By Favour Ulebor

A Yoruba socio-cultural and political group, Oduduwa Development and Integrity Organisation (ODIO), has appointed the Director-General of The Game Changer Group (TGCG), Alhaji Bolaji Raji, as its Grand Patron.

During a weekend visit to the TGCG’s Guzape, Abuja office, the group endorsed Alhaji Raji’s appointment, citing his steadfast dedication to promoting Yoruba values and cultural heritage.

In his address on Saturday, the Director-General of ODIO, Otunba Olusola Orelaja, said that Alhaji Raji has been at the forefront of efforts to advance the region’s course, and he deserves the award.

The ODIO DG said: “This appointment is in recognition of your outstanding contributions, exemplary leadership qualities, unwavering commitment to humanity, and your continuous dedication towards the advancement, peace, unity and prosperity of the Yoruba people and Nigeria at large.”

As Grand Patron, Alhaji Raji is expected to be a source of guidance, inspiration, moral strength and strategic direction towards the realisation of the aims and objectives of the Organisation.

“We are confident that your wealth of experience, wisdom, patriotism and leadership influence shall greatly contribute to the successful attainment of our collective vision for a more united, secure, prosperous and progressive Yoruba nation,” Otunba Orelaja added.

The Grand Patron provides fatherly leadership, mentorship, and advisory support to the Organisation, promoting unity, peace, harmony, and collective progress among Yoruba people in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

He will support and promote programs for the socio-political, economic, educational, and cultural development of Yorubaland, and advocate for good governance, justice, equity, integrity, and responsible leadership in Nigeria.

Alhaji Raji is expected to promote youth empowerment, employment, entrepreneurship, and human capital development. He will also support initiatives and collaborations to improve security and safety in Yoruba communities and throughout Nigeria.

Also during the visit, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Diaspora China Chapter, Honourable Ade-Peters Olanrewaju Oba, decorated Alhaji Raji with the APC China Lapel. 

As President of the Association of Nigerian Community China (ANCC), Oba stated that the TGCG DG merits recognition for consistently supporting numerous Nigerians in achieving their aspirations, regardless of their ethnic origin.

Alhaji Raji, visibly moved, thanked ODIO for the honour and urged them to foster unity and work for the nation’s benefit.

“I am honoured and grateful to be recognised by my community with this award, and I appreciate being named the group’s grand patron. I pray for the wisdom and resources to fulfil this role effectively.

“This honour is deeply emotional for me. Before Nigeria’s 1999 democratic transition, my great uncle informed my father that Engineer Funsho Williams was his choice for Lagos governor. However, my father questioned Williams’ involvement in the June 12 struggle, believing that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s role in that fight marked him as the future leader for the Yoruba people. Today, I am being honoured while President Bola Tinubu is head of state,” the TGCG DG said.