Yoruba meet to tackle challenges facing S/West zone

EMINENT sons and daughters of Yoruba extraction from home and the Diaspora are converging on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital from today for a summit to discuss the myriad of challenges facing the Yoruba race.

Specifically, they will be seeking how to enhance unity, empowerment and progress among all Yoruba, one of the most populous ethnic groups in the world.

Apart from the sorry state of infrastructure, the Yoruba nation has been inflicted with youth unemployment, declining manufacturing capacity and rural neglect.

The summit is also coming against the backdrop of consistent clamour by stakeholders in the Yoruba nation for the structuring of the country to address critical issues in the existing federal arrangement

The  organisers of the five-day Yoruba World Summit, Egbe Omo Yoruba in North America in association with the Omoluwabi Reporters, said hundreds of delegates and guests are expected to critically X-ray problems facing the Yoruba nation and produce a blueprint on how to fast track development of the South-West zone.

The participants already lined up as resource persons include governors from Yoruba land, traditional rulers, the academia, activists, youth, market men and women, politicians, prominent Yoruba personalities and community leaders.

A statement by the National Association of Yoruba Descendants in USA and Canada stated that Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State will declare the summit open, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II will give a keynote address at the summit gala night to mark the closing ceremony on Friday.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, is the father of the day at the event taking place at the Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan.

Part of the statement signed by the President of Egbe Omo Yoruba, Bolu Omodele stated: “The National Association of Yoruba Descendants in USA and Canada, and their kith and kin at home are coming together to dialogue on the problems facing the race and then set forth definitive blueprints for a peaceful and flourishing future for all Yoruba.”

“Other highlights of the event include speeches and presentations, tours to places of attraction, cultural display and journal launch and award presentation by the Omoluwabi Reporters.”