UNILAG Students Honour Otunba Gani Adams !

Creative Arts Students University of Lagos host OGA in Lagos, 28/09/2015.

Pictures Speak: University students interraction with OGA, Otunba Gani Adams signalling youthfulness in the cause of taking Yoruba arts and culture to a new horizon.

God bless OPU, God bless Otunba Dr. Gani Adams, the Convener of Oodua Progressive Union OPU Worldwide. National Coordinator Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) .

             COPYRIGHT © 2015 OODUA PROGRESSIVE UNION (OPU) WORLDWIDE BLOG

African Festival with Otunba Dr. Gani Adams !

Otunba (Dr) Gani Adams. National Coordinator OPC. Convener OPU Worldwide. Chief Promoter Olokun festival Foundation.

Being Text of a Keynote delivered at the University of Lagos, Akoka – Lagos on Monday 28th September, 2015.

COMPLEMENTING NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CULTURAL INVOLVEMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE.

INTRODUCTION:

Let me to begin this keynote by first thanking the young people on whose platform I am invited to talk today. 

I am grateful for the honour of inviting me to give a Keynote despite the fact that I am not an academic.
I hope I would be able to do expected justice to this theme that I am set to address before this august gathering of scholars.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, ordinarily, I would have rescinded the decision to appear before you today to give this keynote. Several considerations would have inform this decision, however, because of my love for students, my interest in young people and my conviction on the need to continuously get the public informed and educated about the contributions and relevance of the Olokun Festival Foundation to the quest for national development through cultural activism particularly among young people, I have little choice than to honour this invitation. My interest in being here today to give this keynote is further spurred by the need to contribute to the growing national discourse on evolving and encouraging the development of alternative revenue source for our country, Nigeria, in the face of daunting reality that our reserves of petroleum resources are not only on geometric decrease but that this important national revenue earner, is experiencing monumental fall in prices at the world market. Consequently, the keynote is set to address our common consciousness to ways culture can be used to address and checkmate this trend through the involvement of our young people who constitute the most vibrant and energetic segment of our population that can be involved in the rescue efforts. Based on these needs, I am set to direct our attention to: “Complementing National Economic Development through Cultural Involvement of Young People”.
This theme is relevant in view of the challenges our country face, the crises of economic development and the prevalence of the involvement of young people in non-productive activities that often disrupts communal peace and harmony.
This keynote lecture will without doubt provide this gathering the rare opportunity of assisting our young people to identify their potentials and ways they can productively channel such for national development.
Therefore, this address will navigate through Defining Youthfulness, Defining Culture and Development, Locating Development within the Context of Culture.
The paper shall also look at the Economic Contributions of Cultural Tourism to Development, explore ways of getting the Youths involved, efforts of Olokun Festival Foundation to lead by example (by instituting beauty pageants, Arts Exhibitions, Cultural Performances, Festivals) and a Conclusion.
DEFINING YOUTHFULNESS
Perhaps one of the most difficult concepts to define or describe easily is Youth.
The elusiveness of this term is occasioned by the changing demographic composition and the readiness of various segments of human population to wear at their convenience the identity of a youth. 

The pinning of youthfulness to a segment of the population is therefore more socially than biologically determined. Socially, certain behavior may be youthful but biologically those involved may have passed that categorization because of age and other physiological considerations.
According to the United Nations, “youth constitutes people between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four. Biologically and speaking generally, the period between childhood and adulthood is usually identified as the period of “Youthfulness”.
UNESCO aptly refers to it as “a period of transition from the dependence of childhood to adulthood’s independence and awareness of our interdependence as members of a community” .
During this period a person prepares himself/herself to be an active and fully responsible member of the society.
It is also a period of transformation from dependent childhood to independent adulthood and integration into the society as a responsible citizen.
One other parameter for identification of youth is age . Defining youthfulness through age appears elastic.
Whereas some identify the youth with people between the ages of fifteen and twenty-four, others pinned it to the period between adolescence and early adulthood.
The age categories of fifteen and thirty years or more but not more than forty years feature prominently when describing the youth.

The Nigeria National Youth Policy and Plan of Action testify to this difficulty in describing a “youth” or identifying youthfulness. According to it, “The way in which a nation defines its youth is related to the objective conditions and realities that exist …” On its part and within the context of Nigeria, it identifies the youth as “persons of ages 18 to 35, who are citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
It describes them as the “most active, the most volatile, and yet the most vulnerable segment of the population socio--economically, emotionally, and in other respects” .

CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT IN PERSPECTIVE
Like the difficulty in allocating meaning to the word youth, various descriptions have been ascribed to the term ‘culture’ by different scholars.
One of the older definitions of culture given by the British anthropologist, E. B. Tylor, in his book Primitive Cultures (1871) defines culture “as that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs and other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society” .
Bronislaw Malinowski understands culture as “a well-organized unity divided into two fundamental aspects -- a body of artifacts and a system of customs.” Franz Boas believes culture embraces “all the manifestations of social habits of a community, the reactions of the individual as affected by the habits of the group in which he lives and the product of human activities as determined by these habits." To Margaret Mead culture refers to “the whole complex of traditional behavior which has been developed by the human race and is successively learned by each generation.” According to her, it is the learned behaviour of a society or a subgroup. In the words of R. M. Keesing and F.M Keesing, “culture is seen as the organised systems of knowledge and beliefs in which people structure their experiences and perceptions, formulate acts and make choices between different alternatives” UNESCO views culture as:
what has shaped societies’ and individuals’ ways of life; while certainly rooted in ancestral values, it is also a source of dialogue, exchange, innovation and creativity, and the foundation stone of endogenous systems of solidarity, forms of expression and ways of transmitting knowledge that are as valid for meeting the challenges of tomorrow as for preserving traditions. As such, culture is therefore, in today’s world, a means of achieving a more satisfactory intellectual, moral and spiritual existence, while having often unrecognized potential in terms of economic development and efforts to combat poverty. 

Culture is the totality of the way of life evolved by people through experience and reflection in an attempt to fashion a harmonious co-existence with our environment.
It is dynamic and gives order and meaning to the social, political, economic, aesthetic and religious practices of the people.
Culture also gives people distinct identity different from others. It manifests in peoples’ ideals and ideas, beliefs and values; folklore, environment, science and technology; and in the forms of their political, social and economic institutions.
It is also revealed in the aesthetic quality and humanistic dimension of literature, music, drama, architecture, carvings, paintings and other artistic forms.
UNESCO amplifies further its description:
Culture is a source of identity, innovation, and creativity; a set of distinctive spiritual and material, intellectual and emotional features of a society or a social group; a complex web of meanings, relationships, beliefs, and values that frames people’s relationship to the world; acquired through the process of cultivation and improvement of the individual especially by means of education; an evolving dynamic force relevant to all societies, local or global; influenced by and in turn influences world-views and expressive forms; and located in a time and a place.
While culture in the abstract is a set of mental constructs, it is rooted in a place at a moment in history and is always local.
Culture is a renewable resource if it is carefully nurtured for it to grow and flower.
When neglected, it is easily lost or destroyed .
Interestingly, the various views expressed on culture share some semblances.
There is a common agreement that culture is a preserve of human beings alone.
Other creatures, though with their peculiar behavior, are incapable of exhibiting culture.
The aggregate of opinions expressed also show that culture is shared and learned by people.
Culture consists also of artifacts, customs and traditional behavior.
Consequently, culture is as important to man as his existence.
But for culture and its transfer, the contemporary world would not have been able to connect with its past and would have lost all vital knowledge that remain useful to the basic means of human survival.
Culture offers a ‘summation and distillation’ of the past that provides a sound basis for living in the present and marching into the future.
Culture therefore entails all those variables that are essential to the cause of human advancement for a better living and improved life chances.
By UNESCO’s submission, culture can be destroyed or lost when neglected. Culture is therefore the oil that keeps the society running.
The word “development” yields itself to different meanings and explanations. The term operates at denotative and connotative levels of interpretations. Denotatively, development derived from “develop” means “to grow or cause something or somebody to grow gradually” .
Development therefore implies “when someone or something grows or changes and becomes more advanced” .
Martin Odei Ajei admits that the term development yields itself to multiple meaning. According to him, development:
ultimately entails an attempt to “build a better” society: a society characterized by greater material prosperity and better life chances for the people; a society characterized by significant improvement in the people’s capacity to understand and to tap the resources of their environment for their own good and the good of humanity, a society which opens up new opportunities for personal upliftment and collective advancement; and a society in which creativity, productivity and popular participation are enhanced. 

Development must therefore be seen as a situation in which there is considerable advancement in the material conditions of the people which enables them to achieve more effectively their hopes and aspirations. Development must involve two basic processes. The first has to do with improving and refining that which is already in existence and adapting it to contemporary requirements. The second process involves finding solutions to new problems or new forms of solutions to old problems.
Both imply creative responses to social, political and economic affairs.
Since culture is the human community’s lubricant for progress and growth. Any human society that fails to acknowledge the role it can play; willfully delay the realization of growth and development for their society. Consequently,
Development interventions that are responsive to the cultural context and the particularities of a place and community, and advance a human-centered approach to development, are most effective, and likely to yield sustainable, inclusive and equitable outcomes.
Likewise,
Acknowledging and promoting respect for cultural diversity within a human right based approach, moreover, can facilitate intercultural dialogue, prevent conflicts and protect the rights of marginalized groups, within and between nations, thus creating optimal conditions for achieving development goals. Culture, understood this way, makes development more sustainable.
The UN System Task Team on the Post 2015 UN Development Agenda attests to this possibility. According to it:
Throughout the past decade, statistics, indicators and data on the cultural sector, as well as operational activities have underscored that culture can be a powerful driver for development, with community-wide social, economic and environmental impacts.2 of particular relevance is the cultural sector’s contribution to the economy and poverty alleviation.

