I dedicate this piece to all members of the Oodua Progressive Union for their efforts in promoting Yoruba culture and tradition in the diaspora and for impacting the lives of the ordinary Nigerian citizens.
OPU is the pan Yoruba diaspora organization with a formidable structure in 98 countries of the world.
Since its inception in 2011, the Yoruba diaspora organization has made remarkable impact in the lives of the people in all areas of life.
Also Read:
- Kogi East stakeholders pass vote of confidence in ex-Governor Bello, declare full support for Ododo
- OAU amphitheatre ceiling caves in, injures students
- Senate approves establishment of North-West Development Commission
- Operation Lake Sanity II: 47 Boko Haram, ISWAP terrorists surrender to MNJTF
- Who does America listen to?, by Azu Ishiekwene
Part of the aims and objectives of the diaspora organization is to promote the unity of Yoruba race, seek both social and economic growth through global networking and also allow proper cohesion among all Yoruba across the world.
Every year, delegates of the OPU will come to Nigeria to participate in the world congress and they inject several millions of naira into the Nigerian economy.
In history, the OPU world congress had been held in Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun,Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara and Kogi states respectively.
The idea of the OPU world congress is to reunite with the people here in Nigeria, and create the bond that can endure at all times.
OPU uses the congress platform to take care of the people of the host community, and the people always feel their impact both socially and economically.
The history of OPU is not complete without a prominent mention of the global convener and the Aare Onakakanfo Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams who has succeeded in fulfilling the dreams of Yoruba race both in Nigeria and abroad.
While speaking in Osogbo during this year’s congress, Iba Adams said the various achievements of the global organization in the last 10 years, have been wonderful as the diaspora organization has transited into becoming a global brand with presence across all the continents of the world.
He added that the Yoruba diaspora organization has been involving in various humanitarian services, by taking care of the health challenges of over 1000 people every year
The Yoruba generalissimo also added that the OPU has done creditably well by making sure that each of the community has access to potable water. This, they do by building boreholes for the people of the host community.
OPU also take care of the people by expanding the humanitarian efforts and services. They give foodstuffs and other useful items freely to the people of the host community.
OPU also had a hand in taking care of the health challenges of the people. Every year, they organize free health care services to the people as part of their contributions to the development of humanity.
Apart from this, during the COVID-19 global challenges, OPU also made great impact by supporting the six southwest state governors as well as Kwara and Kogi states.
The Yoruba diaspora organization donated over 10 million naira as palliatives to the people of each of the states.
For the five days that the OPU world congress was held in Osogbo, the delegates were excited. They were happy that there’s no place like home.
It is of great interest to see many of the delegates from Asia, Africa, American, United Kingdom, Europe, South and North America and other continents of the world celebrating the cultural identity of Yoruba race.
They visited prominent tourism sites in Osogbo and they were all excited that the Osogbo experience was amazing.
The financial commitment involved in accomodation, feeding and all the visits to special places during the congress was amazing.
In conclusion, there is a need for us to appreciate Aare Gani Adams for standing firm to ensure that the Yoruba both home and abroad truly take their pride of place.
What Aare is doing with the OPU is a blessing to Yoruba land and to all sons and daughters of our race.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of all Yoruba sons and daughters to support him in fulfilling the dreams of Yoruba race.
Kehinde Aderemi writes from Lagos