Gani Adams stokes Yoruba cultural renaissance in Sweden, Paris, Cyprus
In continuation of his campaign at rescuing the Yoruba in the Diaspora from losing touch with their pristine traditional values, custom, heritage and cultural identity, Otunba Gani Adams, the National Coordinator, Oodua Peoples ‘Congress (OPC) has again inaugurated Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) in three other countries, Paris, Sweden and Cyprus.
The last three inaugurations, which Otunba Adams sent a powerful delegation headed by the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko , Oba Yisa Olanipekun with Captain Abiodun Adesina, Mr Abiodun Abayomi Mate,the Chairman, Freelance Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) Lagos Chapter and two other media practitioners upped the list of countries where Oodua Progressive Unions, OPC . With the sole aim of resuscitating and revitalisation of the pristine Yoruba culture and tradition among the Yoruba in Diaspora has been launched and sowed in 52 countries.
Adams in his opening speech at Croatia-Katarina Zrinski idrott-kultur forening, Kortedala, Idrottvag 15 41511, Gothenburg, the venue of the inauguration to over 2500 Yoruba and their friends on Saturday, November 29, 2014 said, “It is imperative on us, as a true son of Oduduwa to rise up and quash the scientific and systematic obliteration of the pristine Yoruba cultural heritage and value particularly among the new generation of the Yoruba in Diaspora.
“ It is a task which if we failed to do will bring upon the present generation inter generational curses and denouncement by next generation and generations yet unborn.”
In the speech read by Captain Abiodun Adesina, Otunba Adams pointed out that any race which out of sheer carelessness, irresponsible despondency and unbridled complacency allows cultural imperialism, vogue, modernisation and social indoctrination to wash away its intrinsic cultural heritage, traditional values, norms and mores will heap on itself irremediable generational curse and odium from generations yet unborn. And I cannot be part of this generation and allow this omen to come to fruition; hence, I have taken this burden of Yoruba cultural rejuvenation, sustainability and enhancement upon myself in alliance with you all.
“Some of you may be complacent and careless about your children embracing other people’ s cultures without having a grasp of your own. It may be expedient now, but very soon, the children will have cause to blame and even curse you by the time they failed to culturally identify themselves which may subject them to be ridiculed and embarrassed as children of no culture, no tradition, no value and identity.”
Otunba Adams warned, “if Africans in Diaspora failed to aggressively address the deliberate cultural imperialism being launched in a systematic destructive process by the western world in the name of vogue and modernism, the continent will wake up one day to find out that its culture and values have been obliterated from the socio- cultural map of the world.
“This is why we have inaugurated the Oodua Progressive Union (OPC) in 52 countries of the world and we will not rest until OPC is launched any where under the firmament where the scion of Oduduwa lives and recreates.”
Otunba Adams affirmed, “On my own, I have decided to defend the cultural integrity and heritage of the Oduduwa race without entertaining any fear or favour.
“The task of revamping, resuscitation and rejuvenation of the cultural identity, norms and moral traditional values which distinguish the Yoruba race from the others is necessary accomplished mission. It is in this line that I urge all of us to see the intrinsic necessity in teaching our children our culture, tradition, values and mores. These are what make and distinguish us from others.”
The packaging of the colourful celebration and presentation of Yoruba cultural dance, ethics, poems, display of Yoruba foods, cutting of the cake, by OPU members in Sweden and exciting navigation of the event by a Lagos-based comedian and broadcaster who is the Chairman, Freelance Broadcaster Association, FIBAN, Lagos State, Mr Abayomi Mate, aka, Ifankalelluyah made the night one to remember with his rib-cracking jokes, songs and display.
Nigeria Ambassador to Sweden lauds Adams
The Nigeria Ambassador to Sweden, HE, Benedict Onochie-Amobi who was represented by Mrs Jane Ndem was so impressed by the vision, objective and ideological bent of OPU as expressed by Otunba Adams who he described as the standard light bearer of Nigeria cultural asset in the global forum.
The ambassador disclosed “Without any point of equivocation and bias, Otunba Adams is the only Nigerian who has strongly stoked the embers of Nigeria’s cultural revival on the international scene and in particular among Nigerians in Diaspora.
