Leaders begin fresh push for Yoruba progress

A group, The Yoruba Initiative (TYI), has stated its resolve to mobilise and create political awareness among the Yoruba in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

The group disclosed this at its inaugural meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital at the weekend.

The convener of the meeting, Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun said TYI would work towards Yoruba unity and build cordial relations with other ethnic groups in Nigeria.

According to Osibogun: “Our mission is to serve as a strategic planning and advocacy platform for everyone who genuinely supports the building of a self-reliant Yoruba nation comprising all state governments in the South-West as well as in Edo, Kwara, Kogi and Delta.”

He said the group would focus on Security, economy, national conference, system of governance, education and protection of the Yoruba in the Diaspora.

Dignitaries who presented papers at the event include Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Nigeria’s first woman professor in Library and Information Service, Prof. Felicia Adetoun Ogunseye, Prof. Omolara Ogundipe, Prof. Adebisi Showumi, Prof. Jide Owoeye and Mr. Humble Dipo Onifade.

TYI members who provided technical services for the meeting were, Yomi Bolarinwa, Chief Femi Adefemiwa, Chief Folu Olamiti, Olusegun Ahmadu, Mrs. Osoba Adenike, Mrs. Yemi Ogedengbe and Chief Sanya Abiola.

The group has scheduled its expanded meeting and formal launch for February 2017 at the Premier Hotel in Ibadan.