Secretary shall read the minutes of the last meeting.
  • The President shall preside over the meeting.
  • There shall be no form of interruptions or disturbance whatsoever during the meeting (e.g.) cellular phones, pagers, and side talk
  • A member shall raise his/her hand to be recognized to speak or address the house.
  • A member who is unable to stay for the duration of the meeting shall notify the President before the start of the meeting.
  • Executives shall meet at least once a month prior to the general meeting to deliberate on the issues that will enhance the progress of the Association.
  • All dues shall be collected at the beginning of the meeting and all fines and levies shall be collected at the end of the meeting.
  • It shall be the duty of the President through the General Secretary to summon the executive and the general meetings.
  • All fines shall be levied by the President. In the absence of the President, the Vice President or a designated member will have the authority to do so

ARTICLE 12: RIGHT OF MEMBERS

• Every member shall have the right to participate in any discussion of the Association
• All eligible members shall enjoy equal benefits of the Association.
• Every member shall have the right to be recognized and properly address the meeting in accordance with the constitution of the Association.
• All active members shall be eligible to vote and be voted for.

ARTICLE 13: ASSOCIATION FINANCES

• A. Revenue for the Association shall be raised from, but not limited to the following sources:
  • Membership registration/Application fee.
  • Membership monthly dues/fines.
  • Interest from the bank account and dividends from investments
  • Fund raising
  • Other sources that may be approved by a majority of the Association.
• B. The following shall be the signatories to the Association's Bank Accounts:
  • The President.
  • The Secretary
  • The Treasurer.

Two officials listed above must sign any check, regardless of amount.

Under no circumstances shall a check be signed without adequate number of signatories and supporting documentation.

ARTICLE 14: ASSOCIATION EXPENDITURE

• Expenditures shall be authorized by the President with the approval majority of the house
• Such majority approval for all expenditure shall be documented and available on demand by members of the Association or an independent auditor.
• The Treasurer shall report the status of the Association's financial statements to the members quarterly and as requested.
• Financial year shall be January 1st to December 31st of each Fiscal Year.
• Accounts shall be opened for the Association with a reputable FDIC bank in Houston.
• Registration fees, monthly dues, donations and contributions shall be deposited into the account.
• The Treasurer shall deposit all funds collected into the Association’s bank account within 3(three) business days of receipt.
• All the Executives and members that incurred expenses on behalf of the Association shall support the expenses incurred with an official receipt for reimbursement

ARTICLE 15: ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

• President
• Vice President
• General Secretary
• Assistant General Secretary
• Financial Secretary
• Treasurer
• Social Secretary
• Chief Whip
• Publicity Secretary

ARTICLE 16: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

• PRESIDENT: The President shall preside over all meetings of the Association and shall be responsible for the proper conduct of business at such meetings. The President will ensure that members behave in a constitutional manner and do everything that will tend to the welfare and progress of the Association. The President shall assign officers and or members to undertake special or regular tasks on behalf of the Association, which tend to the welfare and progress of the Association. The President shall perform other special duties and / or tasks, which may be assigned. The President shall coordinate all activities concerning the Association. In case of any tie during a vote or an election, the President shall be responsible for breaking the tie.
• VICE PRESIDENT: In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall assist and undertake all the functions as stated above for the President.
• SECRETARY: The Secretary shall summon all meetings of Association. The Secretary shall keep record of minutes of the meetings; keep all records and documents of the Association. The Secretary shall assist the President at all times. The Secretary shall give proper and timely notices of general meeting to all members. The Secretary shall consult the President on any new matter that may be included in the next meeting agenda before sending notice to all members. In the absence of the President and the Vice President Secretary shall convene and preside over meeting.
• ASSISTANT SECRETARY: The Assistant Secretary shall assist the Secretary at all times and shall undertake all functions as stated above for the Secretary in the absence of the Secretary. In addition, the Assistant Secretary shall convene, in conjunction with the President, the Executive meeting and prepare the minutes of the Executive meeting.
• TREASURER: The Treasurer is the Accountant of the Association. The Treasurer shall record and deposit funds into the bank account on behalf of the Association. The Treasurer shall maintain all financial records of the Association and render quarterly Association financial statement. The Treasurer shall issue check(s) for expenses subject to approval.
• The FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Shall collect and report all funds collected at every meeting to the entire membership at the end of every meeting. The Financial Secretary shall work closely with and assist the Treasurer with all financial transactions. The Financial Secretary shall hand over all funds collected to the Treasurer to be deposited into the association's account within 3 (three) working days as specified in the Article 14(g) of the constitution.
• SOCIAL SECRETARY: The Social Secretary shall be in charge and be responsible for all social activities. The Social Secretary shall coordinate association activities, organize events, and keep accounts of spending pertinent to these events. The Social Secretary shall arrange for pictures, videos and music as necessary for these events. The Social Secretary shall arrange for gifts as needed. The Social Secretary shall seek for help if needed.
• PUBLICITY SECRETARY: The Publicity Secretary shall be the public liaison of the Association and shall coordinate all publicity activities of the Association within and outside the Association. The Publicity Secretary shall serve as the media Officer of the Association. The Publicity Secretary shall be responsible for all printing, advertising, anniversary publications, invitations and any other publicity related functions of the Association. The Publicity Secretary shall serve as the Public Relations Officer of the Association.
• CHIEF WHIP The duties of the chief whip duty will be to assure association’s discipline, that is, to maintain decorum during meeting proceedings. Duties will include taking fines from members that are late to meeting, members that disrupts the meeting with side talking, and ringing of telephones.