The Ambassador who pointed this out at the launching of OPU held at Crotia katarina Zrinski Idrott- Kultur forening, Kortedala , Gothen on Saturday, November 29, 2014 said that The Embassy was not only proud of the vision and activities of Otunba Adams in the area of cultural rejuvenation and resuscitation, but happy that a Nigerian is going all over Europe showcasing the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race.
The ambassador pointed out “This singular move of Otunba Adams at showcasing the cultural heritage of the Yoruba race in Europe is setting in motion cultural revivalism among other Nigerian ethnic groups in Diaspora.
“We are happy about this development, which is calling the attention of our people to the predicament, which our pristine culture, norms, values and traditional orientation are in, and ringing a wake up bell for all to hear and act. This is a new dimension to cultural nationalism and patriotism which is commendable.”
Onochie-Amobi assured Otunba Adams of the fullest support of the embassy, according to him, “I am happy that the objective of OPU tallies perfectly with cross – cultural relation one of the reasons why Nigeria maintains an Embassy here.
“Your association apart from reviving and sustaining the Yoruba culture is also showcasing and selling Nigeria as a country of very rich diverse culture for tourism purposes.”
In his acceptance speech, the coordinator, OPU, Sweden Chapter, Mr Victor Mobolaji Adewale called on his members, to remain focussed in the pursuit of the objective of the Union.
He commended Otunba Adams for rising stoutly in defence of the cultural integrity and protecting the heritage of Oduduwa children from being consigned to the dust bin of forgetfulness and ocean of irremediable damage by invoking a cultural revolution which has spread through 52 countries of the world.
Paris opens door for OPU
The Yoruba cultural renaissance came alive again in the city of Paris on Friday 5 December, 2014 when Otunba Gani Adams, the National Coordinator, of OPC and President, OPU, inaugurated the France Chapter the union.
The elaborate ceremony held at Boulevard De Liberation, St Denis, Paris commanded the presence of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Paris, His Excellency Hakeem Olawale who was represented by the Head of Chancery Olumide Olowo, Zaki of Arigidi, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, Captain Olatokunbo Abiodun Adesina, Akogun Banji Ojo, the Europe Coordinator, OPU and all union’s Coordinators in Europe.
The style, branding stunts, packaging and mobilisation for the event adopted by members of OPU in Paris commanded the presence of other members of the union from Holland, Britain, Austria, Spain, USA, South-Africa who stormed Paris in their different cultural costumes which accentuated the rich cultural heritage of Oduduwa siblings.
The OPU France chapter’s inauguration was made livelier not only by the arrays of Yoruba musicians who were ferried all over Europe to France but also the act of one Abayomi Abiodun mate aka Ifankalleluyah, who flew all the way from Lagos to add value of purpose to the inauguration.
Prayers were offered to God in accordance with the tradition of OPC, which always gives glory to the creator of heaven and earth in the three dominant religions, which traversed the land of Oduduwa, Islamic, Christianity and traditional religious.
Prince Aladeloye Akinloye Hakeem, OPU France chapter coordinator in his welcome address lauded the vision of Otunba Adams in rising to salvage the obliteration of Yoruba culture, values and tradition from the international forum by inaugurating OPU in over 17 countries of the world.
“Our generation is most grateful to the initiator of OPU, Otunba Adams who has taken upon himself the trans generational burden of revitalisation and resuscitation of the dying Yoruba culture particularly among the Yoruba in Diaspora.”
Prince Aladeloye commended members of the OPU all over Europe for their resilience and determination to support the efforts of Otuba Adams who has put his life on line for the sustenance of the culture of our fatherland.
Nigeria’s ambassador to France, speaking through his representative, Mr Olowo praised Otuba Adams for being a cultural icon that has come to Paris to re awake and stoke the embers of cultural renaissance among the Yoruba people and other ethnic groups in France.
“We appreciate the effort of Otunba Adams and salute his courage and commend him for giving Nigerians and the Yoruba a sense of cultural belonging and pride not only in Nigeria but internationally.
The diplomat called on Nigerians in Paris to conduct themselves according to the cultural values, norms and mores of their different ethnic groups which preach, good neighbourliness, humility, honestly, diligence and hardwork.
“I am happy that OPU is preaching how to be a good citizen in a foreign land. This I urge all members and other Nigerians to not only imbibe, but let these values reflect in your day-to-day activities and conducts.”