Cultural heritage, cultural and creative industries, sustainable cultural tourism, and cultural infrastructure can serve as strategic tools for revenue generation, particularly in developing countries given their often-rich cultural heritage and substantial labour force.

Cultural and creative industries represent one of the most rapidly expanding sectors in the global economy with a growth rate of 17.6 % in the Middle East, 13.9 % in Africa, 11.9 % in South America, 9.7 % in Asia, 6.9 % in Oceania, and 4.3 % in North and Central America.3 Promoting this sector requires limited capital investment, involves low entry barriers and can have a direct impact on vulnerable populations, including women.
It further suggests ways culture can contribute to development efforts. These can be achieved by:
I. Integrating Culture into Governance
• Integrating culture in the conception, measurement, and practice of development with a view to advancing inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development.
II. Capitalizing on the Cultural Sector’s Contribution to Economic Development and Poverty Reduction
• Supporting sustainable cultural tourism, cultural and creative industries, cultural
Institutions and culture-based urban revitalization as powerful economic subsectors

That generate decent employment, stimulate local development, and foster entrepreneurship.
•
Culture-led economic development should take into account the protection of
Cultural assets that are often fragile and constitute a unique and non-renewable
capital.
III. Capitalizing on Traditional Knowledge to foster Environmental sustainability
• Integrating traditional knowledge and practices in sustainable environment schemes and seeking synergies between traditional environmental practices and high technologies.
IV. Building on Culture to Promote Social cohesion
• Promoting intercultural dialogue to harness social cohesion thereby, creating an environment conducive to development.
•
Capitalizing on the potential of the arts to promote social cohesion and develop entrepreneurship, especially among youth, and in post-conflict and post-disaster situations.
These are clear testimonies on ways culture can help accelerate our quests for development.

USING CULTURE TO ASSIST DEVELOPMENT BY ENGAGING THE YOUTH
Nigeria’s history is replete with in the involvement of young people in development. From the period before political independence till now, Nigeria youths have in one way or another been engaged in national development.
Nationalist organizations like the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), West African Students Union, (WASU) and so on were led by youths who spearheaded the struggle for Nigeria’s independence from British colonialism.
Foremost Nigerian nationalists like late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Late Ahmadu Bello and of course the late Anthony Enahoro made their respective marks in Nigeria’s political history as young men.
Anthony Enahoro was the editor of a national newspaper at twenty, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became NCNC’s leader in his thirties, Chief Obafemi Awolowo formed the Egbo Omo Oduduwa which later metamorphosed into Action Group before he was forty.
Their individual and collective contributions led to Nigerian independence in 1960.
Today Nigerian youths are making great impacts in sports, the arts, literature, music and numerous other endeavors.
Despite these lofty strides and achievements, the potentials of the Nigerian youths have not been maximized because of the systemic decay that has afflicted the Nigerian state and the catastrophic consequences of this for the youth population.
Since young people constitute 18% of world population with great potential for surge by 2025.
Youths constitute a greater percentage of Nigeria’s population. As adapted from the UN Youth Fact Sheet, most young people in Nigeria to:
• Can contribute to local development and prosperity.
• Can be a bridge between cultures and between tradition and modernity.
• Have the interest, energy and passion to address issues and concerns, such as heritage management, sustainable tourism, local development and community involvement.
• Have affinity for information and communication technologies to network and transcend geographical boundaries.
• Are in the position to act as potent agents of positive social change that will yield greater economic and social well-being in the perspective of sustainable development for generations to come
Youth can act as a bridge between cultures. They can also serve as key agents in promoting peace and intercultural understanding. As a path for youth development and civic engagement, culture plays an essential role in promoting sustainable social and economic development for future generations. Culture has the power to transform entire societies, strengthen local communities and forge a sense of identity and belonging for people of all ages.
Youths can complement national economic development when opportunities are open for them to partake in Investment in tangible and intangible cultural resources that abound in the country.
They can also be involved by inculcating traditional knowledge and skills in areas such as music, dance, theatre and festivals.
The use of these knowledge and skills can facilitate the development of sustainable creative economies and help strengthen identity and social cohesion.
Consequently promoting creativity and harnessing young people’s creative potential and energy should be made priority in finding solutions to challenges of development.
Young people should be made to realise that their involvement in heritage protection and promotion is part of their identity. Therefore, transmitting heritage values to young people will promote intercultural understanding, respect for cultural diversity and helps create an environment favourable to culture of peace.

