Sustain your rich heritage, Gani Adams, others charge Nigerians in diaspora

Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams; the Eburu of Iba in Osun, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Okunoye, National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Union, United States chapter (OPU-USA), and Comrade Afolabi Olurin, among others, have called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to sustain the rich heritage, values, and customs that define their identity amid the challenge of culture preservation in a rapidly changing world.

Iba Adams and others made the call at the grand launch of the OPU-USA, held in Chicago, USA, themed: “Cultural sustainability and the future of traditions in the Diaspora: Facing the future together.”

The Yoruba generalissimo, who is also the Global Convener of OPU, in his keynote address, while making the call, noted that the future of Nigerian traditions in the diaspora depended on the collective commitment of those living in the Diaspora to cultural sustainability.

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Adams, who was represented by the Baaarejiroro of Yoruba land, Chief Dauda Asikolaiye, said that cultural sustainability was not merely about maintaining customs and traditions for the sake of it, but about ensuring that traditions remained vibrant, relevant, and meaningful to future generations.

This was just as he pointed out that in Nigeria, the traditions encompass diverse festivals, arts, music, and social values, among others, that had been passed down through generations.

He said that as Yoruba people in the Diaspora adapt to new environments and influences, they must have a sense of belonging and take pride in their heritage.

“In the Nigerian context, our traditions encompass diverse languages, festivals, arts, music, and social values that have been passed down through generations. These elements form the fabric of our national identity and contribute to the global cultural mosaic.

“However, in the diaspora, these traditions face unique challenges such as assimilation pressures, generational gaps, and the risk of cultural dilution.

“To face the future together, we must adopt a collective approach grounded in unity and proactive engagement,” Iba Adams said.

He urged the OPU-USA members to prioritise education and awareness within their communities by organising cultural events and language training sessions that connect younger generations to their roots and empower them to appreciate and carry forward the Nigerian heritage.

Iba Adams also highlighted the need to embrace inclusivity and openness, stressing that the nation’s traditions should not be static relics but living practices that evolve while retaining their core values.

“By welcoming intercultural dialogue and adapting to new contexts, we ensure that Nigerian culture remains dynamic and resilient through the times,” he added.

The Yoruba generalissimo admonished the members to continue to be good ambassadors of Nigeria in the United States of America, just as he urged for unity and increased membership drive.

Iba Adams also urged the OPU-USA members on need for them to regularly visit Nigeria as a way of staying connected to their roots, and taking advantage of the diverse opportunities available for investments.

Oba Okunoye, who is the Royal Father of the Day, in his remark, underscored the important role of OPU in fostering peace and unity among the Yoruba people in the Diaspora.

In his welcome address, OPU-USA National Coordinator, Comrade Afolabi Olurin, expressed delight that the grand launch of the organisation, which had been in existence for a long time, had finally been held.

He extolled the virtues of Iba Adams for his vision to set up the OPU for the political and economic emancipation of the Yoruba race globally, promising to work with every member to achieve the objectives of the organisation, and also to mobilise new members.

Also speaking, the pioneer National Co-ordinator, OPU-USA, Chief (Mrs.) Alice Owolabi, who is now the Logistics Director, OPU World Executive, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organisation from 2015 to 2023.

She encouraged the current leadership to continue holding the flag afloat in “leading members to create value, make a difference and leave lasting legacies for the future generations of Yoruba anywhere in the world.“