The Ekiti State of Nigeria will play host to over 300 Yoruba in Diaspora under the auspices of Oodua Progress Union (OPU) from 89 countries between 26-29 January 2020.
According to Prince Olayiwola Suileman Ayinla, OPU 2020 AGM Ekiti, “We the members of Oodua Progressive Union, OPU, a Yoruba cultural-tourism association formed by Aare Gani Adams, with presence in over 89 countries of the world have decided to hold the 6th intercontinental AGM of this cultural association in Ekiti State, Ile Uyi, Ile Eye.
“Our decision to host the AGM in Ado – Ekiti this year 2020 is major because of the cultural and value rejuvenation strides of Dr John Kayode Fayemi, who has proved to the whole world his keen and passionate commitment to the development and promotion of Yoruba pristine arts, culture, value and tourism in Ekiti.”
He disclosed that “Dr Fayemi’s cultural policy tallies with the vision of OPU which is to among others, rejuvenate and resuscitate the cultural values, pristine ethos and mores of Yoruba which make an omoluabi in a typical Yoruba man and a reawakening and strengthening of the huge culturally diverse and ancestral heritage of the Yoruba nation.
Prince Ayinla revealed that “It is interesting to note that OPU AGM Ekiti 2020 has recorded the largest number of would-be participants who have bought the Aso Ebi having held it in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Osun.”
He said that “We are converging on Ekiti to feel the rustic nature of a state that fits the geographical configuration of Wales, in the UK. We are coming to Ado – Ekiti to see the hills, climb the beautiful mountains eat the best-pounded yam with fresh palm wine and receive cultural and traditional knowledge from the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, The Alawe of Ilawe, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, who was is the Chairman of Ekiti Council of Obas and Traditional rulers and who was one of us as a Diplomat in Jamaica, Brazil and other countries.
“We are coming to Ekiti to search for investment opportunities and economic network. We are converging on Ekiti to add economic value to the strides of Governor John Kayode Fayemi who towers above his peers in the culture and arts sector.”
