The Global Executive Council of the Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE) has expressed happiness at the outcome of the recent South West Governors Forum held in Lagos.
THE CYE, in a statement issued by its Secretary General, Dr Victor Taiwo, also called on the governors showto continue to demonstrate this good example of brotherhood and commitment to the well-being of Yorubaland.
The Council expressed its willingness to work with the Governors Forum to turn Yorubaland into a peaceful and prosperous place.
“CYE reiterated its commitment to restructuring agenda and pledged to collaborate with persons and institutions that advance the well-being and interest of the Yoruba people,” the statement said.
The statement reads in full:
The Global Executive Council of the Council of Yoruba Elders, CYE, met today 13th June, 2024 to review the communique issued at the end of the South West Governors Forum held in Lagos recently. CYE hereby makes the folowing statements regarding the outcome of the meeting of the Forum:
- We observed that all the six governors of the South West geo-political zone were in attendance. This is commendable as presence is the first sign of commitment. We urge the Governors to continue on this trajectory to show our people a good example of brotherhood and commitment to the well-being of motherland.
- The Adoption of a common anthem for Yorubaland – Ise Wa Fun Ile Wa – is most commendable. It signals a rallying point and the promise of a rebirth. The Council urged the Governors to further ensure the entrenchment of the anthem by making it mandatory in all primary and secondary schools in the South West as well as in all formal gatherings – social and political. The Council urged that individual South West States’ Anthems be dropped in favour of Ise Wa Fun Ile Wa.
- CYE also noted with delight the push by the South West caucus of House of Representatives for the South West Development Commission Bill. It joined the Governors in looking forward to its speedy passage.
- The Council also noted the unanimity of the South West Governors on the desirability of State Police and regional collaboration on Agriculture to ensure food security in Yorubaland.
- The resolve by the Governors to further strengthen the DAWN Commission’s operational efficiency to achieve its ONE BLOC mandate especially on economic integration, cooperation and investment promotion was also welcomed by the Council.
- CYE appealed to the Forum to consider recapitalisation of Odua Investment Limited and make it a behemoth of wealth and job creation in Yorubaland. The Company’s stake in some key companies has drastically reduced due to lack of capacity to make further fund injection when required. There is a need to expand the capital base and structure of the company as a true conglomerate that can increase the patrimonial commonwealth of our people.
- CYE reiterated its commitment to restructuring agenda and pledged to collaborate with persons and institutions that advance the well-being and interest of the Yoruba people.
- The Council, however, admonishes our Governors and Legislators to consider the absolute necessity for synergy between them – the state actors – and the credible and creditable non-state actors like CYE. This is highly essential and inevitable if truly we desire the perfect results for the uplift of Yorubaland.
