The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to treat the promotion of the nation’s indigenous languages, culture, traditions and historical roots as a collective duty. He said this effort is crucial to preserving the country’s identity and ensuring that its culture thrives for future generations.
He made the call over the weekend in his keynote address at the Asia International Summit 2025. The event, themed “Importance of Diaspora Yoruba Activities in Promoting Yoruba Heritage Worldwide,” was organised by the Asia chapter of the Oodua Progressive Union, where Adams serves as Global Convener. The union operates in 103 countries.
Adams emphasised that Yoruba people are known for their rich culture, traditions, language, arts and values, which represent a significant part of Nigeria’s national identity. He highlighted core Yoruba values such as discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance and patriotism, describing them as principles that connect the Diaspora to the homeland.
He noted that Yoruba people living abroad sustain Nigeria’s culture through cultural festivals, language promotion, traditional arts and socio-cultural organisations like the OPU. He pointed to activities of OPU Malaysia, including annual Oodua Day celebrations, football tournaments and humanitarian programmes, as examples of how Diaspora groups keep traditions alive. Similar cultural and humanitarian events are also held in Japan, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines.
“These activities not only strengthen cultural identity but also enhance Nigeria’s image internationally, fostering mutual understanding and respect among diverse people,” Adams said. He stressed the importance of promoting indigenous languages in cultural expression to prevent future generations from losing touch with their heritage.
Adams added that Diaspora Yoruba activities contribute to economic and social growth by creating trade, education and cultural exchange networks. He said these networks embody the Yoruba spirit of self-reliance and patriotism, inspiring investments that benefit both the Diaspora and Nigeria.
Guest speaker Professor Kolawole Raheem called for greater commitment from Yoruba communities abroad, warning that global cultural shifts often erode indigenous values. He noted that many economically advanced nations exert cultural dominance through food, fashion, arts, education and economic influence. He urged the Yoruba people to protect their cultural identity, which is respected worldwide, and leverage it for sustainable development.
In his welcome address, Asia Continental Coordinator of OPU, Asiwaju Olakanye Franklin, described the summit as a moment of unity, reflection and purposeful action. He encouraged participants to move “from potential to performance” through cultural preservation, youth empowerment, education and economic collaboration. Franklin also praised Adams for his visionary leadership and dedication to uniting the Yoruba people across continents.
The summit was attended by several OPU leaders, including Prince Olawale Ayinla, Chief Marc Oyetunde, Chief Kayode Orenisi, Alhaji Jamiu Ayegoro, Yeye Gbareniyi, Alice Enroll and Otunba Adebayo Adeyeye, along with others from across Asia.
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