The highlights of the Paris inauguration of OPU were the exciting performance of Europe based Fuji crooner, Alhaji ...........who sang to the delight of the esteemed guests and dignitaries, a Nigerian hip hop artiste who ginger up the young ones with his acts and rap and a group of Yoruba children who have not visited Nigeria but dazzled all with their mastery of Yoruba language, poems citations and dancing steps.
Eastern Mediterranean University Cyprus‘s red carpet for Yoruba Culture
If the Paris inauguration of OPC was a success, the spreading of the Yoruba cultural Risorgimento in the North Cyprus by Otunba Adams was not only instructive but an achievement of great means not only to the Yoruba race but to Nigeria and Africa in general.
Right from the Arcan Airport, the OPU delegates made of Oba Olanipekun , Prince Aladeloye, OPU, France Coordinator, Mr Mate Abayomi Abiodun and two other journalists were buffeted with honour, pampered with hospitality, sandwiched with warmth and treated royally to a grand reception organised by members of Egbe Omo Oduduwa led by Mr Oluwasegun Okoya George on December 8, 2014.
The reception at the Airport was grandeur, befitting and historical in the city as the delegates also played host to multitude of media practitioners who had useful interaction with Oba Olanipekun and the coordinator of OPU France on their mission in North Cyprus.
“We are in this country on the invitation of the over 900 strong Yoruba students under the aegis of Egbe Omo Oduduwa, first to witness the first ever ANKARA Festival with the theme “Exploring Our Cultural Heritage For Excellence and to prepare ground for the official inauguration of Oodua Progressive Union, OPU,” Oba Olanipekun responded
After the media parley, the OPU delegates left the airport in a long convoy to the university Guest House where the executive members Members of Egbe Omo Oduduwa held a pre event meeting with the delegates as Oba Olanipekun commended the association for focus.
.The President of Egbe Omo Oduduwa, Eastern Mediterranean University, (EMU), North Cyprus, Mr Okoya George informed the delegates’ the preparation and eagerness of the school authority to have a meeting with them.
Nigerian students are our pride
–Prof Ahmet Sozen, Vice Rector, EMU
The OPU delegates had a meeting with Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Professor Dr Ahmet Sözen and Vice Rector for Promotion Professor Dr Hasan Amca. At the meeting the delegates were briefed and fed with detailed information about the university and its activities in the areas of academic, community and social relations, foreign students sponsorship and scholarship and research and Nigerian students studying in EMU.
The two professors commended the Nigerian students who they described as a bunch of highly responsible students who are studious, hardworking and eager to break ground in any area of pursuit.
At the end of the meeting, Professor Dr Sözen and Professor Dr Amca presented lefkara lace handicrafts to the delegates.
“We are delighted in having you here and in establishing this very essential contact with you. We will support OPU on the campus as it will add value and enhance the behavioural pattern and activities of members, “ Pro Sozen who promised to lead a delegation of the school authority to witness the Ankara day said.
As Promised, Professor Soezen led a 4 member delegate from the school to the well decorated Beach Club hall to witness the first ever Ankara day organised by Egbe Omo Oduduwa and witnessed by the delegation of the OPU headed by Oba Olanipekun.
It was a night of experience and exciting pacakage as the Yoruba students showcased the cultural glory of Yorubaland in dressing, culinary feat, drama, poem, fashion parade, dancing and hospitality .
Professor Soezen who received the Yoruba students award from Oba Olanipekun attested to the fact that “this is one of the most beautiful, exciting and spectacular socio-cultural event ever held on the campus. I am proud of the Egbe Omo oduduwa in EMU. I am proud of Otunba Adams. I am proud of Oba Olanipekun, I am happy to see another beautiful side of Nigeria.”
Prince Aladeloye who presented the Certificates of Appointment to the members of the executive council of the association cautioned them to avoid whatever can stain their integrity and that of the association and Nigeria.
Mr Okoya lauded Otunba Adams for “spreading the gospel of cultural resuscitation and rejuvenation to North Cyprus. I promise and assure you all that we are not going to lose focus, but improve on positive activities we have been undertaking.”
Oba Olanipekun who gave the royal blessing, commended the rector and management of the school for their warm hospitality and sense of appreciation of the students assuring that the convener of OPU, Otunba Adams would definitely pay as requested by both the management of the school and the Yoruba visit as soon as possible.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
