Oodua Progressive Union Holland set for inauguration

By Elvis Iruh
Otunba Gani Adams on arrival in Amsterdam
Otunba Gani Adams on arrival in Amsterdam

THE National Coordinator of the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Oodua People's Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams has arrived in Amsterdam in the Netherlands for the inauguration of the Yoruba Cultural Heritage House, a pet project of the Oodua Progressive Union Holland, a branch of OPC in the Diaspora.

Since the organizers suggested his calling to the Netherlands for the ceremony, many sceptics dismissed the idea because of his very tight schedules back in Nigeria but Otunba Gani Adams gave his word and he has come to fulfil it with his presence at the occasion on Saturday 14th 2013 in Amsterdam.

He was met on arrival at the Schiphol international airport by Akogun Banji Ojo leading other officials of the Oodua Progressive Union in the Netherlands and it was all fun and jokes and he assured the delegation of OPC support and other affiliate bodies around the world.

Otunba Adams appreciates the enthusiasm of the Yorubas in the Netherlands to ensure that the Yoruba people remain a unity and organized for the challenges that is ahead of them. “ I am in support of having Oodua Progressive Union in Holland and elsewhere in Europe; we have inaugurated that of United Kingdom and we shall be doing of Holland this weekend therefore all Yorubas of like mind is free to join in the development of the Yoruba cultural abroad.

During his visit, he would be speaking to prominent personalities, hold talks with the Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ambassador Dr N.N. Akanbi, OON; granting press interviews to Nigeria media oriented organizations before his departure from the country.

Apart from the inauguration of the Yoruba Heritage House, a fund raising exercise to secure good funds for the project will be embarked upon. According to the Europe Coordinator, Akogun Banji Ojo, 'we are still expecting more delegates from Nigeria, across Europe and the Netherlands to come and support us to achieve this goal'.

Among these being expected includes the Governors of Osun state, Engr. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Otunba Wale Saranda, Managing Director, Western Group Limited, Engr. Ezekiel Olajide Adeniji, Chairman of FERMA among others.

The event would be rounded with prestigious award ceremony handed out to distinguish ladies and gentlemen who have identified with the Oodua Progressive Union in course of their activities in the Netherlands. There would be musical performance live on stage by Sir Shina Peters and Oganla Fuji Alabi Pasuma in after launch event at DNA club in Amsterdam.