‘WE WANT TO BE PART OF YORUBA RENAISSANCE’

North America-based Egbe Omo Yoruba unfolds plans to intervene in economic, social and cultural affairs in the south west.

THOUGH visiting members of the National Association of Yoruba Descendants in North America, also known as Egbe Omo Yoruba, are home this time to meet with stakeholders on social, economic and political issues in the south west, they are not forgetting their cultural obligation.

Established some 22 years ago, Egbe Omo Yoruba is the umbrella body of all Yoruba groups in the Diaspora. But unlike some others who forget about Nigeria once they leave the country, members of the group have been returning to make positive interventions. “We are on this trip to see what we can do with government and other stakeholders to move the Yoruba nation forward. We want to continue the progressive ideas championed by the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. We have carried on with the legacy he left and we want to do all we can to move the Yoruba nation forward,” group’s national president, Yeye Afin Monilola Tenabe, said on Thursday at a press briefing in Lagos.

During the course of this trip, members of the association in town till April 21 have scheduled visits to all governors of the south west states, first class traditional rulers and outstanding Yoruba leaders to seek areas of collaboration. “We believe we don’t need foreign investors, we have enough talent to turn this country around if government will give us the same concessions it gives foreign investors,” Dr Ayodeji Famuyide, the group’s public affairs secretary added.

The Yoruba nation, Tenabe, a top university administrator in the US noted, must collaborate more and progress in unison because each state cannot exist in isolation. “We must cooperate in all areas including health, education, trade, agric and culture. The Egbe can do a lot; we have the expertise, specialised skills in our different areas. We want to be part of the renaissance in Yoruba land by working with governments to move the Yoruba agenda forward.”

Part of the mandate of the non-partisan association which interacts with other non-Yoruba groups in the Diaspora is the promotion of Yoruba language and culture. It, according to the leader of the Women’s Wing, Iya Afin Modupe Adeyanju, organises a two-week summer enrichment programme annually for children and others interested in Yoruba language.  Each state chapter of the group also organises a two-week language class during the summer while specific aspects of Yoruba culture are highlighted during the group’s national convention. Adeyanju said: “During our last convention, we showcased traditional Yoruba naming ceremony. We had all items used for naming a child and explained the significance of each to people.”

Weighing in, Tenabe disclosed that the group has a Yoruba school in Washington for Yorubas and non-Yorubas and that during conventions; Americans who trace their ancestry to Yoruba land are recognised. Actor Raymond Dunbar and a sitting judge have been so recognised and given Yoruba names.
Part of what is bringing the group, which has given full scholarships to five university students and is in the process of adopting some schools next year is a cultural festival. The festival, according to Tenabe, will be grand and a model for others.

Source: Tribune