GANI ADAMS SPEAKS ON KOGI ELECTION.... WHY FALEKE WAS REJECTED

The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has held its first interacting meeting with the leaders of the organisation. The meeting, tagged 'Interactive session of all zonal coordinators/secretaries in Lagos State', is organised to form a better understanding among members of the OPC. Addressing the large crowd of members who turned up at the Etall Hotel and Suits, venue o he meeting, the National Coordinator of OPC, Otunba Gani Adams, said the meeting was called to create a forum for the members to rub minds on how to move the organisation forward.
He urged the members to take up the challenge of redirecting themselves and forming a new vision and purpose for the organisation. Tracing the history of the organisation, Adams challenged OPC members to rekindle their interest in the promotion of Yoruba tradition and culture. "It is time all of you woke up from your slumber and begin to work for the interest of Yoruba race. The time for our freedom is near, and I don't want us to be left behind so that we can partake in the goodness," Adams said.
Adams lamented what he described as the loss of the Yoruba race during the last general elections, saying despite being one of the best Intelligent race in the world, the Yoruba race failed to live up to its potential in the election. "The Kogi election is a pointer to how these people view Yoruba race. With the election, Faleke should have been declared to step into Audi's shoes. But because Faleke is Yoruba, they conspired and said the election was inconclusive. The battle is a Yoruba battle, but it is possible because of the actions of some of the leaders among us."
Adams directed the leaders of the organisation to work towards the growth of the OPC. "Let me tell the coordinators and other leaders, you need to begin aggressive membership mobilisation."
As part of the strategies, Adams said a new structure, to be known as the zonal Coordinating Council, ZCC, has been put in place. He said the new structure is designed to increase the membership strength of the organisation. "Go back home and start work on how to mobilise your members," he told the leaders.
Speaking on members' lackadaisical attitude to contribution, Otunba Adams urged members to endeavour to live up to their responsibility, which he said is one of the cardinal responsibilities of members to the organisation.
Otunba Gani Adams advised members to live exemplary life, adding that discipline is key to the success of any organisation. "Discipline is key to our success. We are not thugs or miscreants. I urge all of you to make sure that we continue to maintain the level of discipline that we have set. Let us set the standard that others will follow."
He also spoke on the importance of attending festivals by members, and called on LG leaders to put in place measures that will encourage their followers to attend events organised by the organisation.
According to him, the festivals are organised as part of the efforts to celebrate the culture and tradition of our the Yoruba race. "A race without culture is doomed. It is funny that some parents treat their children with foreign cultures and tradition. Your heritage is your power and you will be perpetually in bondage. Our elders say Omo to ba sole nu, o so apo Iya ko. What this means is that anybody without a root is lost and doomed. May God not let us be lost."
Speaking on the achievements of the organisation, Adams said the formation of the Oodua Peoples Union (OPU) in more than 60 countries in Europe and Americas has united Yoruba sons and daughters in the Diaspora.
He said funds have been released to all the states in Yorubaland to get befitting corporate offices.
He also informed the gathering that an organisation, Oodua Empowerment Programme, which he said is formed as part of the effort to empower members and lift them out of poverty.
While encouraging members to update themselves by being computer literate, Adams advised the members to arm themselves with knowledge. "I beg all of you to make sure that you arm yourselves with modern technology."
Other speakers at the event include Alhaji Lateef Oladimeji, Financial Secretary; Alhaji Mudashiru Aderibigbe, Treasurer; Alhaji Mutair Adeshina, Coordinator, Lagos State; Mr. Muyiwa Oshinaike, Chairman, Olokun Festival Planning Committee; Akogun BanjI Ojo, Europe Coordinator, OPU and Akanni Segun, PA to Otunba Gani Adams among others.