THE OLOKUN FESTIVAL FOUNDATION INITIATIVE
The Olokun Festival Foundation has been at the forefront of promoting and propagation not only Yoruba culture but Africa culture generally.
The Foundation has always viewed the promotion of African culture as important to the quest for African and Yoruba cultural renaissance.
The Foundation believes in the use of Africa’s indigenous culture as a platform for promoting socio-economic development and fostering national unity.
Therefore, the Olokun Festival Foundation has always sponsored and promote across south western states.
The Foundation use its programmes to create fora where intellectuals, scholars, local and foreign tourists and cultural enthusiasts can engage in reflective thinking, exchange ideas and appraise cultural programmes for national development.
The Olokun Festival Foundation has used its programmes to create awareness on the economic potentials in the development of tourism as a renewable and deplete less alternative revenue spinner for all.

The Foundation organizes indigenous festival celebration to advocate a break from Nigeria’s monolithic reliance on fossil fuel in view of continuous slide in the prices of petroleum resources at the global market.

As a mark of the Foundations commitment to culture, our year round festival celebrations were designed to feature valuable aspects of our culture like traditional dances, traditional musical performance, fashion parade, beauty pageants, Arts Exhibitions, Cultural Performances, Africa’s cuisine and cultural interaction.
In the coming years, the Olokun Festival Foundation hopes to increase cultural activities that form part of its annual programmes.

Otunba (Dr) Gani Adams

National Coordinator Oodu Oodua People's Congress Opc

Chief Promoter Olokun festival Foundation

Convener Oodua Progressive Union.

God bless OPU, God bless Otunba Dr. Gani Adams, the Convener of Oodua Progressive Union OPU Worldwide. National Coordinator Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) .

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Happy 50th Birthday Otunba Ola Okoko. Iya Oodua of Turkey !

Otunba Ola Okoko, the Iya Oodua of Turkey @ 50

Oodua Progressive Union Worldwide, take part in a unique event to honor a great woman Otunba Ola Okoko, the Iya Oodua of Turkey.

The Convener of OPU Worldwide and the National Coordinator of OPC Otunba Dr. Gani Adams, said the welfare of European Union Otunba Ola Okoko, should be celebrated for her outstanding leadership role and love for the Yoruba race in Turkey. OGA stated this on his WhatsApp Page when sending congratulations message to Otunba Ola Okoko, on her 50th birthday.

Congratulations on your 50th birthday. Wishing you many happy returns for the coming years ahead.

The world is a better place for having had you in it for the last 50 years, we wish you many more years.

Go with the flow on the big five-oh. Your first 50 years on earth have been pretty incredible, we wish you many more years.

God bless OPU, God bless Otunba Dr. Gani Adams, the Convener of Oodua Progressive Union OPU Worldwide. National Coordinator Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) .

             COPYRIGHT © 2015 OODUA PROGRESSIVE UNION (OPU) WORLDWIDE BLOG

ON THE HOT SEAT WITH AKOGUN BANJI OJO !

