Yoruba in S/Africa, Nigerian envoys seek economic, cultural integration

In a bid to address the pressing issues faced by the Yoruba community in South Africa, the community has hosted the heads of the Nigerian missions in South Africa to discuss socio-economic integration, cultural integration, discrimination, economic issues and legal status concerns.

In a statement, The Nigerian Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander Ajayi, urged Nigerians in South Africa to come together quickly and use their combined strength, comparing it to how Jewish people influence American politics.

He pointed out that division among Nigerians in South Africa is holding the community back, with ego being a big issue. The ambassador shared his hope to see a united Nigerian community in South Africa.

On his part the Nigeria Deputy Consul General to South Africa, HE Ambassador Emmanuel Oguntuyi, thanked the organizers and highlighted how unique the Yoruba ethnic group is.

• Bandits kill vigilante, abduct 4 farmers in Kaduna
• Decriminalisation of cannabis is a danger to society

He also stressed that Nigerians in South Africa need to unite, as this makes it easier for Nigerian officials to handle issues affecting Nigerians in the country.

“This discussion marks a significant step towards fostering unity, understanding and finding practical solutions for our community,” said Aare Bodunrin John Odus, coordinator of the consultative and interactive forum of the Yoruba community in South Africa. “By addressing these challenges head-on, we hope to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for Yoruba people in South Africa.”

“We believe that by bringing these issues to the forefront, we can work collaboratively with local authorities, the Nigerian government and community organisations to create positive change, as Yoruba people from southwest Nigeria have built a community in South Africa”, Akindele Olufemi Olunloyo, secretary of the forum, added.

The Nigerian missions’ welcoming stance and receptive approach in South Africa played a crucial role in the successful organisation of the diplomatic meeting. Numerous prominent Yoruba individuals throughout South Africa also provided valuable assistance. These included Prof. Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, Dr Olusola Irinoye, Otunba Bola Michael Idebi, Hon Elizabeth Bola Ajayi (Iya Yoruba), Hon Adekunle Onibeju, and Hon Olaniyi Thomas, among others.