By Lukman Olabiyi
European chapter of the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU) has charged the South West governors on the need to use Yoruba language as a tool to fast track development of the race. 
The group, presently in  96 countries in the world gave the charge during the 7th edition of its European Summit  held via online Webinar, with over 800 participants from across the world.
Speaking at the event, Aare Onakakanfo  of Yorubaland, and the global convener of OPU, Iba Gani  Adams,in his remarks,said the summit has been the rallying point for international discourse,adding that all members of the organization have, in the last seven years, benefitted immensely from the global forum,which, he said, had also helped in shaping the thoughts, ideas and values of the organization.
Adams stated  that OPU had developed an enduring blueprints for projecting the developmental agenda of the Yoruba race, expressed hope such blueprints would take care of the future exigencies and challenges of the race.
“OPU is driven by the only desire to  promote Yoruba cultural identity and strive for the progress of our race. Over the last ten years,our organization has been spreading its tentacles, and now it is in 96 countries of the world. And we have made remarkable progress in the area of mobilization, as well as building  strong ties among all members, “he said.
Adams,however,appealed to all members, especially, in Europe to justify their individual strengths and potentials by bringing to the fold reputable members that are ready to share in the dreams of the diaspora organization.
“At the end of this meeting, I believe this year summit would be able to proffer lasting solutions to most of the problems, especially, in health economy, education,and agric sectors among others”,
“This gathering would  also raise  the hope of the Yoruba nation, assuring them about the prospects of a bright and rewarding future, especially, for the youths”
Earlier in his opening remarks,OPU European Coordinator, Chief Victor Mobolaji Adewale,who is also the Akingbayi Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, expressed hope that the 2021 edition of the Summit would broker peace and broaden the knowledge base of all members and participants.
He, however, pointed out that the COVID-19 global health issues and challenges of last year really affected the  world economy.
“COVID-19 created a big lacuna in the life of every country,but the  most important thing is that the world has adjusted and still working towards full recovery from the global threats”.
“Today, we have come together as one big family to assess the past years, and formulate worthy ideas that will lead us to a greater future”
From the theme of the summit tagged “Setting Developmental Agenda for Yorubaland”.It showed that idea of setting a new, lasting developmental agenda for our race came as an immediate response to recover the loss ground and project the big picture of the OPU dream to the world. And I am sure it would be an amazing experience to be part of this annual summit” he said.