*Manta, Idi, Aregbeshola, others speak
Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Alhaji Muhammed Haruna Manta, Consul General; His Excellency,Andrew Nengak Idi, Professor Aregbeshola
R. Adewale and Professor Francis Bayo Lewu were among prominent guests that spoke at this year’s edition of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) African Summit in South Africa.
The summit, organised by the South African chapter of OPU, was the best platform for all the guests to put a number of pressing issues in proper perspective.
In his opening remarks, Iba Adams, who is also the Global Convener of OPU, said the Yoruba diaspora organisation is presently in 98 countries in the world, adding that the organisation is determined to reposition the trajectory of Yoruba race for it to take its pride of place among the races in the world.
The Yoruba generalissimo stated also that OPU has achieved a lot which, he said, would be recorded in the book of history.
He maintained also that OPU will continue to be at the vanguard of projecting the Yoruba and ensure peace and unity across the land.
“Over the years, OPU Summits had provided better opportunities for us to think and reason together as a family. Each of the summit take us a step closer to fulfilling the dreams of our organisation.
“Here in South Africa, there is an abundant human and material resources that are available for us to leverage on in our determination to strengthen the bond of Yoruba race.
“Therefore, it is our determination to make lasting impression in the minds of the coming generations. As we forge ahead, we will remain focus and steadfast in our drive to sustain the ideals of the Yoruba race”.
Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa, Alhaji Muhammed Haruna Manta, who was represented by the Head of Chancery, Mr. Erhaze Ehiabi Sunday, said Nigerians in South Africa are good ambassadors of the country.
He applauded their impacts in the progress and development of South Africa, even as he urged Nigerians in South Africa to continue to be the pride of Africa.
His excellency, Andrew Nengak Idi, spoke on the need to promote unity and peace in Nigeria and in South Africa.
He said the future of Nigeria “is bright if all the states and ethnic nationalities that make up the country work together to ensure that peace reigns supreme in Nigeria and other African countries”.
Speaking on the topic titled: “Understanding the Agricultural value chain among the Yoruba”, Prof Adewale from the Department of International Business and Development Economics, University of South Africa, said agriculture is the oldest profession on earth.
He stated also that for the Yoruba to explore the potentials of the soil, there is need for the Yoruba to optimally manage its resources.
“Yoruba is a blessed race. You cannot quantify the blessings of humanity, land, resources, capacity and value bestowed on Yoruba race. But it is baffling when the people of the race with such huge potentials are wallowing in pain occasioned by ignorance, neglect, poverty and lack.
“The missing links are lack of good managers and poor management.
The Yoruba need to understand how to drive both human, material and capital resources towards fulfilling and achieving its goal.
“When the value chain is smooth, the business prospers. So,the best approach is for us to address the hindrances that hold us back and come up with something that is workable and enduring.
Also speaking, Professor Francis Bayo Lewu from the Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Cape Peninsula, University of Technology, South Africa, said the Yoruba is well known for the rich culture, tradition and heritage.
He added that the Yoruba culture is entrenched in very amiable diversity maintaining that that is the reason for the enduring values and ethos of Omoluabi that the Yoruba are reknowned for.
“It is interestingly to note that Yoruba culture and tradition has gone beyond the shores of Africa and in the Caribbean countries.That is why Yoruba language is officially recognized in one state of the United States of America.
“Yoruba people are established in Europe, American and immigrants across the world. Yoruba people love coaster area.When you go to Brazil, you marvel at the way the Brazilian hold dear to Yoruba culture and our religion.
“You see the Brazilian worshipping Ogun and other deities. That is a strong source of pride to us as a race. Yoruba are very strong in the production of different sculptures and beads.The Yoruba is destined to be among the leading races in the world and with the role played by OPU, I have a strong conviction that Yoruba will continue to be the pride of the black race.
Expressing his appreciation, South African coordinator of OPU, Otunba Kayode Orenisi, also known as Kaymoney, said he was delighted by the large turnout of guests and members of the OPU at the summit.
Otunba Orenisi also said OPU South Africa will establish Africa Training Academy that will be teaching Yoruba language.
“OPU South Africa will initiate an academic and business initiative that will boost both academic and economic in South Africa.So,I urge all members to remain committed to the ideals of the organization”
In his address, Prince Adedapo Adesanmi said OPU has remained the fastest growing diaspora organization in history with branches in 98 countries of the world, adding that Iba Gani Adams had built a global brand that will endure for a very long time.
President, Association of Yorubas in Diaspora South Africa, Dr Olushola Agbeniyi, acknowledged the zeal that drives OPU as an organisation.
“I am always surprised at the way the Global Convener goes about his busy schedules handling various diaspora organisations. It is nothing but the grace of God for somebody like Aare to be the torchbearer of OPU in all the 98 countries where the organisation is located”
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Yoruba One Voice, Prince Adedokun Ademiluyi, urged OPU members in South Africa to remain firm and protect the interest of the Yoruba where they are.
Apart from all members of OPU in
South Africa, other guests present at the summit include two members of the Aareonakakanfo -Chiefs -In-Council, the Atoloye Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Babajide Tanimowo; Bareejiro Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Chief Dauda Asikolaiye; African Union Coordinator, Otunba Segun Ogunpitan; President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, South Africa, Douglas Nwanike and Baba Egbe Yoruba, South Africa, Dr Ajibola Adegboye, among others.