Prince Yomi Tejuosho ( HOT SEAT CREW OPU DUBAI UAE ) [9:33PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Yomi: Good evening Oodua Progressive Union members worldwide [9:35PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Yomi: On behalf of my Boss Otunba Dr. Gani Adams, the Convener of OPU Worldwide [9:37PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Yomi: I welcome you to another edition of OPU Hot Seat [9:38PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Yomi: Today we have a Special Guest on the Hot Seat Mr. Lashley Oladigbolu ( HOT SEAT CREW OPU UNITED KINGDOM ) [9:39PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: And as Yomi rightly aknowlege the Convener Worldwide of OPU, for this great opportunity for us to use the platform for a great cause of Yoruba in diaspora. Also on behalf of Hot Seat production crew may I humbly welcome the European Coordinator for Oodua Progressive Union, Akogun Banji Ojo a versatile, business and veteran broadcaster, well acknowledged for his experiences in the fields of his calling ,based in Holland. European Coordinator for Oodua Progressive Union, Akogun Banji Ojo ( GUEST ) [9:41PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Oodua a GBE wa ooo Mr. Oluwasegun Opeyemi Okoya ( OPU Cyprus Coordinator /  HOT SEAT CREW )  [9:42PM, 9/18/2015] Mr. Oluwasegun: Ase baba agba [9:42PM, 9/18/2015] ‪+221 77 697 13 54‬: Ase oooo [9:43PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Yomi: Ekabo si ori eto OPU Worldwide Hot Seat [9:43PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: On behalf of our coverner Otunba Gani Adams I welcome you all over the world [9:43PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: E see pupo, for purpose of promoting our language we are allowed to communicate in our mother tongue, Yoruba o. And we can code-switch our expression. [9:43PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: We are all with you and it shall be well with us. Oodua Agbewa oooo [9:43PM, 9/18/2015] Samson: Can we meet the man in Hot seat [9:45PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Ase. Yoruba dun ni ede. Abininibi sugbon no asale yii .ede geesi at I Yoruba [9:48PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: While our guest today is typing out response to our questions I will like to ask the European Coordinator of OPU what successes recorded of OPU within the continent under your coordination sir [9:49PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Thanks [9:50PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: A brief enumeration of achievements so far [9:50PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Our success in Opu [9:50PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: Gbogbo ile, good evening o. [9:50PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: 1.launching of Opu in many countries [9:51PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: 2 expansion project on more countries [9:51PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: 3 housing estate to all members [9:52PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: Yeyeluwa once noted that OPC gave both to OPU. Do agree or disagree Sir? [9:52PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: 4 open oodua house in our headquarters in Brussels [9:52PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: 5 [9:53PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: Correction, gave birth not both, Baba. [9:53PM, 9/18/2015] Opu Yeye: Very interesting, thank u for d good vision. Eledua a ma ti yin leyin. Wha o! [9:54PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Mutual understanding among members [9:54PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Radio stations in london [9:54PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Waooo OPU worldwide fantastic... Oodua agbe waooo [9:54PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Everyone on this forum is allowed to ask questions. And please excercise  patience for responses..I'm pretty sure our guest are going to answer all. Great opportunity to find out where OPU is and where OPU is going. E seun fun dida si eto yii [9:54PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: 9 language school in Sweden and Holland and more [9:55PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Into [9:55PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: The OPU and OPC [9:56PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Thank you. Can we now take the question from Yeyeluwa on OPC/OPU ? [9:56PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Sir wat is going abt OPU estate? [9:56PM, 9/18/2015] Irawo: OPU was firstly lunched in which of the country? [9:56PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Yomi: Iyawa Yeyeluwa, Hon. Akeem, Mr. Samson, Mr. Lanre Adio, Otunba Damilare mofi towo towo darukoyin Ekabo si ori Eto yi. [9:57PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: Ire o. [9:57PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Ooo [9:57PM, 9/18/2015] Opu Yeye: E se o gbogbo ile. [9:57PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: We are following thePROGRAM with kin interest [9:58PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: OPU is for cultural promotion and social development of Yoruba's in diaspora [9:59PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: 3rd questions on where and how OPU was first started by Uncle Irawo will be answered next. [9:59PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Promotion of our culture and value our international business environment [10:00PM, 9/18/2015] Irawo: Ok sir [10:00PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: That's to say inu ikoko dudu ni Eko funfun ti jade. Ire o. [10:01PM, 9/18/2015] Opu Yeye: What is d strength of your members and what are the awareness programme  you want to embark upon to get more Youbas to be members of OPU in UK? [10:01PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: OPC is a militant group that cater for the liberation of yorubas [10:02PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: It's well Baba agba lagba. Thanks. [10:02PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Otepola: Self determination group. Pls note. [10:02PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: All under the leadership of OG A [10:02PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: More but brief [10:03PM, 9/18/2015] Irawo: My question has not being answered [10:03PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: OPU born 7/10/2013 [10:03PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Uk [10:03PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Ask again pls [10:03PM, 9/18/2015] Mr. Oluwasegun: 👍🏿 [10:03PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: As par the Estate, How can a member benefit from it? And what are the procedure involve [10:04PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Awareness in Uk [10:04PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: What are the requirements to be a member of OPU? [10:04PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: About where first OPU was launched. [10:04PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: We have a good Structures in Uk [10:04PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: With Otunba Harrison and Sunmonnu [10:05PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Our dear Coordinator sir, clarifications on OPU HOUSING ESTATE for members as been asked by your notable members..Any ideas of what is all about sir? [10:05PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Yomi: Babawa Prince Oyerinde Samson Otepola, ekabo si ori Eto yi. [10:06PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: The executives host our