ARTICLE 17: ELECTION OF OFFICERS

• • All officers shall be elected for a term of two years
  • Election shall be open to all eligible members.
  • Officers are eligible to run for three 2-year terms consecutively.
  • After completion of three 2-year terms, officers shall be eligible to context for the same position he/she vacates after (2) two-year break beginning from the year he/she steps down.

After three consecutive terms in a specific position, an eligible member can run for another office

Every officer of the Association shall be elected by a majority of the members present at a general meeting.

• The last Sunday of the month of August shall be set aside for a general election of new officers.
• The election shall take place at a general meeting. The newly elected officers shall be sworn into office(s) on the last Sunday of the month of September.
• The transitional period shall be the month of August through September during which the outgoing officers shall hand over all association documents
• The outgoing Treasurer shall render financial statement of the Association to the house after the independent auditor have examined and certified the books

ARTICLE 18: GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL OF OFFICER (S)

• Misappropriation of funds.
• Abuse of power.
• Non-performance or neglect of official duties.
• The use of position or office for personal gain or in an unauthorized manner
• Any other acts, actions and activities considered being prejudicial or detrimental to the best interest and reputation of the Association.

ARTICLE 19: VACANT OFFICE:

If for any reason an officer is relieved of his/her position, the person serving as Vice, Assistant or Deputy shall take over that office until election is held. In the absence of Vice, Assistant, or Deputy, the President shall have the power in conjunction with the executives to appoint an interim replacement.

If for any reason the whole Executive shall resign or be relieved of their post and responsibilities, in case of resignation, their letters of resignation should be sent to the past president or the past vice president. The past executives shall then convene a meeting of the general House, and a 7- member committee will then be inaugurated to run the affairs of the Association and such committee shall arrange for an early election(s). The elected officers shall complete the remaining term of the relieved Executives.

ARTICLE 20: QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTION.

• All members are qualified to run for an elected office as long as such member has been an active member with the Association for at least one year (1Yr).
• Candidates running for office shall be in good financial standing. Such member must have paid fees and dues to date prior to the election date and must not be in arrears.
• Any member removed from office for any reason whatsoever shall not be eligible to run for any office for a period of two years (2YRS)

ARTICLE 21: ELECTORAL PROCEDURE

• The members of the Association's Electoral Committee shall be elected at the General Meeting of the Association
• The Electoral committee shall be appointed at the May monthly meeting to coordinate the electoral process.
• The President shall nominate electoral committee with approval of the general member's vote.
• Electoral committee shall comprise of three (3) members.
• Electoral committee shall verify candidate's qualification, organize and conduct election according to electoral process.
• After the votes have been casts and votes counted, the Chairman of the Electoral committee shall announce the results.
• In case of challenge to the fairness of election, the aggrieved party may petition the electoral committee.
• The challenged office shall be held pending the decision of the electoral committee.

ARTICLE 22: COMMITTEES

The President in conjunction with the Executives shall appoint committee members.

• FINANCIAL COMMITTEE: Shall advise the General Assembly on Financial matters headed by the Treasurer
• AUDITOR: Shall be responsible for performing the financial audit of the Association not less than twice a year.
• SOCIAL COMMITTEE: Shall advise the Association on matters related to social event and carry out the Association's resolutions on all social matters. Shall be headed by the Social Secretary
• NEW MEMEBERSHIP COMMITTEE: Members who have an individual that wants to observe the meeting of the association should notify the Membership Committee about the potential member who will then be introduced as observant to the meeting by the New Membership Committee. Application can then be screened in accordance with the criteria stipulated in Article 5 by the membership committee for approva
• E. AD-HOC: Shall include the annual award committee any other committee not listed in Article 22 may be set up by the General Assembly and any organ of the Association for a specific time and purpose

ARTICLE 23: DISSOLUTION OF COMMITTEES

The tenure of Office of an Ad-Hoc committee shall lapse on completion of its terms of reference

The Chairman shall recommend a Committee member for replacement, if its conduct in the opinion of the members is detrimental to the progress of the committee.

ARTICLE 24: AMENDMENTS.

The Executive committee shall not alter or repeal any part of this constitution adopted by the general house. Addition/Subtraction of Article, Heading and Subtraction shall be amended in harmony by a majority of the house present at a monthly meeting, which the Amendment is presented.