On the 11th of June 2008, Akah community signed a sister programme agreement with the City of Newark ( Newark Umuaka Sister City Programme ) in the United State of America . This is an agreement that will facilitate direct development projects and cultural exchange between the City of Newark and the people of Akah community in Imo State Nigeria.

However, the negotiation that led to this giant leap took quite sometime in the United state. It was initiated by Umuaka sons and daughters in the United state, organized and co-ordinated by Hon Okems Okemezie (Akah son) who is a Commissioner in the City of Newark . The traditional rulers of Akah Communities travelled to the United States of America to represent the people of Umuaka in the agreement signing. The following were among the Eze's and Community leaders that witnessed the signing ceremony in Newark Municipal City hall:

HRH. Eze Ojinnaka (Eze Sina Obi of Umuaka), HRH. Eze Anyanwu (Achazie of Ibele-Akah), HRH. Eze Nmeremekwu (Aku of Amako-Akah), HRH. Eze Ukaonu (Akpaka of Ugbele-Akah) , Chief Timothy Iheanachu (Representing Amazono),Chief PZ.Uzoma (Chairman, Njaba South forum).

The necessary documents that consummated the relationship were signed by the Mayor of the Newark City (USA) and the representatives of Umuaka communities (The Ezes and community leaders). The ceremony was witnessed by a large number of Akah sons and daughters living in New Jersey and the entire United State of America.. It is usually a major ceremony when a City in a third world country becomes a Sister to an American City.

After the signing process was completed, the City of Newark forwarded a copy of the agreement to the Sister City International- an International Agency that oversees the activities and operations of the program. Subsequent issues relating to the program/relationship are expected to be copied to the body and the embassies of the two countries as it will involve the movement of people from the Sister Cities.

The relationship created by the agreement is a lifetime mutual relationship.

The program will identify, develop, promote and sustain economic development opportunities as well as promote educational programs and exchanges. Equally, the program will offer cultural exchanges and municipal mutual partnership between the City of Newark and Umuaka Communities.

Consequently, it will provide opportunities for municipal officials and residents to exchange experiences and expand knowledge through long-term community partnership.

The Sister City Committee set up by the Nigerian Community in Newark, with Hon. Okems Innocent Okemezie as its Chairman, will be designing activities for the program which will be of benefit to the people of Umuaka Communities in Nigeria . These activities will involve some budgets that will be presented to the Newark City Council for approval and delivery to Umuaka Communities.

There will be no fixed budgets but the budgets will vary whenever the City wants to assist its Sister City in Nigeria and the governments of the two Cities will be involved.