By Michael Adesanya /AbeokutaÂ
Nigerians in diaspora should use their international exposure and networks to the benefits of the country, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola has said.
The monarch gave the advice at a news conference held at his palace in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital after returning from United Kingdom.
The Olowu had visited UK to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Owu Kingdom and connect the daughters and sons to their root.
Matemilola explained that it is difficult to hold back those young ones who left the country due to enchantment and frustration.
“The first thing about those who are migrating, is to try to get as much benefit from that migration as possible and then have a vacant use of that.It is difficult to hold back those young sharp who left the country due to enchantment and frustration,” he said.
“But we need to orientate them on the need to use the exposure to benefit themselves and network. They must have a defining purpose of relocating and learn other people’s culture and channel the benefit of the migration to come back home and develop their country”.
He noted that it would be difficult to persuade the majority of Nigerian youth who migrated to Europe to remain in the country, noting that some of them left out of frustration.
While explaining the reason behind his visit, said the essence of holding the maiden edition of Odun Omo Olowu in London was to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Owu Kingdom and connect the diaspora to their root.
He disclosed that the ceremony was held in the foreignland between May 3rd and 4th, 2024, adding that it was aimed to provide opportunities for Owu sons and daughters in diaspora who were not privileged to witness the celebration of Abo Oko and Ela Isu during the annual celebration at home to have similar taste.
The ceremony, he said, attracted attendees from Finland, Germany, Netherlands, USA, and the UK.
The monarch stressed that his visit was aimed at facilitating investment and developmental growth of Owu Kingdom, as well as the entire Egba divisions in general.
The monarch, however, called on the four divisions of Egba Ake, Egba Oke-Ona, Egba Agura and Egba Owu on the important need to unite and harmonize for the development of Egbaland.
He encouraged prominent individuals from Owu to invest in their towns and villages, stating that this would bring about new life, investment, and job opportunities.
Matemilola said: “Have been to number of our towns in the last seven months , I know a number of our son’s and daughters that are very prominent in Nigeria who actually come from these towns. It’s either out of being non-challant or out or not thinking about it . If they have been part of those towns and villages, things would have improved.
“I am thinking about that when they come, and they’re part of the development, administration of those towns and villages, it will bring about a new means of life and investment to these places .”
