Yoruba in US set agenda, demand restructuring of Nigeria

The Yoruba resident in the United States of America (USA) are demanding that political leaders in
Yoruba land deploy the abundant resources of the South-West to turn it into a model as the legendary leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, did when he was the Premier of the defunct Western Region.
They, however, cautioned against politics of do-or-die in the land as the election years approach, just as they suggested the restructuring of Nigeria to guarantee national stability and engender healthy national development among the components of the federation.

While lamenting the poor state of infrastructure in the country, the compatriots tasked the current administrations in Yoruba land to embark on massive investment on infrastructure towards re-enacting the past glory of the region.

"That based on the abundance of resources available, we should strive to turn the South-West into a model region to the envy of other parts of the country as experienced under the Chief Obafemi Awolowo years," they stated. Rising from the 21st national convention of the Egbe Omo Yoruba, North America (National Association of Yoruba Descendants in North America), held at The Sheraton Washington North, Beltsville, Maryland, they specifically said the huge investment should be on education, health care, infrastructure to act as a catalyst for general development.

The eight-point communique of the convention hosted by the Egbe Isokan Yoruba, Washington DC and made available to the Nigerian Tribune by email, was signed by the National President of the organisation, High Chief Bolu Omodele, and the National Publicity Secretary (Public Affairs), Dr Ayodeji Famuyide.

The theme of the convention: "Stability of the Yoruba nation in the 21st Century and beyond," attracted Yoruba from other parts of the world, including representatives of governments in the South-West, political groups and regional stakeholders from Yoruba land. While warning the political leadership in Yoruba land against handling the development of the region with levity, they promised to contribute their own quota to the renewed drive designed to place the South-West on a new pedestal, where the people can fully tap into their potential.

Part of the communique read: "That the stability of the Yoruba nation is linked to the preservation and promotion of the Yoruba Language, culture and values. Our way of life should not be subjugated to the ravaging western culture."