Oodua Progressive Union Has Become a Global Phenomenon- Otunba Gani Adams

Oodua Progressive Union an international Yoruba socio- cultural organization which aims at creating a global platform for the advancement of Yoruba, language culture and tradition on Tuesday hold the 2nd annual world congress in Ile Ife.

OPU which started in 2011 was an initiatives of the National coordinator of the Oodua Peoles Congress OPC Otunba Gani Adams and has been established in over 63 countries across the world

The  world congress which was tagged Ife 2016  was held at Hotel De Treasure Ile Ife and was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including prominent traditional rulers in Yorubaland, scholars,  professionals in the maritime and aviation industries  among others

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the initiator who is also the chief promoter of Olokun festival foundation Otunba Gani Adams said  “since the last summit which was held at Lagos Airport Hotel Ikeja Lagos in 2015, the organization have made tremendous progress as a group and our footprints are noticeable across the world “

“ Since its formation in 2011,Oodua Progressive Union has become a global phenomenon with branches  in 63 countries  across the world and no fewer than 23 branches are still in the pipeline”

“Today  we have established the Oodua Voice, an international radio and broadcasting outfit that Promotes Yoruba Language and propagate our Unique culture, our plan this year is to establish a  very big  African restaurant  and supermarket in a country in Europe and do something that will boost our membership economically in other continent ‘

“As the convener and initiator, of this group, I am proud to say it confidently that anywhere and  anytime that OPU has created a  formidable platform for the Yoruba race and we will continue to set pace for  the Unity of the Yoruba.”

While disclosing on the new agenda of the association Otunba Gani Adams said “ we want to  make history as a group and we will like  to be part of the transformation agenda of the Yoruba Nation therefore, the Oodua progressive Union branches  in all continent should build  historical monument in each of  each of the the south west  state. With all this facilities in place, I believe we can attracts tourists from all over the world to Yoruba land and Nigeria’.

While commending  traditional rulers particularly the Alaafin of Oyo and  Ooni of Ife and  the south west governors  for the move on  Unity and peace in Yorubaland, otunba Adams said “  Our unity is  sacred, it goes beyond political affiliation and politicking, the overall interest of the Yoruba race is greater than  our different individual interests”

“ With this new development , it is no doubt that the Yoruba nation have found  a common  identity and goal towards developing  a sustainable economic  integration in the southwest region”.

Some of the traditional rulers who spoke at the event remarks that the traditional rulers are also ready to support any move that will enhance the advancement and stability of Yorubaland

Also in her remarks professor Mrs Sophie Oluwole who represented the Chairman of the occasion Chief Olu Falae urge the OPU members not to limit their operation on Yoruba culture and tradition to the people in the diaspora alone but also ensure that the home front also benefited from their activities

Yoruba nation was atop of others in the past because we gives room for so many thinks which was later adopted and modernized by western World but we can also help our race by ensuring  material and intellectual culture development  of the yoruba people.

The guest lecturer  Mr Kolawole Adio  The chif executive office  of  international college of Aeronautic  who spoke on  ‘introducing  LEAN THINKING to Oodua progressive Union  charges the association on the need to ensure effective  leadership  so as to sustain the growth and expansion of the association.

Tope Eluyefa