By Zacheaus Somorin
The Kenyan chapter of the Oodua Progressive Union was launched in Nairobi, Kenya, at the weekend.
The event, which attracted Yorubas, Nigerians and Kenyans, was chaired by the global convener of OPU, Otunba Gani Adams, with support from The Zaaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olaonipekun, CEO of International School of Aviation, Akogun Capt. Adeshina, (Global Adviser of OPU) Real Estate Merchant and Hotelier, Otunba Sir Kamorudeen Lamina, prominent businesswoman in Kenya, Chief Mrs Paulina Joy, Mr Femi Davies, OPU Media Consultant, Prince Segun Akanni, among others.
Mr Lateef Olabisi inducted as the pioneer Coordinator of Kenya OPU, narrated the history of Yorubas in Kenya and why the launching of OPU at this moment is a desired development.
Oba Yisa Olanipekun in his speech advised the gathering to remember their origin, be honest and steadfast in all they do, he also prayed for the gathering.
A motivational speech was delivered by Dr.Wale Akinyemi a leading light and voice of inspiration well respected and trusted by both corporate and political leaders around the world as well as consultant for many top organizations around the world as well as the United Nations.
The Global Convener of OPU, Otunba Gani Adams, expressed his excitement to be in Nairobi, Kenya, revealing that the hospitality he and his entourage got since arriving Kenya was splendid, pointing out that it is not a surprise that world class global companies have their corporate Headquarters in Kenya including Google,Nestle and a lot of others.
According to him “It is no secret that Kenya is the number one tourist destination in the whole of East Africa, and is indeed the first choice for multinationals and other international organizations for the location of their headquarters’.
He added that among the international organisations that have their African headquarters in Kenya include Bank of China; Blackberry, East and Central Afrcia; China-Africa Development Fund, East Africa; Citi Bank, East Africa; General Electric, Africa; Google Africa; IBM Africa; IMF Africa; Mitsubishi Motors Africa; Nestle East, Central and West Africa; Rockefeller Foundation Africa and World Bank Africa’.
He explained that Yorubaland can be turned into a tourists’ destination point, making it attractive to international organizations which may want to cite their headquarters in the land if the South West region would rededicate itself to the development of the land and make its interest a priority in all undertakings”.
