June 23, 2025
By Adedoja Adesoji
In a powerful call to action, Yoruba leaders have emphasized the importance of unity, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation as crucial elements for the future of Yorubaland.
This message was delivered at the Think Yoruba First, a socio-cultural and political organization, third annual Global Yoruba Youth Conference.
The event was held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The conference, themed “Yorubaland in 200 Years: Status of Youths – Economic Empowerment and Yoruba Economic Development within Nigeria,” brought together prominent Yorioduba leaders, politicians, and cultural enthusiasts to discuss the future of Yorubaland and the empowerment of its youth.
The conference featured a lineup of esteemed speakers, including Idileoye Oluwaseyitan Lawrence Aletile, popularly known as Seyi Law, Director-General of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission, Seye Oyeleye, and Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Hon. Ogunyemi Olumuyiwa.
Seyi Law, in his address, emphasized the need for Yoruba leaders to prioritize the preservation of their culture and language.
“It’s better we say the truth, those who should protect the institution, protect the language shouldn’t be the one designating it,” he stated.
“If the Yoruba elite, the rich, wealthy Yoruba should know it’s not when it gets to war we now start using our wealth to buy machineries, no, we don’t want war, don’t buy machineries, instead, help us build knowledge, invest in the knowledge of your people, invest in the preservation of your culture with your wealth.”
The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Hon. Ogunyemi Olumuyiwa, commended the organizers of the conference for their commitment to cultural preservation.
“It is an honour to address you today, not just as the executive governor of Ondo State, but a proud son of Oduduwa,” he said.
“I believe our collective progress hinges on empowering our youths, fostering economic development, driven by regional cooperation.”
The President of Think Yoruba First, Oladimeji Bolarinwa, urged Yoruba youths to work towards the development of Yorubaland in various areas, including education, culture, sciences, arts, finance, and self-preservation.
“We need to practise groupnomics in terms of culture, economics, education, civilization,” he stated.
“The message of TYF is not one of secession, rebellion, or taking up arms. Our message is of educational and cultural integration of ourselves, no matter where we are.”
Other speakers at the event included Dr. Bukola Adeniji, Secretary-General of Think Yoruba First, who emphasized the importance of true federalism in promoting economic empowerment for Yoruba youths.
“The practice of true federalism in the country will pave the way for economic empowerment,” she noted.
Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission, called on Yoruba youths to utilize modern technology to develop systems that will preserve the culture and political structure of the Yoruba people.
“The future of global digital platforms rests on the shoulders of youths,” he said.
“This involves building Yoruba capabilities into Artificial Intelligence systems, creating digital educational content, and developing business applications in Yoruba language.”
Dr. Dipo Awojide, a management consultant, stressed the importance of entrepreneurship in eradicating poverty in Yorubaland.
“If we want to eradicate poverty in Yorubaland, we must pay attention to entrepreneurship,” he said.
“It doesn’t have to be big businesses. Small-scale businesses and learning a trade will lift people out of poverty.”
The event also recognized notable individuals, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who was among the awardees.
In his remarks, Seyi Law also touched on the issue of ownership and identity, stating, “Our land is not theirs, if I say it today, let them get angry at me, I don’t care. We are not fighting visitors, we didn’t say visitors shouldn’t be, but let host knows themselves as host while visitors maintain their status as visitors.”
The conference concluded with a call to action for Yoruba youths to think Yoruba, act Yoruba, and build Yoruba, while also being a powerful voice within the Nigerian project.
As Governor Aiyedatiwa’s representative noted, “This conference must not end as a ceremonial gathering, it should be a launchpad for a new Yoruba renaissance where dreams are born, innovations are nurtured, and leaders are raised.” He mentioned.