leader recentlly with media coverage s all over the world [10:06PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Otepola: Thank you very much. On board now [10:06PM, 9/18/2015] Samson: We are following you [10:06PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: OPU Uk is marvellous [10:07PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Housing estate [10:07PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: The project commence 13 months ago [10:08PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: We give glory to God And our Leader OGA [10:09PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Otepola: Good [10:10PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: OPU Housing Estate project objective is to unite Diaspora further when we get home? [10:10PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: We thanks the project coordinator Mr Williams for his efforts to make it a reality vt travel to Nigeria 6 times [10:11PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Now all members will benefits from this massive housing projects with 150 thousand naira [10:11PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Lovely [10:12PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Can we get the cost of the estate? [10:12PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: This is Mr Williams Tony the housing project director...... [10:12PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: cost 150 kNaira [10:12PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: All what We Diaspora need is to support and praying for good health for our only COGA. [10:12PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Ok [10:12PM, 9/18/2015] ‪+221 77 697 13 54‬: Where is the estate located [10:13PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: #150000 as what, purchase or rent [10:13PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Thank for Mr Williams for his work on bringing about this project ideas . 150k naira. Is that not too little or how can this be achieved, is it by mortgage? [10:13PM, 9/18/2015] Mr. Oluwasegun: Please one after the other [10:14PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: We urged our members to pray for our leader COGA for the project [10:14PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: We are moderating this program and everyone be assured their questions will be answered. [10:15PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: the site was 12 kilometers from ikorodu garage [10:15PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Lagos [10:15PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Land 150k [10:16PM, 9/18/2015] ‪+221 77 697 13 54‬: Where in Lagos please [10:16PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Roll in your questions, Akogun has informed the moderators that he is ready for all questions, so we are not screening any questions.this is for all as progressive minded people [10:16PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Ikorodu [10:16PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: #150k @ half a plot for Diaspora only; [10:16PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Otepola: That is good [10:17PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: How can we pay to archive dis opportunity? [10:18PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: So is price for the land ESTATE fixed or changes by any other factors? [10:18PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: OK that's fine 150k is for the land and the construction carried out by the owner? [10:18PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Yes liase with your coordinator [10:19PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: As per Estate, members are advised to liaise with their country-wide coordinator [10:19PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Can we move one to another question ? [10:20PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: The first batch has been distributed to some counties and more countries will be next year [10:20PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Ok many thanks for this. [10:20PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Membership ? To become a member, is there any distinctive requirements ..to answer a question filtered in by 'King white' with a Nigeria number, Any requirements to become a member and what are the duties of each member sir [10:22PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: I want a minute of silent for the demise of HIs imoerial majesty ooni of IFE [10:23PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: May his soul rest in peace amen [10:24PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Amen [10:24PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: How do you delegate responsibilities Baba as per chain of command? Do u consult COGA b4 taking steps of authorities (action). [10:24PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Ki eyin Oba wa to wa ja o tubo ma dara ..aseoo [10:24PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: Ase wa. [10:25PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Amin [10:25PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: Amin [10:25PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: opu is basically for Oodua in diaspora if anybody want to join from Nigeria the person have to relocate to the nearest countries e.g Ghana Lome Benin [10:27PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: COGA is our leader and we operate a democratic process [10:27PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: In our all activities [10:28PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: Good to hear that [10:28PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Køol...some friends on facebook wanna be part of OPU ....from Italy,cot D'ivore,and London. [10:29PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: This is our new entry Ukraine and my secretary in on point [10:29PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Nice one [10:29PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: Keep up the good work !!!! [10:30PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Thanks [10:31PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: This is my sec. [10:31PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Jide Sanni [10:31PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: U are welcome sir [10:32PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: Well known [10:32PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: 'King white' ask your friends who are asking to join OPU in each of the countries they are to contact OPU Secretary of the country they domicile pls [10:33PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: He will add u and answer your questions joining our social media [10:35PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Our policy and administration headed by my deputy Mr victor [10:36PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Official Contacts for the latest Chapers of OPU being commisioned, like Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana which launching is underway in Accra, and Togo as well as all other countries across Africa will be given in due course. [10:36PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: Well done. [10:36PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: From italy [10:36PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Well known...popular [10:37PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: OPU Secretary for Italy will take note of this [10:37PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Switzerland Ukraine. Finland burg aria and Russian will open soon [10:37PM, 9/18/2015] Mr. Oluwasegun: Sir, can u tell us how