A newly formed group; The Yoruba Initiative (TYI), has resolved to serve as a strong advocacy group with intent to change the psyche of the Yoruba and Nigerians in general towards self-development.

As a non-partisan group, TYI said it is out to henceforth engage primarily in social mobilisation, political awareness and education of the Yoruba race in Nigeria and in Diaspora, given the outcome of its inaugural meeting which held at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo state capital, weekend.

The convener of the meeting, Otunba Ayodeji Osibogun, dropped this hint in the opening address he read during the meeting.

The TYI, he said, would work for attaining Yoruba unity as a first step towards driving its agenda for repositioning the Yoruba nation on advancement in economy through agriculture, education, security, foreign relations, youths and women empowerment and mutually rewarding integration with other major ethnic groups in Nigeria.

The Convener also noted that the present state of Nigeria demands the unity of the Yoruba nation spread over Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and in Kwara, Kogi, Delta and Edo states.

He said: “Our mission is to serve as a strategic planning and advocacy platform for all who genuinely support the building of a socio-economic self-reliant and creatively manage Yoruba nation comprising all local and state governments in all the south-west states as well as in Edo, Kwara, Kogi and Delta states.”

Osibogun said the emphasis of the group would be on Security, Economy, National Conference, System of Government, Education and Protection of the Image of the Yoruba in the Diaspora.

He said while it became imperative for the south-west zone of Nigeria to convey a security summit to strategise on possible solution on threats constituted by raids on its territories by the Niger Delta militants and Fulani herdsmen, it would be necessary for the zone to also consider the need for a blue print to propel the south-west’s economy.

Retired Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Nigeria’s first woman professor in Library and Information Service, Professor Mrs Felicia Adetoun Ogunseye, Feminist and activist, Professor Mrs Omolara Ogundipe, Professor Mrs Adebisi Showumi, Professor Jide Owoeye and Pa Humble Dipo Onifade gave goodwill messages during the meeting.

Members who provided technical services for the meeting were; Engineer Yomi Bolarinwa, Chief Femi Adefemiwa (IT Expert), Chief Folu Olamiti, Engr Olusegun Ahmadu, Mrs Osoba Adenike, Mrs Yemi Ogedengbe and Chief Sanya Abiola .

The group which set up different committees to draw agenda for its operations has however scheduled its expanded meeting and formal launch for the second week of February at the Premier Hotel in Ibadan.

•Photo shows some of the foundation members of The Yoruba Initiative.

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