The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has charged the Oodua Progressives’ Union (OPU) not to relent in its efforts at promoting the cultural Values and economic expansion of the Yoruba race to the outside world.
Engr Seyi Makinde stated this during the celebration of the 10th anniversary/ book presentation and grand reception of OPU held at the Vantage Event Centre, ACME road, Lagos State last Saturday.
Governor Makinde who was represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism and Baameto Aare Ona kakanfo of Yorubaland, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige said that time has come for all Yoruba sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora to come together with the aim of helping to develop yorubaland.
While congratulating the grand convener of the social cultural organization, Iba Gani Adams and members of the OPU on the 10th anniversary celebration, Governor Makinde promised to continue to support the group or any cause that will foster peace and development in Yorubaland and as well, its cultural heritage.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Global Convener of Oodua Progressives Union (OPU and the 15th Are Ona kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams said that the OPU which was officially launched in 2012 in the United Kingdom was aimed at projecting and promoting the interests of Yoruba race in the diaspora.
He added that the idea was to establish a Diaspora organization that will improve the socio-economic prospects of all Yoruba sons and daughters abroad, encourage business opportunities and also project the ideals of Yoruba cultural promotion.
Speaking on the book published on the history of OPU with the title “OPU – Globalizing Yoruba Values and Culture”, Iba Gani Adams hinted that the book was presented for two reasons; to set the record straight and to avoid unnecessary misinterpretations of history, stressing that this step became imperative in view of the fact that some people take pride in writing wrong stories and distorting history for selfish reasons.
Otunba Gani Adams appreciated the South west Governors that have their representatives at the event and those that have helped the organization to have its firm root in the diaspora.
He specifically appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for his support towards the organization, part of which was the donation of Amotekun Hilux van and some personnel to aid his movement in the promotion of Yoruba cultural/economic agenda and his counterpart in Ogun State for forming a synergy to establish a joint security task force to combat insecurity at Ogun/Oyo borderlands.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman planning committee of the OPU 10th anniversary, Chief Victor Mobolaji Adewale explained that his committee has embarked on various empowerment programmes for the widows and less privileged people across the south west.
The OPU which was officially launched in November, 2012 now exists in 96 countries across the world including India, Britain, Holland, Canada, Usa, Switzerland, Paris, Germany, Austria and others.
The book was reviewed by Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo who is also the Gbonka Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland.
A highlight of the event was the donation of a brand new vehicle to the Onigbaye of Igbaye land, Oba Timothy Moronfolu whose palace and vehicles were vandalized by some hoodlums in Osun State.
Dignitaries that attended the 10th anniversary and launching ceremony include members of the Aare Ona Kakanfo in council, some traditional rulers in Yorubaland and other well wishers.
