The Ogun State chapter of the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has commended the governors of the six South-West states for officially adopting the Afenifere Anthem.
This significant move was announced on Tuesday by Afenifere’s Publicity Secretary, Wale Adedayo.
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In his statement, Adedayo expressed that the adoption of the Afenifere Anthem is a positive step towards the ideal of a united Yoruba Nation.
He highlighted that this decision reflects a commitment to the values that made the defunct Western Region the most developed part of Nigeria.
“The official adoption of the Afenifere Anthem by the six Governors of the South-West is a welcome development. The adoption signposts a movement towards the ideal of a united Yoruba Nation, which believes in the model that set the defunct Western Region apart as the most developed part of Nigeria,” Adedayo stated.
Adedayo further emphasized that an anthem is more than just a song; it is a solemn oath of loyalty to the heritage and creed of one’s forebears.
With this adoption, the governors are aligning themselves with the vision laid down by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo for the advancement of the Yoruba Nation.
“With this adoption, we are happy that the Governors are slowly but surely moving towards what late Chief Obafemi Awolowo laid down for the development of the Yoruba Nation,” he added.
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Looking ahead, Afenifere anticipates that the adoption of this anthem will catalyse several key developments in the South-West Region. These include the provision of quality universal education for all Yorubas, access to quality healthcare services, and the promotion of rural development and modern agricultural practices.
Adedayo believes that such initiatives will help recreate the pre-1966 era, a period when the South-West was considered one of the most advanced regions, even compared to some European countries.
“We expect that following the adoption of this anthem, the ideals of quality universal education for all Yorubas, access to quality healthcare services, facilitation of rural development and modern agricultural practices along with agro-allied development will follow,” Adedayo noted.
Reflecting on the past, Adedayo pointed out that the South-West once stood ahead of some European nations. He expressed confidence that with political will and commitment from the governors, this level of development can be achieved again.
“This development, i.e. pre-1966, saw the South-West as a Nation ahead of some European countries. We can do it. We can recreate that era once our Governors show the political will to do so, as they just did with this new anthem for our people. Oodua a gbe wa o!” he concluded.
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