IDU National News
Meeting with Central Council Of Ibadan Indigenes Committee, Nov. 14th, 2011
- Details
- 02Sep2011
The IDU-USA and UK met with Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Committee members at the Ibadan House, November 14, 2011. The meeting was opened by Chief Bayo Oyero, welcoming all members of the IDU from USA and UK. The meeting was preceded by a prayer and Ibadan anthem. Before all other Committee members arrived, Chief Bayo Oyero requested a staff of the CCII to give us a tour of the complex. We visited the rooms designated for the IDU Computer Center project, and the Library, which is to be equipped with computers and Internet for accessibility to other libraries around the globe. We were informed that the surrounding area of the complex will house the new Olubadan Palace and its administrative offices. The idea of a new palace came forth in 1992 when a committee was setup, but not much progress has been made since. A website shall be created to seek donations from the Diaspora. Ten percent of the Palace complex is supposed to be funded by the Federal Government, and 5% wil be given annually to maintain the building.
Chief Oyero requested a list of new Ibadan organizations in the UK and USA so that CCII can work with them. He suggested that all projects of various organizations should be coordinated through CCII for effective implementation.
Chief Oyero requested a list of new Ibadan organizations in the UK and USA so that CCII can work with them. He suggested that all projects of various organizations should be coordinated through CCII for effective implementation.
Prince Oluyemisi Adeaga, Chairman Ibadan Week Program, presented the upcoming week program to all, and urged everyone to attend all the events.
Creation of Ibadan State
Chief Oyero handed members of the IDU a copy of the Request for the Creation of Ibadan State submitted to both President of the National Senate and Speaker of the National House of Assembly in 2008. He urged us to read the request, emphasizing that other state capitals of the old regions of Nigeria have their own states except Ibadan. He noted that the city of Ibadan constituted 54% of Oyo State in 1991 but dropped to 45% in 1995 because of redistricting and creation of Osun State. He added that politics in Ibadan has worked against Ibadan indigenes, which is a challenge to all now.
State of IDU-USA
Dr. Gabriel Isioye, President of IDU-USA, introduced members to the CCII Committee, adding that it is the strongest Ibadan organization outside Ibadan. He urged CCII to work with us in our efforts to enrich the lives of Ibadan citizens. He asked for CCII support in ensuring that the funds raised for flood victims be dispensed properly. He noted that the State Government website has broken links and is unacceptable stating that the State website is the window through which the world looks at the State functions and affairs and urged reconstruction of the website. He also advised the CCII to meet with all the Presidents and Secretaries of all Organizations under CCII on a timely basis to discuss Ibadan issuesand minutes should be distributed to all member organizations.
Other members of the USA team addressed the meeting. Prince Demola Ajibade, NJ, USA urged the unity among Ibadan citizens and noting that treachery abound among members of various chapter members, thus discouraging many planned efforts to work on projects. He urged the CCII leadership to encourage the governor to create a trade zone and requested that the government pay attention to and prioritize business development issues. He also reported the bad experience that IDU had with the donation of the dialysis machine to the state hospital, and said the IDU will write a letter in an attempt to have the machines be returned to the designated location and recipients, urging that CCII leadership should follow up on that letter.
In his statement, Mr. Ogunsan, Orlando FL, urged a strong ally with CCII and appealed to members for unity. Alhaji Ibraheem Adeyemi, IbadanAid Coordinator London, England, appealed for unity of Ibadan citizens in rebuilding the infrastructure to support generation of business enterprises in the city.
Mr. Yomi Jaiyefus, Houston, TX, member, requested CCII support, and sought accountability of the stakeholders, adding that the governor should show support of our organization by attending events we hold outside Nigeria. He also suggested that donations for flood incident and other special matters of concern should be disbursed through CCII. He later suggested digitization of archived materials to promote dissemination of Ibadan history, while Mr. Fatai Oyejobi, Houston, TX, suggested a need to create a museum that would highlight the history of all the past Olubadan. Each past palace location could be slated as historical district, thus encouraging local enterprises to flourish, he added.
In her response to all, Mrs. Aiyegbayo, the National Social Secretary for CCII, urged the IDU members not to be discouraged in their efforts to accomplish their goals, and advised that IDU inform the CCII of all the conventions being held in the United States as they are planned.
