Another milestone was attained yesterday, Thursday, January 21, 2021 as the Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM) concluded its 2021 Pan-Yoruba Summit at the International Conference Center, University Of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The summit was declared opened with a welcome address by the National Coordinator, Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM), Barrister Oladosu Oladipo, GCCF.
Barrister Oladosu Oladapo who also doubles as the Chairman, Planning Committee of the 2021 Pan-Yoruba Summit echoed the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo SAN, GCFR, D.Litt that before one can become a good Nigerian, he/she must first become a good Yoruba person.
He said, because of purposeful and committed leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Western Region (Western Nigeria) became a toast of regional, national, continental and global envy as many developmental landmarks such as in Education, Sports, Television, Agriculture, Real Estates etc made the Western Region of the 50s/60s an investment hub for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). All these led to a flourishing “Golden Era” that produced an increased number of middle classes compared to other regions.
The Western Region of today is known as a haven for hoodlums, kidnappers, yahoo boys and armed robbers. He challenged that, we need to straighten our back and get aright our ship of economy and politics heading towards a cliff. He said only Unity of all Yorubas can make this journey manifest.
He thanked the pioneering, untiring, ingenuity, selflessness and foresight of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Chief Pius Akinyerule, General Alani Akinrinade, Sen. Biyi Durojaiye, Late(s) Sen. Ayo Fasanmi and Gov. Lam Adesina for keeping the torch of Yoruba Unity lightened on.
Barr. Oladosu Oladipo, canvassed for a strong bond and unity amongst the Yoruba indigents at home and in diaspora and stressed the need to always support, encourage and love one another. He cited Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a great example of a typical Yoruba man whose lifelong career in politics mirrows that of lifting up people, developing human capital and using of the best talents to achieve a greater good. Such was the example of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who could not attend the Summit physically because of the CORONA VIRUS Pandemic but joining virtually.
He emphasized a gentleman agreement pre-2015 Presidential Election must, will and shall be honored and this had been attested to by the President, Mohammadu Buhari. In that effect, the South-West will produce the next President Of Nigeria. He noted that only a Yoruba man as it were the case of Chief Awolowo, Chief M.K.O Abiola that can create a blockade for this agenda from manifesting, hence, the need for us to once again embrace the Yoruba ethos that, “Ile la tin ké sò ro de” transcribed as “Charity Begins At Home.”
On the occasion of his 75th birthday, Barr. Oladapo spoke extensively on why the Yoruba Nation must as a matter of non-negotiability canvass for Asiwaju For President in 2023. He said, our tomorrow will be achieved by the systematic process of today and in that counsel, he activated the “NEXT LEVEL CONSOLIDATION FORUM” across all the states of Omo Oduduwa (South-West Region) including Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta to begin promoting the Yoruba Agenda of regional integration and development, equitable wealth distribution, restructuring, fiscal federalism, good governance, ethics and good conducts and the resultant actualization of a Yoruba Presidency come 2023.
He further cited section iv of the Constitution of Yoruba Patriots Movement as follows, “To strive at all times for the upliftment, growth and development of the Yoruba Nation so as to become the largest economy in the whole of Africa and to cultivate the right spirit of unity, oneness and friendship as one family of Oduduwa.”
While welcoming participants both in-hall and on-virtual to the summit, he acknowledged that the provisions of the constitution enabled him to liase with socio-political and traditional leaders of the Yoruba States to forge a renewed and a better region.
He thanked the support of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states; the Rt. Hon. Speakers of South-West Houses Of Assembly; Mr. Seye Oyeleye (DG, DAWN Commission) and Otunba Rotimi Paseda.
He also commended Mr. Tayo Ayinde (Chf. Of Staff To Gov. Sanwo-Olu) and Engr. Adekunle Olayinka, the Special Adviser (SA), Development Agenda For Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Office Of The Governor Of Lagos State for their supports and commitment to the Yoruba Agenda.
More so, one of the lead resource persons, Prof. Ayoade Oduola (Director U.I Research Foundation) emphasized the need for a quality and affordable education system as the bedrock of regional development. He said, education of the 60s was quality, affordable, focused and problem solving oriented.
Iwa rere le so Eniyan maxim is what best described Yoruba Nation as one of the greatest tribes on planet earth. He challenged the Youths and Elders of today to redefine the good old value system.
Prof. Oduola also spoke on Social Justice, Freedom and Patriotism. He said, by the grace of God, power is shifting back to the South-West come 2023 and the Yoruba Nation must be ready to actualize the aspirations.
He concluded that, the moral values and ethical conducts Yorubas are known for must be re-invigorated.
The State Of Osun Commissioner For Commerce and Industry Hon. Obawale Adebisi and Pol. and Intergovernmental Affairs Commissioner Hon. Taiwo Akeju representing the Governor Of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Abiodun gave his Excellency goodwill messages.
All the way from Houston, Texas was Dr. Stella Al-Hassan, (President Diaspora Forum, Houston, Texas, USA) who graced the occasion all the way from America on behalf of the Diasporas.
Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi (Okanlowo Of Ibadan Land) Deputy Chair, SWAGA and one of the conveners of YORUBA PATRIOTS MOVEMENT (YPM) also reiterated the gentleman agreement of 2015 must be honored and power compass must shift back to the South and in particular the South-West but he advised as Yoruba people, we must be strategic and apply wisdom to achieving our mandate.
He preached the gospel of love & unity as what we can embrace to change and conquer the world.
Those who presented an address and remarks includes Chief Bayo Oyero (Former President, Central Council Of Ibadan Idigene (CCII), Chief Mrs. Labake Lawan (Iyaloja Of Ibadan Land), Supreme Council Of Yoruba Youths, Asiwaju Grassroot Foundation (Kwara States) and hosts of other addressees.
Finally, on behalf of the Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM), Engr. Adekunle Olayinka, Special Adviser (S.A) DAWN Commission Matters, Office Of The Governor Of Lagos State who also serves as the Secretary Of The Planning Committee For The Pan-Yoruba Summit 2021 thanked the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, all the Governors Of The Western Nigeria, Traditional Rulers, Political Leaders, participants across the South-West and Diaspora and those participating virtually for the support and believe in a renewed Yoruba Agenda. He wished all a journey mercy back to their homes.
YORUBA PATRIOTS MOVEMENT (YPM): Isokan Yoruba, Koni T’owo Ni Baje.
Signed:
Engr. Adekunle Olayinka
*National Secretary, Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM);
Secretary, Pan-Yoruba Summit 2021 Planning Committee.
For: Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM)
