By Ebunoluwa Sessou, Nike Badmus & Fathia Dauda

The Yoruba Council Worldwide has called for the establishment of the Southwest Agricultural Economic Development Zone scheme.

This scheme, according to the group, would be controlled by the Yoruba Obas to pave the way for surplus agricultural produce in the South West region.

Speaking at the maiden edition of the Yoruba Obas Summit-YOS 2024, the president, Aremo Oladotun Hassan, disclosed that the integration of the scheme would enhance mass agricultural mechanised farming (All Cows, Ram, Goats, Fowl, Fish, Pepper, Tomato, Onions, Ginger, Cassava, Cocoa among other to be produced in Yorubaland for the exclusive consumption of the Yorubas for food security and human resource development throughout Yoruba land.

In his address, Hassan explained that the summit was aimed at uniting all stakeholders for the progress of Yoruba land.

His words: “The summit as ordained by God Almighty was a congregation of all Yoruba Kings, traditional and religious institutions, policymakers, Political minds, Governors, Legislators, Captains of Industries, eminent Yoruba sons and daughters, academia, and other great leaders of our time.

“It is indeed a new dawn in our history as we move in unison towards the actualization of the age-long Ancestral Yoruba Development Agenda for the overall benefits of the generation now and the yet unborn.

“The occasion was more than an event; it was a movement towards a stronger, more united, and prosperous Yoruba land.

“The historic gathering was recognized across the world by the global audience, as we jointly strive to preserve our freedom, rights and privileges, as well as aggressively advance our rich heritage. Together, we can build a brighter future for all Yoruba people.

“This is a rare opportunity after over 80 years after the Conference of Yoruba Obas hosted by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to be part of a transformative movement for Yoruba’s unity and progress.

“Our fundamental cardinal objectives include addressing some challenges facing the Yoruba heritage, to foster unity between our traditional institutions and leaders, to provide a solid foundation for socio-economic integration, reintegration of Yoruba laws as the enactment in the Old 1952-1953 Constitution/Western Region Laws which was postulated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo into the new People’s Nigeria Constitution or a separate Southwest Independent Laws passed by all Southwestern States.

Reading the Law, Hassan said, “Yoruba traditional Obas shall be an independent arm of Government with absolute immunity and protective powers over their respective lands and provide adequate welfare for their people.

“Adequate provision of homeland security through all traditional institutions and Socio-cultural groups. 35% Allocation to the Education Sector in Yorubaland, prompt healthcare delivery services in All Yorubaland, ensuring access to justice in Yorubaland, infrastructural growth, provisions of Omoluabi Identity Cards with fully automated Central Yoruba social numbers.

“15% Derivatives Allocation for the Traditional Institutions, 25% derivatives allocation for Youth development in Yorubaland, ensuring every 1st of May is celebrated globally as Yoruba National Unity Day(World Omoluabi Day Festival), advancement of Yoruba Information Technology Center, Yoruba Council of Obas Worldwide ( Southwest Council of Obas and Chiefs with a Central Secretariat in Lagos, Ibadan, and Ile-ife.

“Establishment of the Federal and Regional Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs. Demand for the abolition of the Land Use Act 1978. Establishment of Southwest Sports Council. Establishment of the National / Regional Youth Development Commission. Establishment of National / Regional Youth Data Centre.

“To ensure 20% Employment Placements Opportunity for qualified Yoruba indigenous people in all major corporate Multinationals in Yorubaland.

“Establishment of the Southwest (Yoruba) Agricultural Economic Development Zone scheme under the watchful eyes of the Obas in each domain, expected to deliver mass agricultural mechanised farming (All Cows, Ram, Goats, Fowl, Fish, Pepper, Tomato, Onions, Ginger, Cassava, Cocoa to mention a few are all produced in Yorubaland for the exclusive consumption of our people), food security and human resource development throughout Yoruba land.”