17/08/2025
The Power of Small Groups & Associations
Back in my early days at the University of Port Harcourt, there was no Opi Undergraduate Association, Uniport branch. We had people from my town in the school, but there was no organized group that brought us together.
Eventually, the idea came up to form the association. To be sincere, I wasn’t so involved in the beginning. I didn’t fully understand the importance of it then. But as time went on, I began to see clearly that there’s real power in joining small groups and associations.
Whether it’s in the village, church, office, or business area, being part of a group makes a big difference. It gives you encouragement when life gets tough, connections that can open doors, friendships that last beyond the group, and even opportunities to learn from people ahead of you. Most importantly, it gives you a sense of belonging, because no one was created to walk through life alone.
And here’s the interesting part: if you don’t see a group to join, you can form one. That’s how social clubs, town unions, old boys’ associations, and even professional bodies came into existence. Someone saw the need for unity and connection, and they took the bold step to start.
Over the years, I have joined some small groups and I can tell you from experience, they have added value to my life. They have shaped my mindset, created opportunities, and given me a sense of family wherever I find myself.
So my encouragement to you is simple: don’t isolate yourself. If there’s a good group around you, plug in. If there is not, be bold enough to start one. Because truly, iron sharpens iron, and life was never designed to be lived alone.
©️ Joshua Chinedu