The two-day programme taking place in Kabba, Kogi State and organized by the diaspora organization is slated between Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29.
Also expected to be in attendance at the event themed: “A Strategic Approach to Fulfilling the Destiny of Yoruba Race: The way Forward,” where Oba Awoniyi will preside as the royal father of the day, are: Dr Oluwayomi Atte as the guest lecturer and Chairman, Ijumu Local Government, Alhaji Taufiq Isa, among others.
This was made known by Iba Adams in a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Kehinde Aderemi, saying that the annual congress is the 8th edition which offered a great opportunity for the delegates to visit Nigeria after spending many years abroad.
According to Adams, the previous congresses had been held in all the states in South-West, including Lagos State; Ile-Ife, Osun State; Oyo town, Oyo State; Abeokuta, Ogun State; Akure, Ondo State; Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State and Offa in Kwara State.
Aareonakafo of Yoruba land, who is also the global Convener of OPU, further said the world congress would also help the delegates to know more about all the states that had played host to the OPU in the previous congresses.
“For instance, Kogi State is located at the extreme end of Yoruba land. About 30 or 35per cent of the Okun people of Kabba town in Yoruba.
“As a result, this year congress will really help in extending our frontiers beyond the South-West. We have been to all the states in the South-West, including Kwara, but now, Kogi is our next destination. That is the reason for this congress. It will also help to encourage many of our members to come back home and make a remarkable impact in the area
Iba Adams further added that delegates of the diaspora group would pay courtesy visits to the Kogi State governor and the royal father of Kabba, stating that the visits were part of the programme lined up to make the congress a success.
“Kogi State governor, His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, will also be at the event, the Obaaro of Kabba, Oba Oladele Awoniyi, is the royal father of the day, Dr Oluwayomi Atte is the guest lecturer and Chairman Ijumu Local Government, Alhaji Taufiq Isa and other dignitaries are expected at the programme.
“Also the Okun Development Union (ODU), members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and other eminent Nigerians will also grace the event,” Iba Adams stated.
The congress with the theme: “A Strategic Approach to Fulfilling the Destiny of Yoruba Race: The way Forward,” is focused on raising issues on the best approach to actualize the dreams of the Yoruba race.
“Other activities for the programme include the inauguration of community borehole in Kabba, free health services, including eye test, treatment for other sundry health-related ailments, presentation of wheelchairs to the aged and physically challenged people as well as empowerment programmes for the needy.
“We are expecting delegates and members of OPU from all the 96 countries across the six continents of the world. And the two-day event will feature a courtesy visit to the governor of Kogi state and the royal father, inauguration of borehole for the people, free health facilities and climaxing with a presentation of awards to some members and a dinner party where all participants will wine and dine together,” Aare Onakakanfo said.