many countries are under you? And how many members do u have in Europe? [10:37PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Aiit sir thanks so much sir [10:40PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: To God be the glory all Europe is for Oodua and today we have 21 countries [10:40PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Thanks OPU france [10:42PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Oodua international headquarter will soon be open in Brussels Belgium functions Opu europe offices, promotions of Oodua house are and culture department monumental library seminar symposiums on yoruba culture and international trades among the yorubas educational e monument facilities for our youth language schools etc. [10:43PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Yomi: Mr. Oluwalogbon, lati ilu Italy mofi towo towo daruko yin Ekabo sori eto yi [10:43PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Waoooo [10:43PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: And bringing our traditional rulers to Europe for tourism industry and promotion s [10:44PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Lovely n fantastic [10:44PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Cooperative society for all Yoruba's in diaspora will soon commence [10:45PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: We help each others in tern of needs [10:46PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Sure [10:46PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Like marriages burial ceremony birthday s [10:47PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Etc with some token of money to the celebrant [10:49PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: We are One big family [10:49PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Yes [10:49PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Lovely one [10:50PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Oodua works in spirit with us [10:50PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: **** We appreciate the presence of the pressmen for being a party with OPU Worldwide kindly please withold news alert till this HOT SEAT is rounded off. Thank you [10:52PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: one of the advantages of opu membership drives it's gives space to all member to enjoy the it's normal stand even if he goes to another country for example an opu member that stays in cut on and travel to Austria will enjoy everything in europe in the name of Opu Otunba Gani Adams Ooduaaaaaaa [10:54PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: Fantastic our door is always open as OPU [10:54PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: We have exhausted almost 2hours of this program. We believe our guest is available to answer more questions for about an hour more. [10:57PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: Good job, we are all with you [10:58PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Can we ask you of is there any challenges you and your excos of OPU Europe are facing in pursuit of these laudable projects and .. [10:58PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: oduduwa appeared to ooni of IFE Oba sijuade in 2008 he told him to cherish OTUNBA GANI Adams very well...DAT he Oodua, dwells in him and the promised land is real...anyone can ask OTUNBA GANI Adams abt dis history ooni of IFE revealed in 2012 during the Oodua festival...Oodua promised ooni of ife to locate his sons/daughters through OTUNBA GANI Adams (Oodua)the promised of baba Oodua had been fulfilled... [10:59PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Opu is now in 63 countries glory be to God... [10:59PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Yes [11:00PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Additional 10 is on the way [11:01PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Hmmm..iree o . So the vision of our royal father is real. Otunba Gani Adams as progenitor of all Yoruba descents from Oodua. [11:02PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Baba Oodua is working seriously...pls house pray for our leader very well...a great things about to happen to OPU/Opc...Just watch eni weju leru n ba...EMA he ka da lee OTUNBA GANI Adams ooo...may continue to protect and bless our abundantly and tremendously.... [11:03PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: The first Nigeria to formed association in 60 Countries .Otunba Gani Adams [11:03PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: firstly kudos to all members who attended the last world congress this year programs are has follow [11:03PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: *Oodua Festival fixed for Jan. Wednesday 20th and January 21st 2016 in Ile-Ife....... *Akogun Banji Ojo mother's burial ceremony holds Saturday 23rd of January 2016 in Ekiti.......... *OPU World Congress holds in Ile-Ife on 25th of January, 2016.  Pass the information across.  Thanks [11:05PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Pls all members want to be added can do it now as alhaji Gani media adviser is in the house [11:07PM, 9/18/2015] OPU Eruope: Oodua agbe gbogbo waooo [11:07PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Watch DAT Oodua picture,very well... you will discover DAT he really looks like our leader OTUNBA GANI Adams... Some people don't the reason why we call OGA, ooduaaaa...ooni of told us to be calling him...he said whenever we call OTUNBA GANI Adams we shall put the Oodua... [11:08PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: The returned of Oodua [11:09PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: King White !!!!!!!! You are Special [11:09PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Is OTUNBA GANI Adams ....God crowned him from heaven...leader are born not made... [11:11PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: We do appreciate the announcement of important dates that all members are encouraged to add to their calender of events. [11:11PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Thanks honourable ...is my own life and everything ...is the Jesus and anobi Muhammed of my own time ooo... [11:11PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: God will bless you [11:12PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Amen sir [11:12PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Challenges of Opu in general 1 . financial  2. Lack of mutual understanding and integration 3. Welfare and transportation 4 lateness and inadequate commitment [11:12PM, 9/18/2015] Mr. Oluwasegun: Agreed [11:12PM, 9/18/2015] Mr. Oluwasegun: 👍🏿 [11:13PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Rome was not built in a day kudos to all oodua for their financial contribution [11:13PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Dear OPU European Coordinator. Next question is what are the planning for these events and especially the OPU Worldwide Congress in Ile Ife on January 25th, 2016 Or can we ask you some other time sir ? [11:14PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Abudi ni tomi okun [11:14PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Aseoo [11:15PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: I am ready for the questions as your servant [11:15PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: God will see us through. [11:15PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: World congress [11:15PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: With hard work of all leaders these challenges will be things of the past. Future is bright for us all. [11:15PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: All 69 countries will attend [11:15PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: Sure [11:15PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Great [11:16PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Our chief host COGA [11:17PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Kio Oluwa soo Wa ju igba yen lo... [11:17PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Can't wait to see the day [11:17PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: Amin ooooo [11:18PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: We are all working hard to understand ourselves better with a common goal for Oodua progress & advancement. Ire o. [11:26PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Questions sir: Are these dates fixed or subjected to change, just noticing that OPU Congress will be on MONDAY the 25th Jan 2016 *Oodua Festival fixed for Jan. Wednesday 20th and January 21st 2016 in Ile-Ife....... *Akogun Banji Ojo mother's burial ceremony holds Saturday 23rd of January 2016 in Ekiti.......... *OPU World Congress holds in Ile-Ife on 25th of January, 2016.  