Nigerian Ambassador to Cote D'Ivoire Honours Gani Adams' OPU-led traditional rulers, media and movie delegates.

"You have a place in History " Ambassador tells Otunba Gani Adams.

delegation of traditional rulers, movie men and media corps amongst members of Oodua Progressive Union ( OPU ) led by Otunba Gani Adams was on Friday honoured by the new Head of Mission to Cote D'Ivoire, Her Excellency Ambassador Ifeoma Jacinte Akabogu-Chinwuba (mni) at a warm reception inside the Nigerian embassy, in Abidjan.

 The convener worldwide of Oodua Progressive Union, Otunba Gani Adams and the traditional rulers were presented awards by the Ambassador in special recognition of their dignified efforts at promoting and  preserving cultural influence across many boundaries. The Cote D'Ivoire Chapter of Oodua Progressive Union as a non-religious, non-governmental organization is slated for a formal launch in Abidjan the capital city, on Saturday 12th September, 2015.
During the august visit the delegates were delighted at the grand reception and expressed their satisfaction on the excellent ways the diplomatic mission has been improving the relationship between Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire.

(Photos Credit : ShyBellaMedia)

The Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) is a pan-Yoruba organization. A non-governmental, non-religious organization formed in 2011 to create an enabling podium for the sons and daughters of Yoruba predecessors worldwide. Promoting the values of Yoruba cultural heritage and economic progress of Yoruba sons and daughters in diaspora as objectives of OPU was formulated in Great Britain and was launched  officially on  September 7^th, 2013 in the UK. The event witnessed by some highly placed Yoruba monarchs and distinguished people who came from different parts of the world. OPU was earlier launched in India November 2012. Following the launch in the United Kingdom many countries chapters followed suit. On same  September, 2013 the launch in Germany came on September 10^th, France on September 12^th, Holland on September 14^th and very recently Austria chapter was launched on the 16^th of August 2014 in Vienna, Austria.

Ivory Coast due for launch on Saturday is the 59^th country the organization will be formally launched. Ghana will be the 60^thwhile Togo will be the 61^st country.

The Launching of  Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) Cote d'Ivoire chapter is billed to take place tomorrow in Abidjan. Prelude to this,a powerful delegation from Nigeria arrived the Country capital yesterday led by Otunba Gani Adams,the National Leader of Odua Peoples Congress, (OPC)and convener Odua Progressive Union.His entourage included Royal Fathers like HRM Oba Adewole Joseph Adebayo,HRM Oba Bola Sani Olanipekun,HRM Oba Adeoye Lasisi Olawuyi,HRM Oba Walidu Sanni,Nollywood Star Actor, Yomi Fash Lanso,MC Kirikiri,OPC NCC Members and media friends.

Today,the team visited the Nigerian Embassy in Cote d'Ivoire and were warmly received by the Ambassador, Her Excellency Ambassador Ifeoma Jacinte Akabogu-Chinwuba, mni, is a pan-Yoruba organization. Otunba Gani Adams told the gathering that Odua Progressive Union,is non-governmental, non-religious social cultural organisation formed in 2011 to create an enabling podium for the sons and daughters of Yoruba in diaspora worldwide. He further explained that OPU seeks to preach Unity and Peaceful co-existence among all Yorubas spread across the globe,pointing out that his mission in the country is to Launch the Cote d'Ivoire branch of OPU which is already spread across over 60 countries in the world.

In her remarks,Her Excellency Ambassador Akabogu-Chinwuba commended Otunba Gani Adams for his outstanding leadership role and love for the Yoruba race and Nigeria at large,she stated frankly that when the history of Nigeria will be written his name and role will be included.

She informed the gathering that the population of Nigerians in her country is about 3Million with Yorubas representing about 85% of the population hence the wisdom in the choice of having a branch of OPU in the country,she later presented plaques to Otunba Gani Adams and the Royal Fathers as a gesture to mark their visit to Nigeria Mission in Cote d'Ivoire.

Aside the Ambassador, members of the Nigeria Community in Cote d'Ivoire, Yoruba Community,principal officers of the Nigeria Mission were also in attendance and all gave kudos to the Ambassador for her willingness and open door policy,she was also praised for being humane in handling issues affecting Nigerians in Cote d'Ivoire.

OTUNBA GANI ADAMS' DELIGATE LIST

1, Otunba (Dr) Gani Adams- Convener, Oodua Progressive Union.

2, HRM Oba Yisa Olanipekun Sani Bola- Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo State

3, HRM ADEWOLE JOSEPH ADEBAYO- Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Ekiti State

4, HRM Oba Adeoye Lasisi Olawuyi- Oba Asigangan of Igangan, Oyo State.

5, HRM Oba Sanni Walidu- Olugedegede of Igedegede, Ondo State.

6, Mr.Femi Davies, Publisher, Metronews online

7, Mr. Wale Ojo Lanre, Editor, Tourism, Nigeria Tribune.

9,  Mr. Akanni Segun Olalekan, Personal Assistant to Otunba Gani Adams

10,  Mr. Ogunsola Sunday Olugbade- Protocol Officer to Otunba Gani Adams.

11, Mr Oluwayomi Fash- Lanso- Popular Nollywood Artist

12, Mr. Lawal Olakunle Murisiku- IT Assistant to Otunba Gani Adams

13, Mr. Bello Oluwaseun Idris- Publisher, Shybell media online

14, Mr. Ibrahim Nurudeen Sokoto MC KIRIKIRI- Popular Nollywood actor,comedian and Master of Ceremonies.

15, Mrs Babs-Olurinde Tokunbo Aarionla Olayinka- Seasoned Radio Presenter. 

16, Mr. Asikolaye Adesiyan Dauda- Chairman, Asikolaye Global Ventures

17, Mr. Osinaike Francis Olumuyiwa- Chief Judge, Maltina Dance On

18, Mr. Adedeji Oluwole Adetunji- CEO, Virgo Global Security Company.

19, SALAM  MARUFF  OLAREWAJU- Chairman, Ola Murphy Ventures.

CALENDER OF LAUNCHING OF OODUA PROGRESSIVE UNION IN WEST AFRICA (2015)



(1) Cote d'ivoire @ Abidjan. September 12th


(2) Ghana @ Accra. September 18th.


(3) Togo @ Lome. September 20th.


(4) Gambia @ Banjul. November 6th.


(5) Senegal @ Dakar. November 28th.


"Common Heritage, One Destiny"

Written by  Femi Davies ( Publisher, MetroNewsNg) and Lashley Oladigbolu, London.