by yorubaniwaAs part of the presentation by Prince Kehinde A. Somoye, Esq., Foundation for the Preservation of Yoruba Culture and Heritage, the Foundation for the Preservation of Yoruba Culture and Heritage, with all due respect and admiration, I extend a warm welcome to all our eminent personalities present here today. This includes current and former state executives, our royal fathers, special guests, members of the media, performers, volunteers, the comperes, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
The Yoruba community is spread across various regions of the world, including West Africa, Europe, and the Americas. We have presence in countries such as Togo, Benin, Ghana, Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several parts of Europe. Many of our people in diaspora remained in the places where their ancestors were taken as slaves. Others remained where the captors dumped the freed slaves on the first West African coast they saw. These communities have expanded over time, hence Yoruba is spoken across many countries in West Africa.
The history of the Yoruba people is of great importance in many ways. The contributions of our ancestors to the progress of Nigeria and the world should be discussed and taught to our children. It is important for us to appreciate and discuss solutions to our unique challenges. Strengthening the bound between the homeland and our communities in diaspora is important. Contributing to the progress and advancement of our people in our various communities across the world is important. Setting aside a period annually globally to reflect and to celebrate is important. We must also use this period to honor the contributions and legacy of Yoruba people to Nigeria and the world.
Attendants of the event was from Yorubas of all walks of life.
