Chief ‘Femi Shodunke, is the President of Olumo Progressive Association, Canada, a socio-cultural Yoruba sub-ethnic group of Egba and Yewa indigenes from Ogun State. The former Deputy Editor of the Nigerian Compass newspaper speaks on the leadership of his association its successes and challenges, and the Nigerians in Diaspora in an interview with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME.
What are the objectives of your association?
“Thank you. Let me start by saying that we are a group of Egba and Yewa indigenes in diaspora in Canada. Our association was founded in 2006. The association is to, among others, promote family atmosphere and unity among Egba and Yewa descendants; to promote cultural and social values of our sub-ethnic (and Yoruba in general) tradition, norms and values; to improve and uphold the image of our people and to protect our reputation in Canada. It is, similarly, our focus to involve in the provision of infrastructure and amenities, and to engage in communal projects in Canada and also to help, and contribute to the development of Greater Toronto Area community, Canada and Nigeria in the areas of socio-economic, education and health advancement, among many.
Olumo – the rock – is in Abeokuta, and it is synonymous with the name of your association, but there are Yewa indigenes among your members. Why not a joint name?
For you to understand why the name is like that there is the need for a bit of historical background, explanation and understanding of the rationale behind it. This association was originally founded by the Egbas. Later, more members came in who are Egbas too, but historically their ancestral root is in Yewa. In fact, virtually all of them were born in Abeokuta – in Ibara, Oke-Ilewo, and Joga, though these communities too are in the main Yewaland. These areas are in Abeokuta, in what we generally called Egbaland. So, to a larger extent these members are Egbas in actual fact. And in fact, outside the country we don’t even remember who this is or that once we are able to share similar identity, ideas and aspirations together.
Are there ties between Olumo Progressive and other similar associations promoting the image and interest of Nigerians in diaspora?
Yes indeed, we relate quite well with other associations as at when and where necessary, particularly in the advancement of our ethnic culture, particularly Yoruba and Nigeria in general. Under the umbrella of Yoruba Community Association, indigenes of Owo, Ekiti, Eko, Kwara and Ile-Oluji do come together and meet to promote the course of Yoruba race, and Nigeria in general. We also relate cordially with other associations representing Nigerians in general here in Canada. Similarly, we relate well with similar bodies outside Canada. For instance, Olumo Progressive Association is one of the 17 chapters of Egba National Association US and Canada and barely couple of months ago, we met in Dallas, Texas, US to celebrate the 5th Biennial Convention of our association and virtually all the 17 chapters were in attendance.
How do you relate with those at home and how do they feel the impact of your association?
Definitely, home is our base and that’s where we come from to this part of the world. Therefore, we cannot forget our people at home. Part of the relationships led to the constant presence of Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, and his team, and Otunba of Yewaland, Chief Ayinde Ibikunle at our events, most of the time. Similarly, because we monitor events going on at home, that was why we were able to identify our fellow indigenes doing great things at home to develop our communities, and the decision to honour them in faraway US, the national headquarters of Egba National Association.
However, let me quickly say that recently our chapter in conjunction with Egba National Association gave N1 million scholarship to indigent students chosen from our communities to cushion their financial burden in higher institutions in Nigeria. Also, our chapter is working on donation of some health equipment to our people back home in Nigeria. And in order to further the advancement of Yoruba language in Canada, we are planning to donate some historical books on Egbaland to some libraries here, as there are plans by the Yoruba Community Association to ensure the inclusion and teaching of Yoruba language in Canadian high schools.
As President of your association, how has the journey been?
Well, it is full of challenges in various dimensions, particularly in a foreign land. But with the support of my loyal members, we are forging ahead in the overall interest of the association, our members and our people at home. In fact, under my able leadership, we’ve won the right to host the next convention of Egba National Association holding here in Toronto.
And we have mapped out plans for other projects for the immediate benefit of our people here in Canada and in Nigeria.
What are the major impacts your leadership has made in the last one year?
The cohesion of our members in this part of the world is very significant, as this environment is more of an individualistic society compared to our home country where family ties and cohesion are of greater necessity. However, as part of cohesion, we meet regularly, give pieces of advice to members, and helping those in need in the area of immigration issues amongst others. You’ll recall that I told you earlier that we’re part of the N1 million scholarship assistance to students in Nigeria. And we relate well with government agencies, and our name, Olumo Progressive Association, is well known not only in Ontario, but the entire Canada.
What are you doing to maintain good image for your people and Nigeria in Canada?
It is a must task for us to ensure good image for our people and our country. Therefore, this is why from our level we carry out adequate screening for intending members. Only those that are found in good character, names and have identifiable sources of income are allowed to be members, not just anybody because we want to be many. And our members are found in various sectors of the Canadian economy and social life doing their best legitimately, though there is the possibility of few erring ones, but we have not recorded such to my knowledge anyway. Besides, you should trust Nigerians, we always excel wherever we find ourselves, and we are doing that here – contributing our significant quota to the development of Canada in various sectors of life and development in this land of greater opportunities. For instance, the slogan of Ontario is “Yours to discover” and our people are, indeed, taking the ample advantages to discover the milk and honey in Canada.
What is your professional background?
I am a trained journalist. I started my journalism career at Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic), Abeokuta where I studied Mass Communication and got Higher National Diploma (Upper Credit). I later went to the University of Ibadan where I obtained a Master of Communication Arts. Let me however, remind you that I’ve worked in National Concord, The Comet, The Nation and lastly the Nigerian Compass, where I was the Deputy Editor (Sunday), before I moved to Canada four years ago. You’ll see all along that I am a newspaper man. And in Canada in order to prove my worth – when I was faced with the challenge of “You never school here” coupled with no practical knowledge in North America – and to sharpen my professional dexterity with modern trend in journalism, I decided to enrol for a Master of Arts in Media Production at Ryerson University, Toronto, which I concluded last year. And I have been doing my job, and looking forward to being independent in my chosen profession pretty soon – to realise my long-term ambition of publishing online, particularly as my master’s thesis is on online publication for effective political information dissemination, enlightenment and education.”
the entrance of the complex is a huge metal gate. A visitor is expected to obtain a ticket before going in. Inside the sprawling complex, at the foot of the rock, is a modern leisure centre with halls, eateries and other relaxation spots. The place has been developed to an aesthetic masterpiece. At the foot of the rock is a fountain gushing out water.