Pass the information across.  Thanks [11:28PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Is confirmed date [11:28PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Noted [11:29PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Kool [11:29PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: advice to all members all members should love each other respect the respect the Oodua Progressive Union constitution, abstain from insultive languages and other statement that can damage the integrity of our association, all members should try and contribute there own ideal to boost Opu worldwide [11:30PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: Your piece of advice noted sir [11:30PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Our job is to promote our culture [11:30PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Trained our offspring on Yoruba cultures [11:30PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Value our identity [11:31PM, 9/18/2015] Lanre Adio: It's well Baba. God bless. [11:31PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Be a good ambassador to the Yoruba race [11:31PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Help each other [11:33PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Thanks baba Akogun God bless u sir [11:35PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Transformed the Yoruba in diaspora to an identity that all world to emulate [11:35PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: ase [11:36PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Amin ase edumare [11:36PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Amin ase [11:39PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: OK sir its well [11:39PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Opu europe thanks COGA for the opportunity given to all Oodua In diaspora kudos to all the media teams and we gives thanks to everyone that takes there preciou time to participate in this Awesome program called HOTSEAT I akogun banji ojo Opu E.u coordinator gives glory to ELEDUMARE that protect this nigth for me and you thanks once again ire oo Oodua agbe gbogbo waooo [11:40PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Thank God sir Ase n tedumareee [11:40PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: More information on our activities [11:40PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Go to [11:41PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Opueurope on Facebook [11:41PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Opu Germany [11:41PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Opuholland [11:41PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Austria [11:41PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: UK [11:41PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Wat abt Olokun festival sir? [11:41PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Finland [11:42PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: awede [11:42PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Sweden [11:42PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Ireland [11:42PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Spain [11:42PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Germany and beyond [11:43PM, 9/18/2015] Opu Akinola: Gud advice [11:43PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Our coordinators on ground to assist you in any dorm [11:43PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: olokun festival [11:44PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Our representative will grace the occasions [11:45PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: Is OPU participating @olokun festival dis year? [11:45PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: I also give kudos to my friend Wale Ojo lanre [11:46PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Tourism editor of tribune [11:46PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Segun akanni [11:46PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: PA COGA [11:47PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: All traditional rulers [11:47PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Saki of Arigidi [11:47PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Ajero [11:48PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Adiver to COGA [11:48PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Adetokunbo Adesina [11:48PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Femi davies [11:49PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: this year as well Opu europe best beauty will appear during Olokun beauty contest [11:49PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: All Oodua worldwide [11:50PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Ladigbolu .Yomi and Okoya for wonderful job [11:50PM, 9/18/2015] Opu Akinola: Gud [11:54PM, 9/18/2015] Lashley Oladi: We really appreciate your time able OPU European Coordinator Akogun BanjiOjo for coming on the program. In the absence of any further questions from our participants we shall draw the curtain on this program. Till next 2 FRIDAY, when we shall bring another guest to come and sit on this integrative HOT SEAT for answering questions about OPU. Our sincere appreciation to Otunba Gani Adams for selflessly committing to the good cause for all Yoruba sons and daughters both at home and in diaspora. Appreciation to all Coordinators and their executives of OPU in all countries.  From the initiator and producer of this program Prince Okoya Oluwasegun of Cyprus who doubles as moderator, and on behalf of Prince Yomi Tejuosho and my humble self, Prince Lashley Oladigbolu..I say Iwaju iwaju ni OPU yii ma tesiwaju. Iree o. Oodua a gbewa oo. [11:55PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: E see no dupe [11:55PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Odigba [11:55PM, 9/18/2015] King Opu: U are wonderful sir [11:56PM, 9/18/2015] Akogun: Thanks [11:58PM, 9/18/2015] Hon Akeem: Thanks a lot. We really enjoy the interaction. God bless you [11:59PM, 9/18/2015] By Prince: U are weldon sir [11:59PM, 9/18/2015] Prince Yomi: Ese pupo Sir. [12:00AM, 9/19/2015] Prince Yomi: Oodua agbewa oo [12:00AM, 9/19/2015] King Opu: Miss sent... [12:00AM, 9/19/2015] Ogunwale: Oodua a gbe wa o [12:04AM, 9/19/2015] Asikolaye: Gud one [12:05AM, 9/19/2015] Ukraine: Lovely.. [12:06AM, 9/19/2015] King Opu: Big gbosa for participants of dis program [12:13AM, 9/19/2015] Akogun: Thanks God bless OPU, God bless Otunba Dr. Gani Adams, the Convener of Oodua Progressive Union OPU Worldwide. National Coordinator Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) .              COPYRIGHT © 2015 OODUA PROGRESSIVE UNION (OPU) WORLDWIDE BLOG