ITRealms:
Efforts at deepening the adoption of Yoruba language globally has received green light in the Scandinavian countries as it has been approved for teaching
schools in the region, reports
ITRealms.
A press statement from the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) in Europe made
available to
ITRealms, showed that the
Scandinavia, made up of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, granted the
consent in late last year.
Confirming this development, Sweden-based newly elected deputy coordinator
of Oodua Progressive Union, Mr. Victor Mobolaji Adewale, said at a meeting in
Istanbul, Turkey that the approved was received following a formal launch of
OPU in Sweden on November 29, 2014.
Adewale, who also emerged Deputy Coordinator of OPU Europe, told
correspondent that the launch was attended by government officials from the
Scandinavian countries who thereafter okayed the teaching of Yoruba language in
their schools.
He said the Union also has the OPU radio functioning in the Scandinavian
countries, using it as a medium of popularising the Yoruba language and
reaching out to people of like minds.
"We are happy to report that the Yoruba language has got the approval
of the authorities for it to e taught in schools in the Scandinavian countries.
It’ is a major breakthrough for us in popularising our mother tongue. We look
forward to doing more."
The Convener of the OPU and National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress,
Otunba Gani Adams, had expressed happiness at the development, pointing out
that key reasons for the summit was capacity building.
Adams also advised the European chapter of the OPU to aggressively expand by
building more chapters.
He equally said the duty and responsibility of the European chapter should
be to cover 25 countries out of the 28 in Europe, stressing that OPU could use
Europe as a base to mobilise others.
Adams further said that OPU was now present in 56 countries, noting that
"Protecting the image of Nigeria is important. Liaise with the embassies,
the Missions of Nigeria in all the countries where you are based. They are the
representatives of Nigeria out here."
He implored OPU members to operate with singleness of purpose, stating "If
there is no unity, nothing can be achieved. We are building the OPU for the
benefit of the Yorubas. We will soon expand strongly in America.”
The publisher of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo who delivered a lecture
on "Leadership and the Nigerian challenge" admonished OPU members to
develop leadership capacity in order to run a truly strong organisation.
Among those who attended the meeting was the paramount ruler of Arigidi
Akoko in Ekiti State, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, whereas one of the major highlights
of the meeting was the emergence of the executive members of Europe chapter.
The Coordinator of the chapter is Akogun Banjo Ojo, while Mr. Victor
Mobolaji Adewale became the Deputy Coordinator.
The Europe chapter also agreed to commence the
construction of an estate in Ikorodu area of Lagos State at a subsidised rate.
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