By Milton Tella – There is no better way to represent and care for the welfare of the people in a democratic dispensation, than to constantly engage with different interest groups to achieve a united voice.
Photo credit: African Voice UK
On Sunday, 11th July, 2021, His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, the Nigeria High Commissioner to the Court of St James’s, hosted some members of the Eminent Yoruba Group (EYG) UK, at his residence, Abuja House, Campden Hill Kensington, London.
Ambassador Isola, had over three hours of closed-door deliberations with the group, led by respectable elder statesmen, Chief Adebayo Oladimeji and Otunba Bolaji Falase.
Without any attempt to hide emotions, the Group, held discussions, ranging on several matters affecting Nigerians in the UK, particularly in accessing services from the High Commission, London and issues bothering on the unity of Nigeria as a country.
The group had an exhaustive deliberation and expressed their views and recommendations on various matters touching on the welfare of Nigerians in the UK and on issues bothering on agitations, insecurity and wellbeing of their kinsmen at home.
Ambassador Sarafa, welcomed the reputable individuals representing the crème de la crème of Nigerians from Yoruba extraction living in the United Kingdom.
He expressed his joy and appreciation to the Group for their interest and contributions to the development of the country.
His Excellency addressed the current issue of secessionists’ agitation in Nigeria, the various demands for Yoruba nation and Biafra nation. He traced the political history of Nigeria and the position of Yoruba people in the present dispensation.
He cited the strategic position of Yoruba people in the current government as not in opposition but second in command.
Ambassador Isola encouraged the Eminent Yoruba Group UK, to frequently reach out to their corresponding bodies in Nigeria, to inform them regularly, with the view to shape their thinking, on what is obtainable in an advanced democracy like Britain.
Ambassador Isola said, “Our diversity is a source of strength and pride that some Nigerians take for granted. Nigeria is currently the envy of other African nations, with many of them stating that this is the best moment for Nigeria because the country currently occupies major positions in world bodies. Amina Mohammed is Deputy Secretary General United Nations, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of African Development Bank and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the DG, World Trade Organisation (WTO). You see this further demonstrates the strength of our unity in diversity as a nation.”
Ambassador Isola who briefed the group on the reasons for the insurgencies across the country, said, that “The security threats are transient and tests of our national resilience, it will all be over soon.”
“The insurgency in the North East is also occurring in all the neighbouring countries of Chad, Cameroon, Benin Republic and Niger Republic. President Buhari is part of creating a Multinational Joint Taskforce to deal with the situation down there.”
He reminded the group of the report emanating from the Select Committee of UK House of Commons on insecurity in Nigeria that said, “Nigeria is trying its best.”
“The impact of climate change affecting the Chad basin has exacerbated the conflict between farmers and herdsmen as the pastoralists had to move their animals.
He said, “The current government of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, has done a lot in providing infrastructure in the country. President Buhari has delivered on the Lagos-Ibadan Express Road, Lagos-Ibadan Railway line, remodelling of the airports, the Second Niger Bridge and several road projects better than other governments in the recent past.
The solution to whatever difficulties the country may be experiencing now, could never be arms struggle, civil disturbances or secession.”
The unanimous resolution announced to the press at the end of the deliberation by Prince Mike Abiola a member of the EYG UK include:
i) The need for Nigeria to remain as a united country.
ii) The group promised a veritable platform for authentic and credible information, to counter fake news emanating from social media.
iii) The Nigeria High Commission London to explore the use of regular town hall meetings to engage with citizens in the Diaspora.
iv) The acquisition of a Nigeria Centre to promote Nigerian languages and culture.
v) The Nigeria High Commission to embrace more Nigerian organisations/associations in the UK such as, old students’ associations for manpower resources.
vi) To explore further benefits associated with free trade zones to promote seamless trade for import/export of Nigerian produce.
vii) Restructuring of Nigeria, to reflect true federalism, in order to explore regional, comparative advantages, to improve national economy and devolution of power.
The Eminent Yoruba Group (EYG) UK, reminded His Excellency, that Yoruba ethnic group make up 70% of Nigerians living in the UK and their wellbeing is paramount.
In attendance were Chief Adebayo Oladimeji (Osun State) Retired Biochemist and founder Nigerian Council of Elders, Otunba Bolaji Falase (Lagos State), Retired Architect, Custodian General, Yoruba Council of Elders, Otunba Hammed Onikoyi (Ogun State), Yoruba Council of Elders and Sagamu Union Great Britain & Ireland, Prince Mike Abiola (Osun State) Publisher, African Voice Newspaper UK, Abayomi Bola (Oyo State), Chairman Yoruba Council of Elders, Matthew Adekunle Medupin (Kogi State), President, Ogidi Development Union Community UK, Felix Ayoade Adejumo (Osun State), UK Co ordinator Afenifere Renewal Group, Bamidele Ayoola (Kogi State).
Others were Abike Akinmboni (Ondo State) former President Ondo Union UK, Mrs Janet Sodeinde (Ogun State) pensioner, Chief (Mrs) Temitayo Ajakaiye, lawyer (Ogun state), Vice Chairman, Yoruba Council of Elders, Otunba Olawale Harrison Obafemi (Ogun State) Coordinator Oodua Progressive Union UK, Ayodele Kayode (Kwara State) Home Office Officer (Rtd), Patron Igbomina Descendant Association, Prof. (Revd) Olubunmi Fagbemi (Ekiti State) Minister/Priest, Church of England, Mobolaji Lewis (Lagos State) and Councillor Susan Olajumoke Fajana – Thomas (Ekiti State) Cabinet member, Police & Crime, former Mayor, London Borough of Hackney, London.
Also in attendance were Her Excellency, (Mrs) Bolanle Isola, wife of Ambassador Sarafa Isola and some Nigeria High Commission officials, Nuradeen Aliyu-Biu Minister/Head of Information, Culture and Sports, Oludare Folowosele Minister/Head of Immigration andTaiwo Osunnaiye First Secretary, Consular Affairs.
The Nigeria High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola promised to continue to prioritise engagement with various Nigerian communities in the United Kingdom.
He said, “There are many organisations that l am looking forward to meeting, like the doctors and nurses associations, British Nigeria Law Forum, Nigerian Councillors, Engineering Forum of Nigerians UK and many others.”
It will be recalled that the Ambassador has held meetings with some other Nigerian interest groups such as, the Ohanaeze Indigbo UK, Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK), Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO South) and Nigerian British Business Forum.
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