AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Council of Yoruba Elders, a Yoruba socio-cultural group, has urged the six governors of the South-West states to mandate the recitation of Yoruba Anthem at schools in the zone in a bid to foster a sense of shared identity and purpose among the people.
The CYE made the call in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr Victor Taiwo, issued on Thursday at the end of the South-West Governors Forum held in Lagos recently.
Recall that the governors of the six South-West states, in a move towards greater regional cohesion, officially indicated the decision for the adoption of the anthem, ‘Isè wà fùn Ile wà’ (Our Work for Our Land) as common anthem of the Yoruba people after a closed-door meeting held in Lagos on Monday.
The CYE said via the statement that its Global Executive Council, rising from a meeting held on June 13, lauded the South-West governors for their commitments toward a greater regional cohesion.
The song, focusing hard work, dedication to homeland and progress, allegedly originated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is said to suggest desire by the South-West governors to foster shared identity and purpose among the Yoruba people.
The statement read, “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 urge 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 urge that individual South-West states’ Anthems be dropped in favour of ‘Ise Wa Fun Ile Wa’.”
It referenced the South-West caucus of the House of Representatives for the push for the South-West Development Commission Bill, expressing the hope that the governors would also put their weight in ensuring speedy passage of the Bill.
It also thumbs up the unanimity of the South-West governors on call for the establishment of State Police and regional collaboration on Agriculture to ensure food security in the zone.
It described 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 as welcomed by the Council.
Noting that the Company’s stake in some key companies had reduced due to lack of capacity to further inject more funds, it stressed the need to expand the capital base and structure of Odua as a true conglomerate that can increase the patrimonial commonwealth of the people.
The statement reiterated CYE’s commitment to restructuring agenda and pledged to collaborate with persons and institutions that advance the well-being and interest of the Yoruba people.
